Refreshment focuses on the water dispenser/cooler, office coffee service and vending sectors, while also taking an in-depth look into products for vending from bottled water and drinks, to snacks and confectionery. It also focuses on hydration, health and wellness, new technologies and environmental and social responsibility issues.
Research
Coffee & tea

The Watercoolers Europe (WE) 2025 Conference & Trade Fair returns on 6-7 November 2025, bringing together the watercooler industry’s leading voices for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking and celebration.
Hosted at the stylish Meliá Milano Hotel, this flagship event reflects over 30 years of WE’s commitment to supporting excellence and growth across the sector.
The 2025 programme offers a rich mix of expert-led conference sessions, interactive workshops and a vibrant international trade fair. The conference will feature presentations on emerging consumer habits, effective communication with younger generations, regulatory trends and practical strategies to support business development.
Attendees will hear from specialists across marketing, sustainability and technology, including keynote speaker Bert Helbig, who will explore how to engage Gen Z and future customers with messaging that truly resonates.
Complementing the conference, the workshops will provide hands-on, practical learning tailored for companies of all sizes. Topics will focus on sustainability leadership, adapting to evolving EU legislation, and optimising operations to meet current and future challenges. Whether you're looking to fine-tune your marketing strategy or enhance your compliance processes, these sessions are designed to offer tools and insights that can be immediately impactful to how you run your business.

Our flagship event is the prestigious Aqua Awards Ceremony, held during the Gala Dinner on the evening of the 6 of November. With a legacy stretching back nearly three decades, the Aqua Awards recognise excellence in four categories: Best Innovation (product or technology), Water for All, Sustainable Leadership and Marketing Campaign. These awards honour the creativity, commitment and forward-thinking spirit of WE members across Europe.
Open to all full members of Watercoolers Europe – either directly or through National Associations – the Aqua Awards are free to enter. Early submissions, received by 30 June, benefit from additional visibility via WE’s website, newsletters and LinkedIn platform, reaching over 5,000 industry professionals.
With its unique blend of business opportunity, expert insight and industry celebration, WE 2025 promises to be an unmissable event for everyone in the watercooler world.