enthusiasts, professionals and scholars from around the world, together to
learn about a variety of topics related to canals, including the protection
of historic canals or features, revitalization of canal systems, harbour
sites, canal trails and amenities; the presentation or interpretation of
canals and corridors–their history and various elements; canals as a means
to promote tourism, spur economic development and urban renewal.
The conference is an opportunity for
the sponsoring canal or organization to showcase their achievements
including the history of their Canal System, 
celebrate
recent economic development within its corridor, highlight continuing
efforts to revitalize their legendary waterway and their efforts to protect
and tell the story of the canal to ensure continued existence and heritage
value, along with the technical and operational challenges of operating and
non operating canals. This conference is unique in that it brings together
at one time and in one location, all of the enthusiasts, scholars and
professionals to talk about canals and their many facets.
The World Canals Conference offers
seminars and exhibits to participants on everything
from how to interpret a canal site or trail, to the engineering and
technical challenges of
reopening or maintaining a canal. Recent presentations have included
consultant experience for new
initiatives, the advantages of turning towpaths in to trails, taking a canal
from being the back door of a community to becoming the front door, dealing
with masonry structures, and interpretive techniques.