What to expect?

In collaboration, the ISPE Netherlands, Nordic, and DACH affiliates are proud to present the Biannual Critical Utilities Conference 2026 in the Netherlands.

We are delighted to welcome you to the Valk Hotel Leiden on Tuesday, November 10, and Wednesday, November 11, 2026, for two inspiring days dedicated to the latest advancements in Critical Utilities.

Ideally located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and adjacent to the Leiden Bio Science Park—one of the Netherlands’ leading biotech hubs—the venue offers the perfect setting for knowledge exchange and networking.

Over the course of these two days, the conference will focus on two key themes within our field: Sustainability and State-of-the-Art Technologies. These topics will be explored by internationally renowned speakers who will share insights, innovations, and real-world experiences (see below for confirmed speakers).

A provisional agenda is available below and will be continuously updated with confirmed speakers and sponsors—so be sure to check back regularly.

The first day will conclude with a networking reception followed by dinner, both included in the registration. This will be an excellent opportunity to reflect on the day’s insights and connect with fellow professionals in a relaxed setting.

Will you join us on November 10 and 11? Let’s come together to exchange knowledge, gain new perspectives, and drive our industry forward. You can register by clicking the blue registration button at the bottom of this page.

Agenda

10 November, Sustainability
08:00-09:30                    Arrival, Registration, Coffee & networking

09:30-09:55                    Welcome / Introduction & Announcements

10:00-10:50                    Nissan Cohen:

                    Regulatory Issues and Sustainability: New and Future Approaches for Carbon Zero Attainment and Zero Liquid Discharge

10:50-11:30                    Network break

11:30-12:10                    Joe Manfredi: 

                    Sustainable Critical Utilities: Water, Energy and Environmental Integration in Pharma Manufacturing. A New ISPE Good Practice Guide

12:15-13:30                    Lunch & network break

13:30-14:10                    Daan Touw: 

                    From Tap Water to Water for Injection, the EDQM Perspective

14:15-15:00                    Thomas Rücker: 

                    Pure Steam for the Future: Sustainable Design, GMP Requirements and Quality Attribute Monitoring

15:00-15:45                    Network break

15:45-16:30                    Panel discussion:

                   Driving Sustainability in Pharma Utilities: From Regulatory Compliance to Operational Reality

16:45-18:00                    Drinks at the hotel bar

18:00-21:00                    3 course dinner at the hotel

11 November, State of the Art Technologies
08:00-08:30                   Arrival, Coffee & networking

08:30-08:45                    Welcome / introduction

08:45-09:25                  Jochen Schmidt-Nawrot: 

                    The Evolution of WFI Systems: Global Regulatory Compliance, Sustainability and Emerging Ambient WFI Concepts

09:30-10:15                    Linda Bärtschiger: 

                    Online Water Bioburden Monitoring in GMP Pharmaceutical Water Systems

10:15-11:00                    Network break

11:00-11:40                    Brian Pochini:

                    Sustainable PW & WFI Evaluation for Large Scale Biologics Manufacturing, A Case Study

11:45-12:30                    Anders Widov:

                    ISPE Good Practice Guide: Ozone Sanitization of Pharmaceutical Water Storage and Distribution Systems - A Sustainable Energy Saver

12:30-13:30                    Lunch & network break

13:30-14:10                    Thomas Rücker:

                    Ambient WFI Under Control: State-of-the-Art Technology, Biofilm Prevention and Compliance by Design

14:15-15:00                    Panel discussion:

                   Modernizing Pharmaceutical Water: Balancing Innovation, Risk Mitigation, and Sustainability

15:00-15:15                    Close out

Practical information

Location: Hotel Leiden, Haagse Schouwweg 14, 2332KG Leiden

Parking: Free parking at the hotel area

Stay: Valk hotel Leiden has rooms available. If desired, you can make your own booking.

Evening Program: A network drink and three-course dinner on Tuesday, November 10, is included in the conference fee.

Membership: The event is open to both ISPE members and non-ISPE members. For non-member registration, your conference fee includes a one-year ISPE membership starting in Q3 or Q4 2026. 

If you have any questions and/or comments regarding this event, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..