World Maintenance Forum 2026
INTERNATIONAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION
7
FORUM EDITIONS SINCE 2009
30+
COUNTRIES IN IMA NETWORK
3
FULL CONFERENCE DAYS
SEP 1-3
GENOA, ITALY - 2026
IMA WORLD MAINTENANCE FORUM 2026
INTERNATIONAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION
The World Maintenance Forum 2026 (WMF 2026) is a premier international forum organized by the International Maintenance Association (IMA), dedicated to advancing excellence in maintenance, reliability, and asset management across industries worldwide.
WMF 2026 will take place on Wednesday, 2 September and Thursday, 3 September 2026, in Genoa, Italy, hosted by the Department under the University of Genoa. The forum will bring together senior industry professionals, academics, researchers, technology providers, and decision-makers to exchange knowledge, align global perspectives, and co-create practical solutions for the future of maintenance.
The forum is strongly anchored in research and applied practice. WMF 2026 will serve as the official presentation and working platform for IMA-led international research studies, developed in collaboration with experts from academia and industry.
⚙️
"Maintenance is no longer a cost center.
It s a strategic imperative."
—THE WMF 2026 MANDATE
🟡 WHY THIS FORUM EXISTS
Maintenance is at a
Global Inflection Point
Digitalization, AI-driven systems, sustainability mandates, and workforce transformation are redefining physical asset management. Yet the global infrastructure supporting professionals remains fragmented and disconnected from the pace of change.
Fragmented Certification Landscape
No globally aligned framework for maintenance competencies — creating workforce mobility gaps and skills recognition failures across regions and industries.
Digital Transformation Without Direction
Organizations adopt AI and IoT tools without coordinated industry frameworks — producing islands of innovation, not systemic progress.
Siloed Knowledge, Global Challenges
Local solutions are being applied to global problems. WMF 2026 is the platform to close this gap — through rigorous research and structured collaboration.
🔵 RESEARCH CENTERPIECE
Global Maintenance Certification
Standards Study: Landscape and Gaps
The first structured, global mapping of maintenance certification frameworks and professional recognition schemes — developed across IMA's international network and presented exclusively at WMF 2026.
01
Global Comparative Analysis
A comprehensive mapping of maintenance and asset management certification models across regions — North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
03
Strategic Recommendations
Actionable pathways for harmonization, professional recognition, and globally aligned certification infrastructure.
02
Critical Gap Identification
Where industry needs, academic outputs, and existing frameworks diverge — and what that costs the global maintenance workforce.
04
Working Group Participation
Three Days structured Workshops and sessions where WMF delegates validate findings and directly shape the study's final global recommendations.
Participation places you inside a globally significant research process — not as an observer, but as a contributor.
🟡 MEET THE RESEARCH COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Global Experts in Industrial Subject Matter Topic
Global Maintenance Certification Standards
🟡 CONFERENCE PROGRAM
Six Strategic Pillars
Shaping the 2026 Agenda
01
Maintenance & Reliability Excellence
Global benchmarks, uptime strategies, and operational best practices across manufacturing, maritime, energy, and infrastructure sectors.
03
Asset Lifecycle Management
Total cost of ownership, lifecycle optimization frameworks, capital planning, and asset performance management strategies.
06
Certification & Workforce Development
Global certification gaps, competency frameworks, talent pipelines, and the future of maintenance professional education.
02
Digital & Predictive Maintenance
AI, IoT, smart sensor integration, and the transition from reactive to condition-based, predictive operations at scale.
04
Safety, Sustainability & Compliance
ESG integration, regulatory alignment, environmental standards, and building safety-first operational cultures globally.
07
Research, Innovation & Case Studies
Evidence-based insights, applied academic research, and real-world implementation case studies from global organizations.
🟡 FEATURED SPEAKER
Voice Shaping the
Global Maintenance Agenda
CONFIRMED SPEAKER
Prof. Adolfo Crespo Márquez
Professor of Industrial Management and Engineering
University of Seville, Spain
A globally recognised authority in maintenance management, reliability engineering, and asset management — with foundational contributions to European industrial maintenance standards and applied practice.
CONFIRMED SPEAKER
Tom Hladik
Senior Consultant in Logistics and Maintenance
Logio, GM member of EFNMS, Chairman
Managed or worked on projects for clients in chemical and petrochemical industry (PKNOrlen, Unipetrol), powergeneration (ČEZ), automotive (Škoda Auto, VW, Valeo, Avtovaz), FMCG (Coca Cola, Kofola, Pilsner Urquell), construction/building (Skanska), pulp&paper (Metsä Tissue), ceramics (Lasselsberger, Laufen), pharma (TEVA, Oncomed, PromedCS, Sotio), engineering (Škoda Transportation), aluminium value chain (METALIMEX, ALINVEST, SAF).
CONFIRMED SPEAKER
Claudio Rolandi
Industrial Organizational Professional
Founder ACADEMIA, Ex Professor at SUPSI-DTI
Dr. Claudio Rolandi holds a degree in Nuclear Engineering, represented Italy in the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), President of the Italy Affiliate of the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE)
🟡 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Three Days.
One Focused Global Agenda.
Each session is curated for depth — not volume. WMF 2026 is structured to produce tangible research outputs and actionable industry insights.
An exclusive, invitation-only gathering for sponsors, institutional partners, and senior delegates — setting the tone for three days of high-level exchange in Genoa.
🍽️ Pre-Forum — Evening of Monday, 1 September 2026
Sponsors Leadership Dinner
⚪ YOUR REASON TO ATTEND
What You Will
Take Away
WMF 2026 is designed to produce outcomes — not just conversations. Here is your return on attendance.
📝
01
First Access to Global Research
Exclusive early access to IMA's Certification Standards Study — before public release. Directly relevant to your organizational decisions.
🫱🏻🫲🏻
03
Decision-Maker Connections
Meet C-level executives, maintenance directors, academics, and policy leaders from 30+ countries — the people defining maintenance's future.
🏛️
05
Institutional Authority
Recognised participation in a globally significant professional event strengthens your authority in the field.
✍🏻
02
Shape Global Standards
Participate in working sessions that directly contribute to recommendations informing certification frameworks worldwide.
🌎
04
Global Case Study Exposure
Access the most current strategies and operational insights from organizations across industries and geographies.
🔗
06
IMA Network Access
Access to IMA's international community, research resources, and priority access to future initiatives — beyond three days.
🟡 DELEGATE PROFILES
Built for
Decision-Makers & Practitioners
WMF 2026 attracts professionals who are not simply interested in maintenance — they are responsible for it at an organizational, national, or global level.
⚪ SPONSOR IMA WMF 2026
Align Your Brand with
Global Maintenance Leadership
WMF 2026 brings together the decision-makers who define maintenance strategy, procure technology, and influence standards. Sponsorship places your organization at the centre of this global conversation.
Loyalty Partner Programme: Strategic and Gold sponsors receive a credit applicable to OMAINTEC 2027 — creating multi-event partnership value across IMA's global conference portfolio.
🔗
🟡 PREVIOUS PARTNERS AND COLLABORATORS
Institutions & Companies
Supporting WMF 2026
Institutions, universities, and leading companies from around the world play a critical role in supporting the IMA World Maintenance Forum 2026, contributing expertise, research, and industry insight to co-develop the future of maintenance and asset management.
By becoming a partner this year, your organization can actively shape global standards, gain international visibility, and engage directly with key decision-makers driving the evolution of maintenance practices worldwide.
🟡 VENUE AND LOGISTICS
Genoa, Italy —
Where Maritime Heritage Meets Innovation
✈️
Direct Flights — Genoa Airport (GOA)
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport is 7 km from the city centre. Taxi or shuttle: approximately 15 minutes. Direct connections from major European hubs.
🚆
High-Speed Rail Connections
Direct trains from Milan (~2 hrs), Turin (~2.5 hrs), Rome (~4 hrs). Stations: Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole.
🚘
Via Milan or Turin Airports
Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN) — approximately 1.5–2.5 hours by car or train via the A7 motorway.
🏨
Accommodation
4-star hotels average €180–220/night in September. Select hotels near the University of Genoa. Pre-booking strongly recommended.
While You Are in Genoa
HOW TO GET THERE
WMF 2026 in Genoa, Italy
Genoa, Italy’s historic maritime capital, is a vibrant city where innovation meets tradition. Chosen as the host for WMF 2026, Genoa offers an ideal blend of accessibility, culture, and inspiration for maintenance and operations professionals from around the world.
Why IMA Selected Genoa:
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Strategic Location: Easily reachable by air, rail, and road from major European hubs.
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Academic & Industrial Hub: Home to the University of Genoa and a strong industrial ecosystem, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
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Historic & Cultural Charm: A city rich in architecture, art, and maritime history, providing an inspiring backdrop for global discussions.
Conference Venue Address: Piazzale Emanuele Brignole 3A, 16124 Genova GE, Italy
44°24′N · 8°56′E · Ligurian Sea, Italy
Top Attractions in Genoa:
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Old Town (Centro Storico): Wander through narrow streets, historic palaces, and charming piazzas.
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Porto Antico (Old Port): A rejuvenated harbor area with museums, shops, and restaurants.
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Aquarium of Genoa: One of Europe’s largest aquariums, ideal for families and visitors of all ages.
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Palazzi dei Rolli: UNESCO World Heritage-listed Renaissance and Baroque palaces.
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Boccadasse & Promenade: Picturesque seaside villages and walking routes along the Ligurian coast.
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Culinary Delights: Enjoy Ligurian specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.
INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES
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Fly Directly to Genoa: Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) is 7 km from the city center. Take a taxi, shuttle, or rental car to your hotel.
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Via Milan Airports: Fly into Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Milan Linate (LIN) airports (~1.5–2.5 hrs by car or train). Both airports have excellent connections to Genoa via train or highway.
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Via Turin or Pisa Airports: Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) and Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (PSA) are also convenient, with easy train or road access to Genoa.
LOCAL OR REGIONAL ATTENDEES:
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Drive: Easily accessible via highways A10, A7, or A12. Parking in the city is limited—pre-book hotels with parking if needed.
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Public Transport: Regional trains, buses, and taxis offer convenient city access. Walking is often the quickest way to explore central Genoa.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
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Regional trains, buses, and taxis offer convenient city access. Walking is often the quickest way to explore central Genoa.
BY TRAIN
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Genoa is connected via Italy’s high-speed and regional trains. Main stations: Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole.
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Direct trains from Milan (~2 hrs), Turin (~2.5 hrs), Rome (~4 hrs), and other Italian cities.
PRO TIP:
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Choose hotels close to the University of Genoa (DISPI & Governance 4.0 Center) for easy access to the forum.
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4-Star Hotels: Rates for 4-star hotels are averaging between €180 – €220 USD per night during Sep.
⚡ Early Bird Deadline: 30 June 2026
Join the Global Maintenance
Community in
Genoa - Italy
WMF 2026 is a rare convergence — research, industry, academia, and leadership, in one room, with a shared agenda. Seats are limited. The early bird rate closes 31 May 2026.
Questions? info@ima-world.org · WhatsApp: +41 79 749 09 78
Follow updates: LinkedIn @imaworldorg · ima-world.org
International Maintenance Association (IMA)
A global body with members across 30 countries on five continents, dedicated to advancing physical asset maintenance management and connecting the world's maintenance professionals.
