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02-03 SEP 2026

IMA WORLD
MAINTENANCE
FORUM 2026

Genoa - Italy
Overview

IMA WORLD MAINTENANCE FORUM 2026

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INTERNATIONAL MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATION

The International Maintenance Association (IMA) has chosen the 2019 Conference Theme after conducting a survey among a committee of many Subject Matter Experts, Maintenance Specialists, and Academics from different parts of the Globe.

The IMA is a worldwide organization comprising members of 30 countries on five major continents, with members from North America, South America, Africa, Australia, the Middle East, the Far East, and Europe. Members include Researchers, Senior Managers, and Subject Matter Experts operating in the maintenance and asset management industry, as specialists, curriculum developers, and trainers in different fields. The aim of this Body is to enhance Physical Assets Maintenance Management.

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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. 

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Maintenance Education & Training

Research Study Topic: Global Maintenance Certification Standards Study: Landscape and Gaps

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WORLD
MAINTENANCE
FORUM 2026

IMA WORLD
MAINTENANCE FORUM 2026

Research Highlight — Global Maintenance Certification Standards Study

One of the key highlights of the World Maintenance Forum 2026 is the exclusive presentation of IMA’s flagship research initiative:


“Global Maintenance Certification Standards Study: Landscape and Gaps.”

This ongoing international study provides the first structured, global view of maintenance-related certification schemes, competency frameworks, and professional standards across regions and industries. The research examines what exists today, where critical gaps remain, and how fragmented certification landscapes impact workforce mobility, skills recognition, and maintenance excellence worldwide.

During WMF 2026, participants will gain early access to:

  • A comparative overview of global maintenance and asset management certification models

  • Identified gaps between industry needs, educational outcomes, and existing certification frameworks

  • Key challenges in harmonization, recognition, and credibility of maintenance certifications

  • Strategic insights to support the development of future-ready, globally aligned certification pathways

The forum will serve as a working platform where industry leaders, academic experts, and professional bodies will actively discuss, validate, and contribute to the study’s findings. Attendees will have the opportunity to shape the direction and recommendations of this landmark initiative before its final release.

Participation in WMF 2026 offers a unique opportunity to be part of a globally significant conversation that will influence how maintenance competencies are defined, recognized, and developed in the years ahead.

ABOUT THE FORUM

The International Maintenance Association's (IMA) Event: "World Maintenance Forum" (WMF) is the leading event in the globe for Maintenance and Operations Best Practices and includes the aspects of Asset and Facility Management related to these domains.

COMMUNICATION

The Conference serves as an biennial gathering connects IMA with other stakeholders from private and public sectors from all over the world.

DISCUSSION

The exchange of professional and scientific experiences will take place with IMA partners from the public and private sector from all over the world.

UPDATE

Presentations and workshops will share up-to-date best practices in Maintenance Engineering and other relevant disciplines.

B2B & B2C

Experiences will be transferred and knowledge enhanced concerning maintenance, and asset and facility management.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

A study will be addressed arising from the worldwide survey on Digitalization of Assets, Facilities, and Maintenance Management: Shaping the Future of Maintenance

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WHY SHOULD ATTEND

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

The maintenance and asset management landscape is changing faster than ever — driven by digitalization, sustainability pressures, workforce transformation, and global standardization challenges.

 

The IMA World Maintenance Forum 2026 is where leaders come together not just to discuss these changes — but to shape them.

Here is why your presence matters:

1. Gain Strategic Insight — Not Just Information

This Forum goes beyond theory. You will access high-level research findings, global benchmarking insights, and real-world case studies that directly impact maintenance performance, reliability strategies, and asset lifecycle optimization.

 

2. Connect with Decision-Makers

Meet C-level executives, asset managers, reliability engineers, policymakers, and academic leaders from multiple countries. These are not casual attendees — they are the people shaping maintenance standards, certification frameworks, and operational excellence worldwide.

3. Influence the Future of Global Maintenance

One of the core themes focuses on the global certification standards landscape and existing gaps. Your expertise and perspective can directly contribute to shaping future alignment, professional development pathways, and industry collaboration.

4. Strengthen Your Professional Authority

Speaking, participating, or even engaging in discussions positions you as an active contributor to the global maintenance dialogue. Attendance signals commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

5. Access Long-Term Value Beyond the Event

Participation extends beyond two days. Attendees gain access to the IMA global community, research materials, collaboration opportunities, and priority access to future initiatives and events.

6. Experience Academic–Industry Integration

Hosted in collaboration with leading academic institutions and industry experts, the Forum creates a rare environment where research meets operational reality — generating practical solutions rather than abstract ideas.

 

This is not just another conference.
It is a platform to collaborate, influence, and lead.

If you are serious about elevating maintenance practices within your organization — and contributing to the global conversation — this Forum is where you need to be.

Sponsorship Opportunities

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The IMA World Maintenance Forum is designed for decision-makers and practitioners responsible for asset performance, reliability, and operational excellence.

C-Suite & Senior Executives
CEOs, COOs, CTOs, Vice Presidents, and Corporate Leaders seeking strategic direction in maintenance, digital transformation, and sustainable operations.

Directors & Department Heads
Leaders of Maintenance, Operations, Reliability, Supply Chain, EHS, Safety, and HR driving performance and organizational impact.

Industry & Infrastructure Leadership

Chief Asset Officers, Maintenance Directors, Operations Executives, Infrastructure & Utility Authorities, and Energy & Transportation Leaders shaping national and industrial asset performance.

Institutional & Policy Stakeholders

Professional maintenance associations, standards bodies, and regulatory or governance entities advancing frameworks, compliance, and industry development.

 

Strategic Technology & Service Partners

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) providers, Industrial AI and predictive analytics firms, engineering consultancies, and digital transformation solution providers driving innovation in asset management.

Maintenance & Reliability Professionals
Asset Managers, Maintenance Managers, Reliability Engineers, CMMS Managers, Planners, Supervisors, and Materials Managers focused on uptime and asset availability.

Engineers & Technical Specialists
Mechanical, Electrical, and Industrial Engineers, Condition Monitoring Professionals, Predictive Maintenance Technicians, Lubrication Specialists, Energy Managers, and Operators.

Operations & Facility Leaders
Plant, Site, and Operations Managers responsible for safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement.

Consultants, Solution Providers & Academics
Industry experts, technology providers, researchers, and scholars advancing maintenance science and applied innovation.

 

If you are involved in improving reliability, machinery uptime, operational efficiency, or sustainability — this forum is built for you.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Our Sponsors

OUR PARTNERS

COLLABORATIVE PARTNER

STRATEGIC PARTNER

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COLLABORATIVE PARTNER

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Topics

EVENT TOPICS

Explore the latest in maintenance, reliability, and asset management through:

  • Maintenance & Reliability Excellence – Best practices to boost uptime and asset performance.

  • Digital & Predictive Maintenance – IoT, AI, and smart technologies transforming operations.

  • Asset Management & Lifecycle Optimization – Strategies for efficiency, cost reduction, and longevity.

  • Safety, Sustainability & Compliance – Ensuring safe, eco-friendly, and regulation-compliant operations.

  • Research & Innovation – Latest global studies, insights, and evidence-based solutions.

  • Leadership & Workforce Development – Training, talent management, and team performance.

 

Gain actionable insights, learn from global case studies, and connect with the leading minds in maintenance.

Registration
Registration Procedure
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02 - 03 Sep 2026

IMA WORLD
MAINTENANCE
FORUM 2026

University of Genoa, Genoa - Italy
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Opportunities
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Track Sessions
Workshops Topics
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How to get to Genoa
Guide
Information
Networking Opportunities
Peer to Peer Meetings
Venue

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:

  • Strategic Location: Easily reachable by air, rail, and road from major European hubs.

  • Academic & Industrial Hub: Home to the University of Genoa and a strong industrial ecosystem, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

  • Historic & Cultural Charm: A city rich in architecture, art, and maritime history, providing an inspiring backdrop for global discussions.

Top Attractions in Genoa:

  • Old Town (Centro Storico): Wander through narrow streets, historic palaces, and charming piazzas.

  • Porto Antico (Old Port): A rejuvenated harbor area with museums, shops, and restaurants.

  • Aquarium of Genoa: One of Europe’s largest aquariums, ideal for families and visitors of all ages.

  • Palazzi dei Rolli: UNESCO World Heritage-listed Renaissance and Baroque palaces.

  • Boccadasse & Promenade: Picturesque seaside villages and walking routes along the Ligurian coast.

  • Culinary Delights: Enjoy Ligurian specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood.

INTERNATIONAL ATTENDEES

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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:

  • Drive: Easily accessible via highways A10, A7, or A12. Parking in the city is limited—pre-book hotels with parking if needed.

  • Public Transport: Regional trains, buses, and taxis offer convenient city access. Walking is often the quickest way to explore central Genoa.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

  • Regional trains, buses, and taxis offer convenient city access. Walking is often the quickest way to explore central Genoa.

BY TRAIN

  • Genoa is connected via Italy’s high-speed and regional trains. Main stations: Genova Piazza Principe and Genova Brignole.

  • Direct trains from Milan (~2 hrs), Turin (~2.5 hrs), Rome (~4 hrs), and other Italian cities.

PRO TIP:

  • Choose hotels close to the University of Genoa (DISPI & Governance 4.0 Center) for easy access to the forum.

  • 4-Star Hotels: Rates for 4-star hotels are averaging between $180–$220 USD per night during Sep.

CONTACT US
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International Maintenance Association (IMA)

Address:

Via dei Gilardi 15, 6926 Montagnola

Lugano, Switzerland

Telephone:

(41) 91 225 87 13

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Office Lugano:

info@ima-world.org

Technical Committee Director: 

tcd@ima-world.org

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