IDW 2026, Europe’s downstream technology and innovation forum, is scheduled for 22–23 September 2026 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The event is positioned against an operating environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, fragmented trade flows, tightening environmental regulation, volatile feedstock markets and margin pressure for refinery and petrochemical operators. The programme is designed to focus on extracting greater performance, flexibility and resilience from existing assets rather than large-scale expansion.
The conference will bring together refiners, petrochemical producers, technology licensors, EPC contractors, digital innovators and equipment suppliers. It is co-hosted by INA GRUPA. IDW 2026’s central theme is engineering the future of downstream. The agenda concentrates on practical execution aimed at improving operational performance, increasing production flexibility and enhancing energy efficiency while supporting investment decisions under uncertain market conditions.
Advisory board input and shared downstream priorities
The conference agenda has been developed from conclusions of the IDW 2026 Advisory Board. Senior executives from companies including Lummus Technology, Axens, Honeywell UOP, INA Grupa, TotalEnergies, SOCAR Turkiye, SASA, Rafineria Gdanska, ENI, Neste, Bayern Oil, Biotrend Enerji, MOL Group, OMV, S&P Global and Concawe participated earlier this year. Discussions identified common priorities across the industry. These include strengthening resilience against geopolitical and supply chain disruptions and improving feedstock flexibility and operational adaptability.
Other priorities highlighted by the advisory discussions include accelerating digitalisation and AI deployment where measurable value can be demonstrated. The board also pointed to prioritising energy efficiency and low-capex optimisation projects. Decarbonisation pathways were described as needing to remain pragmatic without compromising competitiveness.
Leadership keynote on European refining and petrochemicals
IDW 2026 opens with a keynote session focused on how downstream leaders are responding to rapidly changing market conditions. Senior executives from MOL Group, INA Group, Lummus Technology and Concawe are set to discuss how global trade flows, regulation, logistics and investment priorities are reshaping European refining and petrochemicals. The session will examine whether current market disruptions reflect temporary shocks or a more permanent structural shift. It will also address how operators can continue investing while maintaining profitability.
Technical sessions covering operational optimisation and decarbonisation topics
Alongside market-focused discussions, IDW 2026 will cover technologies and operational strategies already delivering results across existing assets. Technical sessions are scheduled to address refinery planning and investment optimisation as well as heat integration and energy efficiency improvements. Hydrogen recovery and utilisation is also listed among the session topics. Refinery revamps and production flexibility are included in the technical programme.
The agenda further lists digitalisation, AI and advanced analytics alongside asset optimisation through proven technologies. Petrochemical integration and circular feedstocks are scheduled topics as well as catalyst innovation and molecule circularity. Speakers from organisations including Lummus Technology, Chevron Lummus Global, Technip Energies, Wood, H2SITE, SOCAR Türkiye, Octave, Integrated Global Services and Petroval are expected to present practical case studies focused on measurable operational improvements.
Digital twins and AI-enabled decision support in refinery operations
A key theme emerging from the advisory discussions is the growing role of digitalisation in refinery operations. Rather than treating AI as a future concept, IDW 2026 will showcase how operators are using digital twins alongside advanced analytics. AI-enabled decision support is highlighted for reducing downtime, improving maintenance planning, optimising energy consumption and increasing overall plant reliability.
The programme describes a shift away from isolated digital initiatives toward integrated operational ecosystems intended to support better business decisions. This approach is presented as part of the conference’s broader focus on execution within existing assets rather than long-term transition ambitions alone.
Collective Intelligence Networking Round Tables on implementation
IDW 2026 will introduce Collective Intelligence Networking Round Tables for peer-to-peer discussion aligned with participants’ professional interests. The round tables are designed around open dialogue covering practical experiences and collaborative problem-solving related to downstream challenges. Themes listed for the sessions include Energy Efficiency & Emissions – Where Are the Next 5% Gains—and Who’s Actually Delivering Them?
Additional round table topics include Predictive Maintenance – Why Are We Still Firefighting—and How Do We Fix It? Investment Decisions – Approving Projects in Volatile Markets: What’s Your Playbook? Circular Feedstocks – Scaling Circular Feedstocks: What Works, What Doesn’t? Digital & Data – We’ve Invested in Data—So Why Aren’t We Seeing Results? Decarbonisation Pathways – Decarbonisation Without Disruption: What’s Truly Achievable? Each discussion is framed around practical implementation rather than theory.
Conference focus areas for investment decisions under uncertainty
The conference will focus on helping operators answer practical questions that define investment decisions in the current environment. These include how existing assets can remain competitive for the next decade. Another listed question concerns which technologies deliver the fastest operational return.
The programme also addresses how refiners can increase flexibility without major capital expenditure. It includes where digital solutions are already creating measurable value as well as how decarbonisation can be implemented without disrupting production or profitability.
Dubrovnik venue programme including exhibition and gala evening
IDW 2026 will take place at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Beyond conference sessions, delegates will have access to a dedicated exhibition showcasing leading technology providers along with organiser-assisted business meetings. Networking opportunities are also planned to facilitate industry connections among refiners, petrochemical producers, licensors, EPCs and solution providers.
The social programme culminates with the traditional IDW Gala Evening hosted aboard one of Dubrovnik’s iconic ships. The event is described as an informal setting intended to strengthen partnerships and develop new business relationships while delegates enjoy the Mediterranean coastline.
