International Downstream Week 2026 will be held in Dubrovnik, Croatia on 22–23 September 2026. The event is positioned as a technology and innovation forum for Europe’s downstream sector. It focuses on how refiners and petrochemical operators respond to geopolitical uncertainty, fragmented trade flows, tightening environmental regulation, volatile feedstock markets and margin pressure.
The programme is co-hosted by INA GRUPA. It brings together refiners, petrochemical producers, technology licensors, EPC contractors, digital innovators and equipment suppliers. The conference agenda centers on improving performance, flexibility and resilience in existing downstream assets while progressing toward lower-carbon operations.
Advisory board priorities shaping the conference agenda
The conference agenda is developed from conclusions of the IDW 2026 Advisory Board. The board included senior executives from companies such as Lummus Technology, Axens, Honeywell UOP, TotalEnergies and ENI. Other participants named include SOCAR Turkiye, SASA, Rafineria Gdanska, Neste, Bayern Oil, Biotrend Enerji, MOL Group, OMV, S&P Global and Concawe.
The advisory discussions identified shared priorities across the industry. These include strengthening resilience against geopolitical and supply chain disruptions and improving feedstock flexibility and operational adaptability. The board also highlighted accelerating digitalisation and AI deployment where measurable value can be demonstrated.
Energy efficiency and low-capex optimisation projects were listed among the priorities. The advisory board also pointed to developing pragmatic decarbonisation pathways without compromising competitiveness. The conference theme is described as “Engineering the future of downstream.”
Keynote session on market shifts for European refining and petrochemicals
IDW 2026 opens with a keynote session focused on how downstream leaders are responding to a rapidly changing market environment. Senior executives scheduled for the discussion include representatives from MOL Group, INA Group, Lummus Technology and Concawe. The session will address how global trade flows, regulation, logistics and investment priorities are reshaping European refining and petrochemicals.
The keynote discussion will cover whether current market disruptions are temporary shocks or a more permanent structural shift. It will also examine how operators can continue investing while maintaining profitability under changing conditions.
Technical sessions covering execution across existing assets
Beyond market outlooks, IDW 2026 includes technical sessions focused on technologies and operational strategies already delivering results across existing assets. Topics listed for the programme include refinery planning and investment optimisation. Heat integration and energy efficiency improvements are also included.
Additional session themes cover hydrogen recovery and utilisation as well as refinery revamps and production flexibility. Digitalisation, AI and advanced analytics are scheduled alongside asset optimisation through proven technologies. Petrochemical integration and circular feedstocks are listed with catalyst innovation and molecule circularity.
Speakers named across these sessions include Lummus Technology, Chevron Lummus Global, Technip Energies and Wood. Other organisations mentioned include H2SITE, SOCAR Türkiye, Octave, Integrated Global Services and Petroval. MOL Group and INA Grupa are also listed among participating organisations.
Digitalisation focus using digital twins and AI-enabled decision support
A central theme emerging from the advisory board is the role of digitalisation in refinery operations. Rather than treating AI as a future concept, IDW 2026 will showcase current use cases described as digital twins, advanced analytics and AI-enabled decision support. These applications are linked to reducing downtime, improving maintenance planning and optimising energy consumption.
The programme also highlights increased plant reliability through these digital approaches. It describes a shift from isolated digital initiatives toward integrated operational ecosystems intended to support business decisions.
Collective Intelligence Networking Round Tables on implementation topics
IDW 2026 will introduce Collective Intelligence Networking Round Tables designed for peer-to-peer discussion. Participants can join focused discussions aligned with professional interests to exchange practical experiences. The round tables are framed around implementation rather than theory.
The listed round table themes include Energy Efficiency & Emissions, with a focus on “next 5% gains” and delivery accountability. Other themes include predictive maintenance framed around why teams remain in firefighting mode and how to address it. Investment decisions are covered under “approving projects in volatile markets,” alongside circular feedstocks scaling questions.
Additional round table topics include Digital & Data, addressing why investments may not be producing results. Decarbonisation pathways are also included under “decarbonisation without disruption” framed around what is achievable.
Venue programme elements in Dubrovnik Palace Hotel
IDW 2026 will take place at Dubrovnik Palace Hotel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The venue setting is described as supporting technical exchange and executive networking during the event dates. Alongside conference sessions, delegates will have access to a dedicated exhibition featuring leading technology providers.
The programme includes organiser-assisted business meetings and networking opportunities intended to facilitate industry connections. A social programme component culminates with an IDW Gala Evening hosted aboard one of Dubrovnik’s iconic ships.
The gala format is described as an informal setting for strengthening existing partnerships and developing new business relationships while delegates enjoy Mediterranean coastlines. International Downstream Week 2026 runs on 22–23 September 2026 in Dubrovnik, Croatia .
