Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Underwater Minerals Conference (UMC) 2026 is set to be held at the Toyama International Conference Center in Toyama, Japan.
This annual international forum, organized by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS), gathers professionals from government, academia, and industry to discuss marine minerals.
The conference will feature technical sessions, workshops, and field trips, focusing on fostering science, innovation, and stewardship in marine mineral exploration.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 takes place from November 8-13, 2026, at the Toyama International Conference Center, Toyama, Japan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference is the largest gathering of ocean mineral stakeholders, featuring representatives from over 25 countries.
- 3Organiser: Presented by the International Marine Minerals Society (IMMS), the conference focuses on marine minerals and their sustainable development.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include government officials, academic researchers, and industry leaders in marine mining.
- 5Entry / Access: Early-bird registration is available until August 8, 2026, with on-site registration starting from October 27, 2026.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest research and developments in marine minerals, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on regulatory best practices. The conference also offers opportunities to explore new technologies and investment prospects in the marine mining sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will have the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of ocean mining stakeholders, build visibility for their brand, and generate new sales leads through direct engagement with key decision-makers in the industry. Attendees include government officials, academic researchers, and industry leaders in marine mining.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Government regulators and policymakers
Academic researchers in marine sciences
Industry leaders in ocean mining
Environmental consultants and advocates
Investors in marine mineral projects
Technology providers for marine exploration
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Companies involved in marine mineral extraction
Research institutions focused on ocean sciences
Environmental organizations addressing marine mining impacts
Technology firms developing underwater mining solutions
Consulting firms specializing in marine regulations
Investors seeking opportunities in marine resources
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Marine mineral extraction technologies
Environmental assessment tools for marine mining
Regulatory compliance solutions for ocean mining
Research publications on marine minerals
Innovative underwater mining equipment
Sustainable practices in marine resource management
Location & Facilities
Venue
Toyama International Conference Center
Toyama, Japan
Facilities
Parking
Toyama International Conference Center in Toyama typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Toyama International Conference Center in Toyama typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Toyama International Conference Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
IMMS, a non-profit organization, which whose members share a common interest in marine min
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Toyama, Japan
Why it matters
Attendees will gain insights into the latest research and developments in marine minerals, network with industry leaders, and participate in discussions on regulatory best practices. The conference also offers opportunities to explore new technologies and investment prospects in the marine mining sector.
Industry trends
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Supply-chain regionalisation
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Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · JPY
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Toyama Airport
Closest airport to Toyama city centre and the Toyama International Conference Center. Confirm airport bus schedules before travel
Approx. 20-30 min by airport bus or taxi to Toyama Station, then tram or taxi to the venue
to venue
TBA
by car
Komatsu Airport
Regional alternative with domestic and limited international flights. Allow extra time for rail connections via Komatsu and Kanazawa
Approx. 60-80 min by car or train to Toyama
to venue
TBA
by car
Chubu Centrair International Airport
Long-haul international gateway with the widest choice of flights. The rail journey to Toyama uses limited-express and Hokuriku Shinkansen services; confirm seat reservations
Approx. 2.5-3 h by train via Nagoya and Toyama
to venue
TBA
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
budget
Toyama city centre near Toyama Stationmidscale
Toyama city centreupper-midscale
Toyama city centreLocal transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Tram
Estimated costApprox. JPY 210 per ride (flat city tram fare)
Best forToyama Station to Toyama International Conference Center area
Toyama's city tram and light-rail lines connect the station area with central districts. Pay by IC card or cash; confirm the nearest stop to the venue. Confirm live fares before travel.
Airport bus
Estimated costApprox. JPY 420 one way
Best forToyama Airport (TOY) to Toyama International Conference Center
Limousine-style airport bus is the standard link to Toyama Station. Confirm the timetable for your arrival and allow time for baggage.
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. JPY 1,200-1,600
Best forToyama Station to Toyama International Conference Center
Short taxi ride for delegates with luggage or tight schedules. Fares vary with traffic and route; confirm the meter at pickup.
Rail
Estimated costApprox. JPY 12,500-13,500 reserved seat
Best forTokyo to Toyama Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
Direct shinkansen service from Tokyo Station. Reserve seats in advance for November travel and allow time for the tram or taxi connection to the venue.
Local bus
Estimated costApprox. JPY 210-250 per ride
Best forToyama Station to central Toyama venues
City buses supplement the tram network. Use an IC card where accepted and confirm the route to the conference center on local maps.
Parking
Estimated costApprox. JPY 1,000-1,500 per day
Best forToyama International Conference Center on-site parking
Parking is likely available at or near the venue; daily rates and event-day access should be confirmed with the venue or organiser.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. JPY taxi/rideshare from KMQ to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forKomatsu Airport (KMQ) to Toyama International Conference Center
Regional alternative with domestic and limited international flights. Allow extra time for rail connections via Komatsu and Kanazawa.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. JPY taxi/rideshare from NGO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) to Toyama International Conference Center
Long-haul international gateway with the widest choice of flights. The rail journey to Toyama uses limited-express and Hokuriku Shinkansen services; confirm seat reservations.
Weather
November in Toyama is cool and changeable. Expect daytime temperatures around 10-16 degrees C and nights around 5-9 degrees C, with a good chance of rain and occasional windy spells. Mountain areas can see early snow. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for tram and station transfers; confirm the forecast before departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Japan.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business card exchange
Bring meishi (business cards) and exchange them with both hands, bowing slightly. Treat cards with respect and do not write on them in front of the recipient.
Punctuality
Sessions, meetings and transport connections run on time in Japan. Arrive early for the opening session and allow buffer time for tram or taxi transfers.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Japan. Service charges are usually included, and adding a tip can cause confusion in restaurants and taxis.
Language
Conference sessions are expected in English, but English signage is limited outside major stations and hotels in Toyama. Carry a translation app and save your hotel address in Japanese.
Dress and etiquette
Business casual is typical for conference sessions, with smart casual for evening receptions. Remove shoes when entering traditional restaurants or ryokan, and keep voices low on public transport.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: TOY
Google Flights for New York JFK to Toyama on 8 November 2026 returned routings via Tokyo Haneda (HND) with total journeys of roughly 18-32 hours and one to two stops; a London LHR to Toyama search for the same date returned no usable fare data. Price the HND connection separately and confirm the final Toyama leg before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Toyama Airport (TOY): Closest airport to Toyama city centre and the Toyama International Conference Center. Confirm airport bus schedules before travel; Komatsu Airport (KMQ): Regional alternative with domestic and limited international flights. Allow extra time for rail connections via Komatsu and Kanazawa; Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): Long-haul international gateway with the widest choice of flights. The rail journey to Toyama uses limited-express and Hokuriku
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Toyama International Conference Center: Toyama city centre near Toyama Station: Toyama Town Hotel (3-star), Hotel Livemax Toyama (2-star), Toyoko Inn Toyama eki Shinkansen-guchi 2 (2-star); Toyama city centre: Hotel Enoe Toyama (rated 4.4, listed as 24% below its usual rate), Super Hotel Toyama Imizu (3-star, onsen and free breakfast); Toyama city centre: Hotel Grand Terrace Toyama (4-star).
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Toyama; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Check local bus/metro options for routes to Toyama International Conference Center.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Toyama International Conference Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime 10-16 degrees C; nights 5-9 degrees C (November, Toyama)
Seasonality: November is a wet and changeable month in Toyama, with frequent rain and occasional strong winds. Mountain areas may see early snow. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers; confirm the forecast before travelling to the venue.
Packing: Daytime 10-16 degrees C; nights 5-9 degrees C (November, Toyama) November is a wet and changeable month in Toyama, with frequent rain and occasional strong winds. Mountain areas may see early snow. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers; confirm the forecast before travelling to the venue. November in
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration and badge pickup details on underwaterminerals.org; save the confirmation to your phone.
T-2
Book flights to Toyama Airport (TOY) or Komatsu Airport (KMQ); if arriving via Tokyo, reserve a Hokuriku Shinkansen seat to Toyama Station.
T-3
Reserve a hotel near Toyama Station or the Toyama International Conference Center; check cancellation terms for November weather delays.
T-4
Review the programme at underwaterminerals.org/schedule and shortlist sessions on nodules, sulphides, crusts, ISA regulation and environmental monitoring.
T-5
Prepare technical questions for presenters and exhibitors, especially on collector trials, plume monitoring and metallurgical processing.
T-6
Check the Toyama forecast and pack layers, a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for tram and station transfers.
T-7
Download offline maps and confirm the tram, bus or taxi route from Toyama Station to the conference venue.
T-8
Charge devices and a power bank, print or download your registration confirmation, and set aside business cards for Japanese networking etiquette.
T-9
Arrive early on the first day for badge collection, orientation and security screening before the opening session.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Toyama International Conference Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 registration concourse
Toyama International Conference Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Toyama International Conference Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights¥190
- Per diem × 2¥150
Estimated total¥340
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Underwater Minerals Conference 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Marine mineral extraction technologies and Environmental assessment tools for ma solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 in Toyama.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Marine mineral extraction technologies and Environmental assessment tools for ma products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Toyama show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Polymetallic nodules
- Rounded mineral concretions found on abyssal plains, containing manganese, nickel, copper, cobalt and other metals. They are one of the main resource targets discussed at the Underwater Minerals Conference.
- Seafloor massive sulphides (SMS)
- Metal-rich deposits formed at hydrothermal vent systems, typically containing copper, zinc, gold and silver. SMS exploration and environmental management are core technical themes for this sector.
- Cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts
- Layered deposits on seamounts and ridges that contain cobalt, nickel, platinum and rare-earth elements. Crust mining technology and habitat impacts are regular topics at underwater minerals meetings.
- International Seabed Authority (ISA)
- The UN body that regulates mineral exploration and exploitation in the international seabed area. ISA regulations, exploration contracts and the draft exploitation code are central policy discussions at the conference.
- Exploration contract
- A licence granted by the ISA or a coastal state that allows a contractor to explore a defined area for seafloor minerals. Contractors present survey results and environmental baselines at the event.
- Deep-sea mining (DSM)
- The extraction of minerals from the seafloor in areas beyond national jurisdiction or within coastal state waters. DSM technology, economics and governance are the anchor themes of the Underwater Minerals Conference.
- Benthic plume
- A cloud of resuspended sediment created by seafloor mining equipment that can affect filter-feeding organisms and downstream habitats. Plume monitoring and impact assessment are recurring technical sessions.
- ROV and AUV
- Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) used for seafloor mapping, resource sampling and environmental monitoring. Equipment suppliers often showcase these systems at the conference.
- Environmental impact assessment (EIA)
- A structured process to predict and mitigate the environmental effects of seafloor mining. EIA methods for nodule, sulphide and crust projects are discussed in the conference programme.
- Metallurgical processing
- The extraction and refining of metals from seafloor ores using hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical methods. Processing flowsheets and energy use are key topics for project developers at the event.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
- A maritime zone extending up to 200 nautical miles from a coastal state's baseline, where the state has sovereign rights over living and mineral resources. EEZ projects feature alongside international seabed areas.
- Sponsoring state
- An ISA member state that sponsors a contractor's application for an exploration or exploitation contract in the international seabed area. Sponsoring-state obligations are a regulatory theme at the conference.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Toyama Japan conference
- marine minerals conference
- ocean mineral stakeholders
- marine mining conference
- Underwater Minerals Conference 2026 Toyama
- Underwater Minerals Conference Toyama 2026
- Conference In-Person Toyama
- Marine mineral extraction technologies
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