Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Water Expo 2027 is the leading exhibition dedicated to the water supply, wastewater management, and water treatment sectors in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. This event will gather key players from the industry, including manufacturers, technology providers, and representatives from government and municipal services.
Water Expo takes place in Astana, Kazakhstan. Venue: International Exhibition Center EXPO.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Water Expo 2027 runs from March 31 to April 2, 2027, at the International Exhibition Center EXPO in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- 2Scale and Focus: This exhibition is a key event for the water industry, showcasing over 80 companies and attracting thousands of professionals.
- 3Organiser: The event is organized by Astana Expo KS Exhibition Company and the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include engineers, government officials, and representatives from water utilities and environmental sectors.
- 5Entry: Free admission for registered visitors; registration opens on February 1, 2025.
Why visit
Visitors will gain insights into cutting-edge technologies and solutions for water supply and wastewater management. The exhibition provides a platform for networking with industry leaders and exploring new business opportunities. Attendees can participate in seminars and discussions focused on the latest trends and challenges in the water sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Water Expo 2027 offers companies the chance to showcase their latest products and technologies to a targeted audience of decision-makers. Participants can establish valuable connections, enhance their brand visibility, and engage directly with potential clients and partners in the water industry.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Equipment distributors and suppliers
Housing and utility services representatives
Engineers and technical specialists
Environmental professionals
Government authorities
Representatives of industrial enterprises
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of water supply equipment
Suppliers of wastewater treatment technologies
Companies providing digital solutions for water management
Consultants in water infrastructure
Environmental technology providers
Engineering firms specializing in water systems
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Water supply and wastewater treatment technologies
Pumping equipment and systems
Water treatment chemicals and materials
Digital monitoring solutions for water management
Engineering and consulting services for water infrastructure
Automation and instrumentation for water utilities
Location & Facilities
Venue
International Exhibition Center EXPO
53/1 Mangilik El Avenue, Astana, Kazakhstan
Facilities
Parking
International Exhibition Center EXPO in Astana 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: International Exhibition Center EXPO in Astana 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 International Exhibition Center EXPO for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Astana Expo KS Exhibition Company
Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Astana, Kazakhstan
Why it matters
Attending Water Expo on 2027-03-31 to 2027-04-02 in Astana lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport
Primary gateway for the show and the only sensible arrival airport for a 31 March to 2 April 2027 visit. Terminals handle international arrivals with customs and passport control; allow extra time on the first show morning and confirm whether your hotel runs an airport shuttle
Approx. 15-20 km from International Exhibition Center EXPO
to venue
Approx. 25-45 min by taxi or car depending on traffic
by car
Almaty International Airport
Almaty is a separate city, not an Astana gateway. Use ALA only if your international routing requires it, then connect by domestic flight to NQZ; do not plan a same-day arrival and venue visit
Approx. 1,200 km south of Astana
to venue
Domestic flight of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, or a long road/rail leg of 20+ hours
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Astana city centre and Left Bank fringePlanning band, not a quote. Simple rooms, usually with free Wi-Fi; breakfast may be extra. A 10 to 20 minute taxi ride to IEC EXPO is typical. Confirm invoice format and registration for foreign guests before booking.
Midscale
Left Bank business districtThe workhorse tier for exhibitor teams: breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking, bar and restaurant are commonly listed, with airport shuttle at some properties. Expect rates to firm up as 31 March 2027 approaches.
Extended stay / apartment
City centre residential districtsUseful for teams covering build and dismantle days; check minimum stay, guest registration, kitchen equipment and whether the host provides registration documents for visa purposes.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
city bus
Estimated costApprox. KZT 200 per single journey (confirm current fare on board)
Best forNQZ airport to Astana city centre (onward to IEC EXPO by local bus or taxi)
Cheapest option but slow with luggage; buses run into the city centre where you change toward the EXPO district. Not practical for a tight show schedule.
airport rail link
Estimated costApprox. KZT 300-600 for the rail leg, plus approx. KZT 1,500-2,500 for the onward taxi
Best forNQZ airport rail halt to Astana's Nurly Zhol station, then taxi to IEC EXPO
Fixed-rail airport service avoids road traffic but runs to a timetable; check the current schedule and whether it operates on your arrival day before relying on it.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. KZT 3,000-5,000 for the full trip (metered taxi or ride-hail economy class)
Best forNQZ airport to International Exhibition Center EXPO
Fastest door-to-door option with luggage; agree the fare or use the app meter before departure and keep small notes for the driver. Confirm live fares at the airport taxi desk.
ride-hail
Estimated costApprox. KZT 1,200-2,000 per ride in economy class
Best forLeft Bank or city centre hotel to IEC EXPO
Typical short city hop for badge collection or evening returns; surge pricing is possible during the morning opening rush and at hall closing time.
car parking
Estimated costApprox. KZT 500-1,500 per day (venue-set rate, confirm with the organiser)
Best forPrivate car to the IEC EXPO perimeter parking areas
The EXPO complex has large surface parking but the walk to the halls is exposed to wind and snow in early April; allow 10 minutes from car to badge desk.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from NQZ to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAstana Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) to International Exhibition Center EXPO
Approx. 25-45 min by taxi or car depending on traffic; Primary gateway for the show and the only sensible arrival airport for a 31 March to 2 April 2027 visit. Terminals handle international arrivals with customs and passport control; allow extra time on the first show morning an
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ALA to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forAlmaty International Airport (ALA) to International Exhibition Center EXPO
Domestic flight of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, or a long road/rail leg of 20+ hours; Almaty is a separate city, not an Astana gateway. Use ALA only if your international routing requires it, then connect by domestic flight to NQZ; do not plan a same-day arrival and venue visit.
Weather
Late March to early April in Astana is still continental winter-to-spring transition: expect daytime temperatures near 0 to +8 C, nights commonly -8 to -2 C, strong wind across the open EXPO site and a realistic chance of snow, sleet or freeze-thaw slush. Conditions can swing sharply within a day, so check the live forecast within 48 hours of travel and treat these as climatological bands, not a forecast.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Astana has wide 4G coverage from the main Kazakh mobile operators and 5G in parts of the city; eSIM data plans are the simplest option for short business trips and can usually be activated before departure. Check roaming costs with your home operator, keep a local SIM or eSIM as backup for ride-hail and translation apps, and confirm venue Wi-Fi availability and any exhibitor network ordering directly with the organiser and IEC EXPO.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language on the show floor
Kazakh and Russian are the working languages at Astana exhibitions, and many stand staff and utility visitors will not switch comfortably to English. Bring Russian-language product sheets or an interpreter for negotiation-heavy meetings; hotel, airport and international-brand staff usually manage basic English.
Nauryz and the early-April calendar
Nauryz, the spring holiday marking the new year, falls around 21 to 23 March in Kazakhstan, just before the 31 March opening. Expect a short national holiday period in the days before the show, which can affect freight, customs and office responsiveness during the build window.
Money and payments
The currency is the Kazakhstani tenge (KZT). Cards are widely accepted in Astana hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but keep cash for taxis, parking and small purchases around the EXPO site. Tell your bank you are travelling so card payments are not blocked.
Business etiquette
Meetings tend to open with brief introductions and a handshake; exchange business cards and use titles and patronymics with senior utility officials. Decisions in the water sector often involve technical specialists and procurement staff together, so bring engineers who can discuss specifications, not only sales staff.
Around the EXPO district
IEC EXPO sits on the former World Expo 2017 site on the city's western side, a district of wide boulevards and exposed walkways rather than dense street life. Plan evening meals in the Left Bank or city centre, and allow walking time between halls in cold or windy weather.
Dress and weather expectations
Smart business dress with a warm overcoat is the practical norm in early April; halls are heated but the walk from parking, bus stops and taxi drop-offs is outdoors. Waterproof or insulated footwear makes a visible difference on slushy days.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: NQZ
Book into NQZ (Astana) for the shortest transfer to IEC EXPO and avoid routing through Almaty unless it saves substantial fare, because ALA requires a domestic connection of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours plus transfer time. Arrive at least one day before 31 March 2027 to absorb delays, book flexible or refundable fares for build and dismantle teams, and confirm baggage allowances if you carry demonstration equipment or literature. Return flights on 2 April should be booked for the evening to avoid leaving the halls early.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ): Approx. 25-45 min by taxi or car depending on traffic; Almaty International Airport (ALA): Domestic flight of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, or a long road/rail leg of 20+ hours. Allow road or rail time to International Exhibition Center EXPO; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near International Exhibition Center EXPO: Astana city centre and Left Bank fringe: S, m, a; Left Bank business district: 3, -, s; City centre residential districts: S, e, r.
Ride-hail: Ride-hail apps operate in Astana and are the simplest way to reach IEC EXPO from Left Bank hotels, typically around KZT 1,200 to 2,000 for a city hop. Activate an eSIM or local data plan before you land, register the app with an international card, and expect surge pricing at hall opening and closing times. Airport pick-ups are easier at the designated app-pickup zone than at the kerbside taxi rank.
Public transit: Astana has no metro, so public transport means city buses and the airport rail link. Buses are cheap, around KZT 200 a journey, but slow and crowded at peak times and not convenient with exhibition luggage or sample cases. For IEC EXPO, plan a bus or rail leg into the city and finish with a short taxi; check current routes and payment method on arrival, since cash and contactless practices change.
Parking: The IEC EXPO complex has large surface parking areas around the halls, which suits exhibitors arriving with equipment or stand materials. Daily rates and exhibitor parking passes are set by the venue and organiser, so confirm the current arrangement and hall access rules in writing when you order badges; allow 10 minutes to walk from the car park to the entrance in cold or windy weather.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: Late March to early April 2027
Temperature: Typical daytime highs around 0 to +8 C, with nights commonly -8 to -2 C; sharp swings between sunny and snowy days are normal for Astana at this time of year. Treat as climatic bands and confirm the live forecast before departure.
Seasonality: This is the snowmelt and freeze-thaw period: snow, sleet and rain are all possible, pavements and car parks can be slushy or icy in the morning, and wind across the open EXPO site makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Spring flooding and wet ground are more of a story in the wider region than a daily disruption in the city, but build contingency time into transfers.
Packing: Pack for winter-to-spring transition: insulated waterproof boots with grip, a windproof overcoat, gloves, a hat and layers you can remove in heated halls. Bring a compact umbrella, spare socks for slushy walkways, and a bag that keeps printed catalogues and electronics dry. Business dress inside the halls is smart, but the outdoor walk from parking and taxi drop-offs to the entrance is the part people under-pack for.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Water Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Day -14: Confirm your visitor registration on waterexpo.kz and check whether badges are collected on site with passport ID or issued digitally in advance.
T-2
Day -14: Book the Astana hotel now; early-spring inventory in the upscale segment is limited and rates move quickly around the show dates.
T-3
Day -12: Confirm flights into NQZ (Astana) rather than ALA, which is over 1,000 km away and needs a domestic connection.
T-4
Day -12: Check Kazakhstan entry rules for your passport on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and e-visa portals, and confirm business travel is covered.
T-5
Day -10: Draft your target list of exhibitors by category (treatment, pumping, pipes and valves, metering, wastewater, irrigation) and pre-book meetings.
T-6
Day -9: Arrange a Russian or Kazakh interpreter if you will negotiate, and prepare one-page product briefs in Russian for stand conversations.
T-7
Day -7: Plan the NQZ to EXPO transfer; pre-install a ride-hail app or pre-book a transfer for a late arrival.
T-8
Day -6: Print or download the floor plan and schedule from waterexpo.kz/schedule and block the sessions you actually want to attend.
T-9
Day -5: Pack for continental early spring: insulated boots, windproof coat, gloves, and a warm layer for walking between halls and parking.
T-10
Day -4: Buy or activate an eSIM and check roaming rates with your home operator for Kazakhstan.
T-11
Day -3: Change or withdraw some Kazakhstani tenge for taxis, parking and small purchases; cards are widely accepted in hotels but not everywhere on site.
T-12
Day -2: Reconfirm any stand meetings and note the venue security screening time at IEC EXPO so you arrive before the morning rush.
T-13
Day -1: Check the live Astana forecast and allow extra travel time for snow or freeze-thaw slush on the roads to the EXPO district.
Day 0
Arrive at IEC EXPO 30 to 45 minutes before your first meeting to clear badge collection, bag screening and the walk to the halls.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at International Exhibition Center EXPO
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Water Expo registration concourse
International Exhibition Center EXPO
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
International Exhibition Center EXPO
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$190.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$340.00
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 Water Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is the Astana water exhibition at waterexpo.kz being held in 2027?
The edition runs 31 March to 2 April 2027 at the International Exhibition Center EXPO in Astana, Kazakhstan. IEC EXPO is the former World Expo 2017 site on the city's western side, so plan transfers around the EXPO district rather than the Left Bank government quarter.
What product categories does this water-sector show cover?
The scope follows the water cycle: drinking-water treatment and disinfection, wastewater and sludge handling, pumping and pumping stations, pipes, valves and fittings, metering and leak detection, desalination and membrane systems, irrigation and water reuse, plus engineering, contracting and utility software. If your product touches municipal supply, industrial water or irrigation, it fits the visitor profile.
Who visits a water exhibition in Astana?
Expect utility specialists from Kazakh vodokanaly, municipal and regional infrastructure departments, industrial water users from mining, energy and food processing, design institutes and contractors, irrigation and farming enterprises, plus distributors and engineering procurement teams from across Central Asia. Registration categories and badge rules are set by the organiser on waterexpo.kz.
Is the exhibition open to the general public or trade only?
It is a business-to-business exhibition, so visitors normally register in a professional capacity and carry ID for badge collection. Check the visitor registration page on waterexpo.kz for the current badge policy, opening hours for trade visitors and whether any part of the program is open to students or the public.
How do I get from Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev International Airport (NQZ) to the IEC EXPO venue?
NQZ is the city's commercial airport, roughly 15 to 20 km from the EXPO site. A taxi or ride-hail transfer typically takes 25 to 45 minutes depending on traffic; city buses are far cheaper but slower and require a change toward the EXPO district. Allow extra time on the first morning for badge and security screening.
Do I need a visa to attend from Europe, the UK, the US or Asia?
Kazakhstan operates a broad visa-free regime for many short business visits and an e-visa system for other nationalities, but the list changes. Check the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official e-visa portal for your passport before booking, and confirm that the purpose of travel (exhibition attendance, meetings) is covered by your entry status.
Can exhibitors bring machinery and demonstration equipment into Kazakhstan?
Yes, but plan it early: equipment entering Kazakhstan for a temporary exhibition usually needs a freight forwarder and a local customs broker to handle temporary import formalities and the exhibition's customs regime. Build this into the 90-day exhibitor plan and keep the commercial invoice values and serial numbers consistent with what arrives on the stand.
What languages are used at the show and in Astana?
Kazakh and Russian dominate on the floor, and many exhibitors and visitors will not speak English fluently. Organiser materials are typically published in Russian with some English; bring a Russian-speaking colleague or book an interpreter for negotiation-heavy days. Hotel and airport staff in Astana more often manage basic English.
What is the weather like in Astana at the end of March and early April?
Still continental and cold: expect daytime temperatures near 0 to +8 C, nights commonly -8 to -2 C, and a realistic chance of snow, slush and wind across the EXPO site, which is exposed and requires outdoor walking between halls and parking. Pack insulated footwear and a windproof outer layer; confirm the live forecast in the week before departure.
How much should I budget for hotels in Astana during the exhibition dates?
Astana hotel rates on these dates typically fall into bands of roughly USD 40 to 75 per night for budget and 2 to 3-star properties, USD 75 to 130 for midscale international brands, and USD 140 to 230 and above for upscale and 5-star hotels. These are planning bands, not quotes; book early because early-spring corporate demand and a small upscale inventory squeeze rates close to the show.
Is there parking at the International Exhibition Center EXPO?
The EXPO complex was built with large perimeter parking areas, and exhibitors and visitors generally arrive by car or taxi. Daily rates and exhibitor parking passes are set by the venue and organiser, so confirm the current arrangement in writing when you order badges or exhibitor passes rather than assuming free parking.
Are there co-located events or a conference alongside the exhibition?
Any conference program, technical sessions or co-located shows for the 2027 edition must be confirmed on the organiser's own schedule page at waterexpo.kz/schedule. Do not plan around an assumed congress day; the published schedule is the only reliable source for session times and titles.
Glossary
- Non-revenue water (NRW)
- The share of treated water that enters a distribution network but never reaches a paying customer, lost through leaks, unauthorized use or metering error.
- SCADA / telemetry
- Supervisory control and data acquisition systems that monitor and control pumps, valves, reservoirs and treatment trains remotely, usually over cellular or fiber telemetry links.
- Membrane bioreactor (MBR)
- A wastewater treatment process combining activated sludge biology with membrane filtration instead of a secondary clarifier, producing high-quality effluent in a small footprint.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) desalination
- Pressure-driven membrane process that separates dissolved salts from water, used for brackish groundwater and seawater, with pretreatment and brine management as key cost drivers.
- Coagulation and flocculation
- Chemical dosing steps that destabilize and aggregate suspended particles so they can be settled or filtered out of surface water.
- UV disinfection
- Barrier disinfection using ultraviolet light to inactivate pathogens without chemical residual, often placed after filtration.
- Sludge dewatering
- Mechanical reduction of sludge water content using belt presses, centrifuges or filter presses before transport and disposal.
- Ultrasonic / electromagnetic flow meter
- Clamp-on or in-line meters that measure flow without moving parts, used for billing, network balancing and leak analysis.
- AMI / smart metering
- Advanced metering infrastructure: networked water meters that report consumption remotely for billing, leak alerts and demand analysis.
- Pressure-reducing valve (PRV)
- A valve that holds downstream pressure at a set point, protecting pipes from surges and reducing background leakage.
- HDPE pipe and electrofusion
- High-density polyethylene pipe joined by electrofusion fittings or butt welding, used for new water mains and trenchless rehabilitation.
- Stormwater retention / attenuation
- Storage designed to slow runoff from paved areas and release it at a controlled rate, limiting urban flooding.
- Irrigation modernization
- Conversion of flood or furrow irrigation to drip, sprinkler or pivot systems with metering and scheduling.
- Water balance / network audit
- A structured accounting of supply, consumption, billed volume and losses across a utility's network, usually following IWA methodology.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Water Expo 2027
- Kazakhstan water industry
- water supply technologies
- wastewater treatment solutions
- Water Expo Astana 2027
- Astana Kazakhstan
- Water Supply Astana 2027
- Wastewater Management Astana 2027
- Water Treatment Astana 2027
- Digital Water Infrastructure Astana
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.