Sessions
World Perfumery Congress 2026 Conference Sessions
Discover the sessions, expert speakers, and immersive Perfumer Workshops at World Perfumery Congress 2026, your guide to this year’s most inspiring moments in fragrance innovation.
| Monday, Jun 22, 2026 |
Monday, Jun 22, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM PDT
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Welcome Reception
Join us as we open the World Perfumery Congress 2026 with an unforgettable evening celebrating the art, science, and business of fragrance. The Welcome Reception sets the tone for three days of discovery, innovation, and collaboration within the global perfumery community. Mingle with industry leaders, master perfumers, and peers from around the world in a vibrant setting that reflects the creativity and elegance of our craft. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and libations while reconnecting with colleagues and making new connections that will shape the future of fragrance. This is your opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and immerse yourself in the world of scent as we kick off an extraordinary WPC 2026 experience. Dress Code: Business Casual with a touch of chic Let’s raise a glass to innovation, artistry, and community—see you there!
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2026062217:3019:00 013 | MON, JUN 22 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PDT
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2026062312:3013:30 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PDT
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2026062412:3013:30 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM PDT
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2026062512:3013:30 000 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM PDT
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World Perfumery Congress 2026 Awards Ceremony
This year’s ceremony marks a historic occasion with the inaugural WPC Exhibitor Awards, recognizing outstanding innovation, design, and engagement among our exhibiting partners.
The ceremony will also feature the presentation of the American Society of Perfumers Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring an individual whose remarkable career and creative contributions have left a lasting impact on the craft and culture of perfumery. Set against the inspiring backdrop of the World Perfumery Congress, this ceremony is both a celebration of excellence and a testament to the passion that fuels our shared pursuit of scent innovation.
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2026062516:0016:45 000 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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From Screen to Scent: How Digital Trends and Social Influence Drive Fragrance Buying
The conversation will explore how the traditional fragrance-buying journey — once driven by in-store sampling and personal discovery — is being transformed by digital shopping experiences, social influence, and emerging technologies.
Key topics will include:
Speaker(s): Ildiko Juhasz Caroline Fabrigas Ann Somma Lauren Westerheide
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2026062414:1515:00 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM PDT
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What’s That Smell?
As technology continues to advance into perfumery, one thing remains steadfast: no development will ever replace the mind of a perfumer. This is exactly why no two perfumers interpret a brief the same way.
Moderated by Perfume Room host Emma Vernon and inspired by recurring podcast segment ‘What’s That Smell?’ where guests must free-associate smells of different abstract concepts, Vernon will expand this segment into a conversation between perfumers. How do different perfumers interpret the same conceptual, intangible smells? How might they each approach the same brief or fantasy accord? In this exciting panel, enjoy a rare, inside-look at the brilliant minds of the noses creating your favorite fragrances today. Hear how different perfumers conceptualize and interpret different abstract smells. What, for example, does a diamond, or lover’s skin, sunshine, or limerence, smell like to four different perfumers? How do they each approach creations when the briefs are more abstract? What inspires them? What’s in their toolkit for inspiration and creation? Is there a place for AI in these types of submissions? Speaker(s): Emma Vernon Christine Hassan Nicole Mancini Tianle Feng Michael Nordstrand
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2026062416:0016:45 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
9:10 AM - 10:00 AM PDT
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Keynote
Kick off WPC 2026 with an exclusive keynote fireside chat featuring Walter Johnsen, Global Vice President of Product Development & Fine Fragrance Designer at Interparfums, Inc.
In this intimate, conversational format, Walter will reflect on a remarkable career spanning creative mastery, global leadership, and the development of some of the world’s most successful fragrance brands. From his training in Grasse to leading teams across 120+ countries, this must-attend session offers rare insight into the vision, passion, and craft shaping modern perfumery. Speaker(s): Walter Johnsen
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2026062309:1010:00 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PDT
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Digital Alchemy: Fragrance Formulation in the Age of AI
The art and science of perfumery are evolving—fast. As artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics penetrate the world of fragrance, a new generation of brands is leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scent profiles that are not only innovative, but hyper-personalized, sustainable, and scalable. Speaker(s): Paul Houlsby Matthew J. Sánchez Merve Colpan
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2026062411:3012:15 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM PDT
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From Protocol to Palette: Creativity in the Age of Compliance
Join industry expert and journalist Tom Branna, for an engaging panel discussion featuring American Society of Perfumers board member and senior perfumer Vincent Kuczinski and representatives from key industry associations including IFRA president Alexander Mohr, Ph.D., and Fragrance Creators Association Vice President, Government Affairs & General Counsel Sarah Erickson André. Together, they will explore how evolving regulations are reshaping the creative boundaries of fragrance formulation. Speaker(s): Tom Branna Vincent Kuczinski Alexander Mohr Sarah Erickson André
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2026062509:0009:45 000 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM PDT
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Scented Journeys: Unique Paths to Perfumery
What does it take to become a perfumer? In Scented Journeys: Unique Paths to Perfumery, three accomplished perfumers from distinctly different training backgrounds share their unique professional journeys for instance legal scholar turned chief perfumer and brand founder Terry Carter (Travertine Atelier) and a studied chemist, Bryn Thomas (junior perfumer at Mane) first explored an internship in the music industry and a role at The Coca-Cola Company among other pit stops.
This panel, moderated by Perfume Product and Brand Development Advisor/Artistic Perfumery Industry Writer for Essencional, Karen Marin, will delve into how their diverse beginnings influence their creative processes, their olfactive signatures, and their sources of inspiration. Join us for a candid and insightful conversation that celebrates the many roads that lead to a life in scent. Speaker(s): Karen Marin Terry Carter Bryn Thomas Dana El Masri Lorenzo Lou
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2026062316:0016:45 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT
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Euromonitor Explores Evolving Landscape of Arabian Fragrances
Euromonitor's Global Insights Manager of Beauty and Personal Care, Kayla Villena returns to the World Perfumery Congress stage to explore growth prospects and emerging opportunities across global regions. Drawing on insights from Euromonitor's research hub in Dubai, Kayla examine the key drivers behind this segment’s expansion and what consumers value most in fragrances.
The session will highlight standout regions and brands, unpacking the factors behind their success, and conclude with implications for the future outlook of this dynamic category. Speaker(s): Kayla Villena
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2026062409:0009:30 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PDT
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Fragrance in the Fabric of Life: Innovation Across Laundry, Home & Cleaning
Explore how scent transforms everyday experiences in the home with our expert panel featuring Laundry Sauce, Procter & Gamble and other leading brands in home care and cleaning. This session dives into the latest fragrance innovations, consumer trends, and the science behind creating memorable olfactive experiences in functional products.
Speaker(s): Robert Cardiff Vicente Santamarina Jennifer Abril Christine Esposito
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2026062511:3012:15 000 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM PDT
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Nose to Nose: A Scented Exchange with Mara Dumski and Carol Hamilton
Join Mara Dumski (Chief Fragrance Experience Officer at Pura) and Carol Hamilton (Group President, Acquisitions at L'Oreal) as they explore the evolving landscape of fragrance, sharing insights on creativity, innovation, and the future of scent. A candid conversation that brings together two visionary voices shaping the art and business of fragrance.
Speaker(s): Mara Dumski Carol Hamilton
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2026062311:3012:15 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM PDT
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World Perfumery Congress 2026 Welcome
Join us as we officially open the World Perfumery Congress 2026 with a warm welcome led by President of the American Society of Perfumers Roger Howell. This opening session will set the tone for three days of innovation, inspiration, and collaboration in the global fragrance industry.
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2026062309:0009:10 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
2:15 PM - 3:00 PM PDT
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Crafting Tomorrow: Innovation at the Intersection of Brand & Buyer
As the fragrance landscape transforms in response to shifting consumer values, digital engagement, and sustainability demands, innovation has become essential—not just in formulation, but in storytelling, access, and brand experience.
In this dynamic panel, moderator Mark Knitowski leads a conversation with three leading fragrance brands including Boy Smells, L'Occitane Group and Snif that are redefining how they connect with consumers. From reimagining product formats to pioneering new retail and digital strategies, these trailblazers are carving bold, unique pathways in a saturated market. Attendees will gain insight into how brands are staying agile, resonant, and forward-thinking in an era of constant change. Speaker(s): Mark Knitowski Jessica Cattaneo Luisa Holzheim Bryan Edwards
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2026062314:1515:00 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
7:00 PM - 10:45 PM PDT
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Closing Reception & Dinner
As the World Perfumery Congress 2026 comes to a close, join us for an unforgettable evening at one of the most iconic marine sanctuaries at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Surrounded by the serene beauty of the ocean and its vibrant marine life, this exclusive closing reception and dinner is the perfect way to celebrate the connections, insights, and innovations we’ve shared over the past three days. Immerse yourself in:
This night is more than a farewell—it’s a toast to the artistry, passion, and future of perfumery. Let the magic of the Monterey Bay inspire you as we close WPC 2026 on a high note. Dress Code: Cocktail or Elegant Evening Attire Raise your glass as the ocean sets the stage—join us for an evening you’ll never forget.
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2026062519:0022:45 014 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM PDT
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Ambrettolide HC: A Musk with Momentum Workshop Sponsored by ACS International
Attendees will have the rare opportunity to smell and compare Ambrettolide HC (the first fully bio-based macrocyclic lactone created through synthetic biology) alongside other market musks and experience firsthand its radiant diffusion, smoothness, and versatility. Participants will evaluate how this ingredient enhances formulas across diverse fragrance styles from soft musks to floral and woody compositions while offering strong performance and cost-in-use advantages.
Join us to experience why Ambrettolide HC is not just another musk, it’s a creative tool for the next generation of perfume design. Speaker(s): Koenraad Vanhessche, Ph.D.
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2026062315:1516:00 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT
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2026062308:0009:30 000 | TUE, JUN 23 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT
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2026062408:0009:30 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Thursday, Jun 25, 2026 |
Thursday, Jun 25, 2026
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM PDT
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2026062508:0009:30 000 | THU, JUN 25 | |||
| Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026 |
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2026
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM PDT
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Impact of Chiral Analysis on Perfume and Fragrance Products Sponsored by Aromatic Plant Research Center
The Aromatic Plant Research Center (APRC) will lead an in-depth workshop on the science of aromatic authenticity, offering perfumers and fragrance professionals a rare opportunity to explore the integrity of natural ingredients, sustainability, and analytical authenticity. Speaker(s): Prabodh Satyal Aaron Sorensen
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2026062413:1514:15 000 | WED, JUN 24 | |||
| Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026 |
Tuesday, Jun 23, 2026
1:15 PM - 2:15 PM PDT
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Designing Tomorrow’s Palette: Inside BASF’s Future Proof Fragrance Ingredients Innovation
Stay tuned for more details!
Speaker(s): Florian Garlichs
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2026062313:1514:15 000 | TUE, JUN 23 |