Acqua alta is an international trade fair and conference for flood protection, climate consequences and disaster management, that since 2014 takes place every two years in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the most water-rich federal states of Germany. With a focus on water management, including drought problems and energy from water, as well as management of various disasters, the acqua alta become Europe's most important meeting place for water management, flood protection, climate impacts and disaster management. Numerous international exhibitors are presenting their latest products and developments in the fields of permanent and mobile flood and property protection and use the opportunity to develop new business. The exhibition with the high-class congress has established itself as an information and communication platform of the industry and is used by all the flood-protection personnel to exchange knowledge and information. It brings together flood protection officers, politicians, scientists and researchers with experts in the field of civil protection, meteorologists, morphologists, architects and engineers to inform about climate change and the associated challenges. On the whole the organisers welcomed on the 2 days of the fair, from 18. November to 19. November 2014, about 36 exhibitors and 800 visitors on the acqua alta in Essen. The acqua alta in Essen took place from Wednesday, 10. January to Friday, 12. January 2018.