Business, networking and skills top the agenda at RWM

Billed as Europe’s premier waste management event, RWM in partnership with CIWM opens its doors on the 10th to 12th September at the NEC.

Business, networking and skills top the agenda at RWM

FROM its origins in the Resource Efficiency and Waste Management Solutions (RWM) show, and CIWM and ESA’s Futuresource show, both of which merged in 2010, this year’s event looks set to break all records, with over 750 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors expected.

In 2012, the show attracted 13,470 (ABC audited) visitors, including attendees from 66 countries. 65% of the visitors made a purchasing decision or recommendation as a result of attending the show and 75% of visitors were working at management level and above. The event also featured over 100 expert speakers in themed seminar theatres covering “all the key sectors and topics of importance to professionals working in the resource and waste management industry”.
“Last year’s show saw a 5% increase in visitors on 2011, the most extensive conference programme yet, and over 66 countries represented. The 2013 event will build on this success and provide a first class showcase for this dynamic and growing sector,” says David Copeland, Global Head of Brand Marketing, Environment portfolio, i2i Events Group.
Copeland adds: “The reach of the event is also expanding, with research showing that around half of last year’s visitors were attending for the first time, including nine of the top ten construction companies and eight of the top ten UK retailers. Reflecting the wider resource efficiency agenda and job remit requirements for our visitors, it is once again co-located with our Energy Event and Renewables Event, plus the new Water Event, which launches this year.”
The organisers say many of the key names from across the sector are already signed up to RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013. Confirmed exhibitors include major waste contractors Viridor and first time exhibitors Hills Waste as well as world leading plant and vehicle suppliers such as JCB, Liebherr, DAF Trucks and Mercedes Benz.
Major materials reprocessors such as Smurfit Kappa and Novelis are returning this year and a host of big names in collection and cleansing, including Faun Zoeller, Heil and Johnston Sweepers, will be showing their latest innovations. Expertise in materials handling and sorting, meanwhile, will be stronger than ever with an array of exhibitors including Eriez, Bulk Handling Systems, Titech UK and Pellenc.
Those looking for advice and guidance on everything from product stewardship to safety in the workplace will also find key industry bodies and organisations on the show floor, including WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) and the Health & Safety Executive.

Free conference programme
With over 150 resource efficiency and waste management experts taking to the podium in the free, CPD-accredited conference programme, the RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013 conference theatres will provide an opportunity to hear informed opinion about the latest issues and challenges. The headline panel debates and conference sessions will cover an array of topics ranging from packaging and PRNs to WEEE and waste prevention.
As well as inspirational keynote speakers such as food waste campaigner Tristram Stuart, leading economics and infrastructure guru Professor Dieter Helm CBE, and eco-adventurer Andy Pag, the line-up will feature senior policy makers and regulators from across the UK and Ireland. Speakers include Dr Colin Church, Director of Climate, Waste and Atmosphere at Defra, Charlie Devine, Head of Resource Management at Zero Waste Scotland and Andy Rees, Head of Waste Strategy for the Welsh Government.
Infrastructure, food waste, recycling collections and communications will be some of the key topics this year and a wide range of private and public sector perspectives and best practice examples will be provided by leading local authority speakers and elected members. Representatives from major UK plcs and industry bodies will also be talking, including John Lewis Partnership, TK Maxx, Skanska and the Sustainable Restaurant Association.

Introducing new features
With a strong focus on providing targeted access to business solutions and knowledge, popular features introduced at last year’s show will be returning again, including the Materials Village, the Social Enterprise Zone and the Energy from Waste and Innovation Trails. New for 2013 is the Skills Village, in association with WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training & Advisory Board), which will showcase all aspects of skills, training and career opportunities in waste and resource management, from introductory courses through to bespoke training and professional development.

Networking opportunities
With networking high on the agenda, RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013 ’s visitors will benefit from 60 plus hours of face-to-face meetings, social events, matchmaking sessions, official functions, debates and informal get-togethers at the show.
Working hand-in-hand with the networking events is RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013 ’s newly launched website, which provides detailed information on all exhibitors, plus the conference programme, show features, tours and trails – it’s the perfect resource for visitors as they start planning their visit.
With many professionals embracing a wider sustainability remit in their role, RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013 is also co-located with three complementary events – The Energy Event, The Renewables Event and The (new) Water Event. These co-located events, which can be accessed for free by all visitors to RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013, are intended to offer answers to the whole gamut of business sustainability challenges around water and energy management and efficiency.

• For more information about RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013 and the Energy, Renewables and Water events, visit www.rwmexhibition.com. You can also keep up to date with the latest news and opinions about the exhibition by following @RWM_with_CIWM and using the Twitter hashtag #RWMwithCIWM. For the co-located shows, follow @i2iEnergy.

What does it cover?

RWM in partnership with CIWM deals with the full range of waste management and resource efficiency product and service areas, including: technology providers and specialist recycling and waste management services and solutions; machinery and equipment; vehicles and plant, and containment and handling equipment.
It is targeted at professionals within both public and private sectors, including senior management decision makers (including managing directors, chief executive officers and chief operating officers), heads of recycling/waste, environmental and recycling managers, commercial waste managers, plant and facilities managers, transport managers and consultants.