Over 13,500 visitors attended the Resource and Waste Management (RWM) Exhibition in partnership with CIWM between the 11 and 13 September this year, an increase of six per cent on 2011 figures, say the event organisers.
Over 700 exhibitors, spanning 26 countries, set up over three halls of the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, exhibiting new products, machinery, vehicles, and services covering a range of areas of the waste industry, from processing plant machinery to food waste solutions.
Over 20 per cent more floor space was covered this year than last year’s inaugural exhibition that saw the i2i Events Group merge the RWM exhibition with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and ESA’s Futuresource show into one event for the waste industry.
Speaking of the unaudited figures, Alison Jackson, Divisional Director at i2i Events Group said: “We are delighted with the numbers, especially in these challenging economic times, and exhibitors have reported quality leads and deals clinched on the stands, as well as valuable relationship-building opportunities."
“This is a strong second year for our partnership and justifies our decision to respond to industry requests for a single high-profile event for the resource efficiency and waste management sector.”
As well as attracting the highest ever number of attendees, this year’s conference also saw the highest ever number of speakers. Over 150 speakers contributed to the conference programme, including Keynote Speaker, Shadow Minister for Water and Waste, Gavin Shuker MP, and Special Guest Speakers, Particle Physicist, Professor Brian Cox and journalist and ex-political aide, Alastair Campbell.
Covering subjects such as waste, energy, design, and legislation, the half-hour talks took place in four lecture theatres throughout the three days and included commercial-, local authority- and national-level case studies from representatives across the industry.
“Our industry is moving fast and knowledge and skills are more important than ever. With this year’s packed conference programme and unrivalled networking opportunities, professionals from both the public and the private sector had a fantastic opportunity to gain and share knowledge, experience and good practice to equip them for some of the challenges and opportunities ahead”, said CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee.
“As the Labour Shadow Minister for Water and Waste Gavin Shuker MP said in his address, we have a vital role to play in underpinning green growth and new job opportunities, and last week demonstrated the dynamism and innovation that characterises the waste, recycling and resource management sector”, added Barry Dennis, Director General of the ESA.
Plans are already underway for RWM in partnership with CIWM 2013, which will take place from Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 September at the Birmingham NEC and will once again be co-located with The Energy Event (on energy efficiency, management and procurement) and The Renewables Event (on practical solutions to onsite energy generation for the industrial, commercial and public sector companies).
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