Exciting plans for the future of the Annual Conference and Exhibition of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) have been announced, in the shape of a new venue and a new partner from 2009 onwards.

CIWM and the Environmental Services Association (ESA) have announced their intention to work in partnership on a prestigious London-based event for the waste and resource management industry from 2009 onwards.

The decision, taken yesterday by the CIWM Trustees at a Special Meeting in Northampton, will see the CIWM annual conference and exhibition moving to London ExCel, an award winning modern venue, as part of plans to develop a flagship event that will attract both UK and international audiences.

“The agreement with ESA reflects our joint intention to develop the event into a major international showcase for the UK waste and resource management sector,” says CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee. “We have also listened to our exhibitors and visitors and the move to London ExCel will deliver an event that meets their needs and expectations and will attract a wider audience, not just from Europe but from around the world.”

ESA Chief Executive Dirk Hazell says: “Our industry is undergoing a revolution with recycling quadrupling in the last decade and lots more to come. We all want a flagship event to promote Britain’s emerging status as a leading member of Europe’s recycling society. London is the place to be. ESA’s partnership with CIWM is the team to deliver.”

CIWM and ESA will now be moving forward with plans to rebrand the event to reflect the new partnership, and exhibitors will be invited to an Open Day at London ExCel during May to see the facilities for themselves.

In announcing the location change, the CIWM has also acknowledged the success and value of the relationship it has had with Torbay for the last 22 years.
“We haven’t taken the decision to move lightly. Torbay has welcomed us for many years and provided a memorable and popular venue for the conference and exhibition,” says Mr Lee.

“This successful partnership has enabled it to grow into the major event that it is today and the quality of the relationship with the people, businesses and authorities in Torbay is the standard we used in assessing the future options.”

ENDS