Keynote speakers at RWM 2017 promise heavyweight debates

Unmissable speaker line-up sees representatives from the Environment Agency, WRAP, CIWM and many more debate the future of resource efficiency

After a year of dramatic political, social and environmental changes, RWM 2017 promises meaningful debate over the policies and strategies impacting the Energy, Renewables and Water industries, industries by senior figures from across the public and private sectors.

RWM 2017, which takes place from 12 to 14 September at the NEC Birmingham in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), boasts an education programme carefully curated through six bespoke, free-to-attend seminar theatres designed to inform, motivate and problem solve across the resource and utilities supply chain.

Keynote speaker highlights include Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Trade & Investment, who will speak on 13 September in the Circular Economy Connect Theatre about innovation and investment; and Marcus Gover, Chief Executive of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), who will discuss the future of the resource revolution on 13 September in the Circular Economy Connect theatre.

Wayne Hubbard, Chief Operating Officer at The London Waste and Recycling Board will also give a keynote address on Day 2 at the Circular Economy Connect Theatre, shining a light on cities – the engine room of the circular economy.

The Circular Economy Connect Theatre will also play host to Richard Carter on Day 2, Head of Sustainability and Finance at Adnams, who will consider how the drinks industry can raise the bar for circularity. Other keynote speakers for this theatre include Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, who will speak on the agency’s vision for waste.

Meanwhile, Jessica Palalagi, Head of Waste Management at Marks and Spencer, will address delegates at the Municipal & Materials Recovery Theatre on Day 3, with a keynote address exploring waste management strategy and beyond. The Municipal and Materials Recovery Theatre is the platform for resource and waste industry experts from both the public and private sector to come together and discuss creative techniques to drive recycling rates.

And keynote speakers for the Energy from Waste Theatre, which will share best practice, technological advances and changes to the global political and economic landscapes, include Roy Hathaway, European Policy Advisor at the Environmental Services Association, who will speak on 14 September about post-Brexit policies.

The Utilities Keynote Theatre will provide unique insights into the newly deregulated water market, the evolving renewables market, and provide insight on how the industry can keep up with the changing regulatory landscape of the energy market. Highlights include Catarina Midby, Sustainability Manager for the UK and Ireland at H&M, who will review the social and economic benefits of sustainable business models.

Running alongside the Utilities Keynote Theatre will be the Utilities in Practice Theatre – a case study-led seminar programme that seeks to support visitors with practical, peer-led insights from real applications. Highlights on the Utilities in Practice Theatre will include Mike Lynch, Sustainability Workplace Culture Manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland, who will talk about how the company’s award-winning energy savings initiative saved 5% of the energy bills.

And the Export Theatre, presented by the Department for International Trade, will provide visitors with insights and opportunities to optimise their export strategy in the recycling, waste, water and energy markets. Industry experts from DIT such as Adil Khan UAE Trade & Investment Adviser, and Ervan Falzal, Indonesia Senior Trade & Investment Officer, will discuss key global markets of interest and present live opportunities within the region from international buyers.

Chris Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive at CIWM, will also be speaking at the Export Theatre on Day 1, giving an overview of the latest developments in the industry and what the international opportunities are for the export of British expertise.

On top of the keynote speakers, senior representatives from across industries and government departments will share the platform, and take part in panel debates in all theatres. For full speaker details and timings go to: www.rwmexhibition.com/seminar-programme

Nicola Meadows, RWM event director, Ascential, said, “Visitors to RWM 2017 can expect a full speaker programme packed with insight from senior figures across sectors. This year we have an unprecedented line-up, with huge scope for knowledge sharing and networking between speaker sessions too.

“The umbrella concept is RWM’s One Planet Living mission, which champions the better management and supply of the world’s resources in an increasingly interconnected world. The event brings together innovators and influencers, public sector bodies, governments and not-for-profit organisations to deliver and debate the future of environmentally-sound business. Anyone interested in shaping the future of resource-efficiency in the UK should join our community and attend the show.”

Registration is now open for RWM 2017: www.rwmexhibition.com