A world of difference – that’s the theme for this year’s CIWM conference programme which incorporates the 6th international symposium on waste treatment technologies. The conference will explore how the wastes and resources management industry can make a world of difference in today’s dramatically changing markets.

Taking place in Paignton, Torbay, from 10 – 13 June, the opening session of the conference programme will take in opinion and comment from major industry players, both within the waste sector and users of its services. The combination of a global demand for resources and the drive for greater efficiencies in resource and energy has placed the waste sector in the spotlight.

The aim of the conference will be to provide part of the sustainability solution, by increasing public awareness and participation, which will come as a result of political, practical and operational cooperation. Programme highlights include sessions on carbon footprints and waste treatment, advanced thermal technologies such as gasification, pyrolysis and CHP systems, packaging, management of hazardous household waste and construction/ demolition issues.

A top line up of speakers will lead the debate. They include: Phillip Ward, director for local government services at WRAP; Martin Brocklehurst, head of waste strategy at the Environment Agency; Joy Blizzard, communications officer at LARAC; and Jane Bickerstaffe, director of the Industry Council for Packaging & the Environment.

A global perspective

International speakers will also present sessions – Professor Nickolas Themelis, director, of the earth engineering center at Columbia University and Professor Lasse Rosendahl from the institute of energy technology at Aalborg University in Denmark are just two distinguished names.

This year visitors to Torbay will be able to source products and services from over 350 suppliers at the CIWM exhibition which runs from 10 – 12 June. CIWM says around 150 of exhibitors are unique to its event, enabling visitors to meet and learn about new suppliers that they wouldn’t meet at other waste exhibitions.

The event also provides an opportunity to network with colleagues and existing suppliers, and see the latest product developments up close at the live demonstration areas.

On the waste handling and transport front, there will be plenty on offer for those who have to juggle multiple priorities including improved efficiency, rising fuel costs, and carbon impact considerations, not to mention health and safety considerations.

Reflecting the operational challenges faced by those responsible for waste handling and transport, there will be live vehicle and equipment demonstrations at the exhibition as well as a programme of transport-related seminars. Satellite vehicle demonstrations and banksman training will be among the main attractions at the vehicle health and safety demonstration Area on North Green.

Debut for trailer

Making its first appearance in the UK will be Ecofar’s 44m3 semi trailer, and visitors interested in reducing fuel costs and crew downtime will be able to see how satellite operations can work.

Running at intervals throughout the show, the banksman training demonstrations will emphasise the need for trained personnel to help provide a safer working environment and visitors can show off their own skills to win daily prizes and a VIP trip to the JCB factory.

Already an established highlight of the show, the JCB recycling equipment demonstration area will be much closer to hand this year. Located on North Green, it will give visitors the opportunity to see the latest materials handling and loading solutions for plastics, wood, WEEE and white goods handling, as well as kerbside collection, green waste compaction and bale handling.

On the hospitality front, the CIWM dinner takes place at the Palace Hotel in Torquay on 10 June. A black tie event, it will feature guest speaker Olympic bronze medallist Steve Smith, Britain’s most successful high jumper who has won a medal in every major championship including the Olympic games.

A finale dinner will also be hosted in the same venue on 12 June where there will be a casino for guests.

For more information about the CIWM 2008, including the conference programme, booking details and free registration for the exhibition, go to: www.ciwmshow.com

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