The conference and exhibition season is well and truly under way, with three under my belt so far, and a fourth happening today with RWM at the Birmingham NEC. It feels like we are still finding our feet when it comes to what we should be doing mask-wise and social distancing, but I think I can safely say this will be the “new normal” for a while. Not only are we seeing those coffee moment conversations happening again, but it’s great to feel like you’re not alone behind a screen anymore.
The feedback from delegates and sponsors at the LARAC Scotland and Wales conferences was fantastic to hear, and now we are just two weeks away from our LARAC UK Conference, I am really looking forward to it. Most of the programme content was planned back in March when we didn’t know if we would be able to go ahead, but I am very pleased that we are. Some of the highlights we have in store include an update from Chris Preston, DEFRA on the consultation/strategy reforms, a keynote address from Denise Matthewson, Tesco and a panel debate on “Will the Resources and Strategy Deliver?” – and that’s just some of day one! We’ve packed a lot of topical content and speakers over the two days of conference, and I really think we have an excellent programme of presentations and workshops this year. If you haven’t booked your place yet, please do so here before Friday 1 October.
We are in the midst of Recycle Week 2021, with the theme linking to climate change this year with the strapline “Step It Up This Recycle Week!”. A lot of councils, like my own, have declared climate emergencies, and so this is a great opportunity to link Recycle Week and the climate agenda, especially as it is also the Great Big Green Week. I’m looking forward to seeing the press coverage and stories over the week, and again it will be great to see local landmarks lit up green.
You may have seen some news coverage that our CEO, Lee Marshall, is leaving LARAC at the end of November to work for CIWM as their Director of Policy and External Affairs. You hear the phrase “big shoes to fill” and I feel that is very true in this case, as Lee has done so much great work for LARAC over the last 20 years, with the last seven as our CEO. We have started to look at how we do fill those shoes though, and more information will be given after our Exec meeting in October.
Hopefully I will see some of you in person at the LARAC UK Conference and Awards and I wish all those that have entered the Awards, the very best of luck!
See you at LARAC 2021
