Leading media figures and industry experts, including journalists from both national and trade media, will be involved in the 'Communications Hub', with seminars focusing on subjects such as how to stimulate informed debate, turning green policy into action and understanding the triggers of behaviour change.
Visitors to the Communications Hub will also be able to get advice on media relations from environmental communications specialists Sauce Consultancy and former BBC news reporter Steve Bustin, with free media training sessions available to help industry professionals prepare for media interviews.
After a successful launch for the Hub at last year's Futuresource event, Sauce Consultancy is again running the programme of seminars and sessions in association with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM).
And, commenting on the importance of the Hub, CIWM's chief executive, Steve Lee, said: “Effective communication lies right at the heart of behaviour change.
“If we are going to drive forward a more sustainable approach to waste and resource management, our sector needs to engage effectively with its customers and stakeholders, and with wider society,” he added.
Programme
On Tuesday 15 June, the organisers are teaming up with the Associate Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group to deliver a two-stage panel debate, chaired by Conservative politician Peter Ainsworth, which will look at green policy and behaviour change priorities and how to secure community buy-in for new infrastructure.
The next day's 'Question Time'-style debate will be chaired by Ms Harvey, tackling the issue of 'Good versus bad science – how to encourage informed debate', with other sessions on the day focusing on new media and protests.
And, on Thursday 17 June, the focus will be on how to engage people in a 'green' society, with speakers including Rob Goldaway of low carbon design and environmental management consultancy Giraffe Innovation Ltd.
Emphasising the quality of the programme, Sauce Consultancy's chief executive, John Twitchen, said: “We are not pulling any punches this year, the topics being covered represent tough challenges that our industry faces daily and with which we all have to get to grips.
“We are very much looking forward to hosting some lively debates amongst industry experts that address these challenges head on.”
Aspects
The Communications Hub is just one of many aspects of Futuresource 2010, which is jointly-organised by CIWM and the Environmental Services Association.
A full conference programme will explore all the challenges and opportunities facing the waste sector today, while over 350 exhibitors are expected to offer unparalleled access to the latest solutions and technologies, as well as providing networking opportunities.
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