ESS: Five things not to be missed

1. Women in sustainability

A panel of industry leading women in the environmental sector will come together on 12 September at 11:00 in the Environment Networking Hub. The ‘Women in Sustainability’ session will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by women in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Panellists will share their experiences, insights and strategies for driving sustainability initiatives. Five female leaders will also highlight the critical importance of gender diversity in leadership and its impact on creating a more sustainable future.

This year’s panellists are Claire Shrewsbury, director of insights and innovation at WRAP; Fiona Campbell, head of sustainability and public affairs at Biffa; Gwen Frost, director at Resource Futures; Hannah Cool, COO at Bankers for net zero; and Jacqueline O’Donovan OBE, serial entrepreneur and former managing director at O’Donovan Waste Disposal.

Following the session, visitors are encouraged to network and connect to further highlight how inclusivity and diversity leads to greater collective success.

2. Networking aplenty

The ESS Connect Party is set to foster collaboration and networking among environmental professionals on 11 September 2024. Held in the evening at All Bar One in Brindley Place, Birmingham, the party will provide a unique opportunity for industry leaders to connect, share insights and explore potential partnerships.

Attendees can expect to carry on conversations from the show and is a perfect opportunity to connect with professionals from the entire environmental services supply chain, welcoming 400+ exhibitors and visitors alike from across ESS Expo.

3. Environmental royalty

Conservation enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear from one of the UK’s most renowned naturalists at 13:45 on 11 September at ESS Expo 2024. Chris Packham CBE, known for his work on The Really Wild Show and Springwatch, will be featured in a fireside chat with Niki Roach, Honorary vice president of CIWEM and host of the podcast Planet Possible.

During the session, Packham and Roach will discuss a range of environmental topics, sharing their insights and experiences in conservation and sustainability. The conversation will cover everything from Packham’s career journey to pressing environmental issues facing the planet today.

Attendees can expect to be inspired by Packham’s passion for wildlife and his commitment to environmental conservation. The session will also provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, and how these can be applied to more sustainable business practice.

4. Next generation of talent

The Green Skills & Future Talent Stage, sponsored by Grundon, will host a range of sessions, presentations and the 35 Under 35 Awards ceremony, which celebrates the rising stars in the environmental sector, builds discussions on developing talent to our industry, and reducing the green skills job gap, and takes place on 12 September at 14:30.

Also, Andy Harrison, head of delivery and learning at Groundwork UK, charity partner of ESS Expo, will launch the findings of a joint report examining young people’s attitudes and potential barriers to them securing careers in the waste and resources sector at the session entitled: ‘Attracting Talent: creating accessible pathways into the waste and resources sector for young people’ (12:00, 11 September).

5. Tackling air pollution

Air Pollution Control Expo will make its debut appearance under the ESS Expo brand. The new area will be the leading event for industrial air emissions, stack monitoring, and ambient air quality management professionals. APC joins ESS Expo as a shared interest for all environment sector professionals to reduce environmental impact in working processes and day-to-day operations. Companies joining the new Expo, include, Aecom, EarthSense, Enviro Technology Services and WWF.

Rob Mowat, managing director of ESS Expo, said: “From tackling air pollution to celebrating the achievements of women in sustainability, this year’s event will showcase the breadth and depth of our industry’s commitment to a greener future. From the range of companies, industry leaders, and visitors expected to attend there is one common goal: to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable world. This event will feature a number of ‘hidden gems’ which are certainly not to be missed!”

ESS Expo returns from 11-12 September 2024 at the NEC in Birmingham, UK. For a full list of this year’s exhibitors, visit the exhibitor directory: https://www.ess-expo.co.uk/exhibitors

For more information and to register to attend, visit here.