The event had been due to take place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 14-15 October and bookings would have opened in June.
Carole Taylor, LARAC chair, said: “This has been a really tough decision to take as we know how much people look forward to and value the annual UK LARAC conference.
“But we had to think first and foremost of the safety of delegates, sponsors and all involved with the event.
“We felt that the adjustments needed for social distancing would have meant the event would not have had the unique feel that contributes to making it such a great two days.”
Ms Taylor added: “Making this decision now gives everyone clarity and allows us the time to look at holding a virtual LARAC conference instead.”
Further details of the virtual conference will be made available soon, but the committee says it hopes to hold it on the same dates on which the physical event would have taken place. LARAC says the online event may also feature a virtual awards ceremony.
Decision
“Making this decision now gives everyone clarity”
Carole Taylor
Chair, LARAC
Formed in 1985, LARAC represents local government voices on waste and recycling issues.
LARAC said it took the decision to cancel the physical event with events and information provider Environment Media Group, the conference’s organiser and parent company of letsrecycle.com.
While lockdown measures appear to be easing, the chance of large gatherings happening in October was considered small, LARAC said.
Birmingham
The LARAC conference has been held annually for 29 years and this was due to be the event’s second year at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole (see letsrecycle.com story).
LARAC says the event will stay at the venue for at least the next two years, with conferences to be held to be held on 6-7 October 2021 and 5-6 October 2022.
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