Move on the cards for CIWM exhibition

While the show will definitely take place in the Devon seaside resort in 2008, but the CIWM has told exhibitors that it is reviewing the location of the 2009 event.

The event has been held in Torbay every year since 1987. Previously, its location had changed from year to year, including visits to Bournemouth, Scarborough, Ayr, Brighton, Harrogate and Blackpool as well as frequent visits to Torbay.

This latest review of the show's location has been sparked by concerns about the distance many UK waste managers have to travel to attend.

Speaking to letsrecycle.com yesterday, the organisation's chief executive Steve Lee accepted that this was a real concern that needed to be addressed.

He said: “We are an organisation that has got to make sure we are looking after our customers. If we are not looking after our customers, CIWM will not be here in Torbay or anywhere else, either.”

Mr Lee said his organisation would “very carefully” consider the location of the 2009 show, since as well as the space required for such an event, the CIWM had to address the need for overnight accommodation as well as evening entertainment facilities.

But he stressed to exhibitors planning for next year that “we are going to be here – same place, same time”, and pledged an early announcement of a decision about 2009.

He said: “We recognise that our exhibitors need certainty, and so we will announce plans for 2009 before preparations are even made for 2008. We are considering our options very carefully for 2009 – we are certainly not saying that we won't be here in 2009, but we have to make sure we are doing the best for our exhibitors.”

Torbay

The local area of Paignton benefits considerably from the presence of the CIWM exhibition – from local hotels and businesses to the use of funds from the show on community projects. 

Commenting on the announcement from CIWM, Torbay council, told letsrecycle.com that a decision had not yet been made concerning the 2009 show, but that as far as it was concerned, it was looking forward to welcoming the waste sector back for 2008.

A Torbay council spokesperson said: “The Chartered Institute for Waste Management has been exhibiting on Paignton Green for many years and we have built up a good relationship with the organisers.

“In previous years they have donated £10,000 for the use of Paignton Green and surrounding areas and this has been used on community projects such as Palace Theatre and the pirate ship play area on Preston Green. The amount was increased in 2007 to £12,500 and for the first time this year will be given directly to the Community Partnerships in Paignton to fund community projects of their choice.

“It is apparent that the show is smaller this year and there is increasing competition from other shows which may force the organisers to think differently in the future. However, we are expecting to welcome the event back in 2008,” the council spokesperson added.