I

was delighted to attend the fully first in-person edition of the Contamination & Geotech Expo since the pandemic in September. The largest UK event for contaminated land, air and water, the event featured a range of presentations and keynotes from industry experts, including a number of EIC members, and over 150 exhibitors. 

Offering an opportunity for attendees to share innovation, expertise and engage with the industry, it was also a great personal and professional opportunity to meet some of our members face-to-face for the first time – as well as make some interesting introductions to some potential future members! 

Taking place over two days at the NEC in Birmingham, the event aims to support those working in land remediation, brownfield regeneration, air quality testing, waste and contaminated water, and hazardous material removal. All topics and themes which reflect the activity of EIC’s taskforces and groups. 

It was also wonderful to see a number of EIC members sharing their expertise, proving yet again that our members are at the forefront of industry innovation. Natasha Kinnear, membership advisor at EIC

I was lucky to catch some fascinating presentations from EIC members demonstrating the day-to-day innovation that is sometimes take for granted. Claire Stone, group technical director at EIC member i2 Analytical, presented on the laboratory soils dustiness test for asbestos. Amy Parekh-Pros, technical director at EIC member company Nicholls Colton Group Ltd led a panel discussion on the WAC’s race to a sustainable waste solution. Finally, Socotec’s technical and development specialist, Paul Walker discussed microplastics effect on the environment.  

I was also pleased to see a few EIC members with stands showcasing their innovation to receptive audiences. This year’s conference innovation was the introduction of a Government Zone. The Geospatial Commission, Coal Authority, and British Geological Survey were all present, along with their experts, to engage face-to-face with the industry and present at expert seminar sessions. This offered attendees the opportunity to directly interact with strategic public sector bodies. 

The market for in-person events has been uncertain across the business world. We have – unfortunately – seen many once prestigious events fail to emerge from the challenges of in person events during the global pandemic. With this in mind, it is great to see the Contamination & Geotech Expo going from strength-to-strength, demonstrating the resilience of our sector. 

It was also wonderful to see a number of EIC members sharing their expertise, proving yet again that our members are at the forefront of industry innovation. 

I hope to see some of you at next year’s event on 13 and 14 September 2023. 

Natasha Kinnear is Membership Engagement Advisor at EIC.