So, the Autumn leaves are covering the ground and the nights are drawing in, and that can only mean one thing – the LARAC UK conference is just around the corner!
Once again, the past year has flown by, and I remember as if it was only yesterday, attending the LARAC 2021 conference and listening to the many informative presentations and enjoying being back face to face with so many colleagues after a number of months at home in lockdown.
Another key thing I remember about that conference is being approached by a member of the LARAC executive to put myself forward for the next Chair. Carole Taylor the current chair at the time was due to end her chairwomanship on 31st December 2021 after four years and I was asked if I was interested in stepping up.
It was a big decision, as there is a lot of responsibility and time involved, however it was an honour to be asked, and a year later here I am, looking forward to my first conference as Chair.
There is a record number of delegates signed up for this year, and as ever, the conference promises to deliver a wide range of informative speakers, presentations and workshops. In addition, the periods outside of the main presentations provide delegates lots of opportunities to visit the sponsor stands and liaise with many different organisations.
Networking is also a big part of the conference. With representatives from Local Authorities, public bodies, contractors and other organisations in attendance, it is an excellent opportunity to share ideas, best practice and information. There will always be someone else who shares the same issues, thoughts and ideas as yourself and there will always be some useful information you can take away with you.
Representatives from DEFRA will be in attendance, however they unfortunately wont be able to impart any further information on the consistency agenda, as we are obviously still awaiting their official response (I genuinely didn’t think we would still be waiting for this by the time the LARAC conference came around!), however, they will be able to answer questions on EPR, as this response is publicly available.
So, with only two weeks to go, things are all in place for a successful conference, and I am really looking forward to meeting many of you and engaging in some waste talk – as well as taking a spin on the dancefloor of course!
