Water and Effluent Treatment Magazine
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12 WET NEWS DECEMBER 2016 ONSITE Utility WEEk livE 2017 Transformation and flexibility top themes for Utility Week Live • Utility Week live is the only Uk event dedicated to the water, gas and electricity sectors. WEt News takes a sneak peek at what's on the cards for next year's event. projEcT SpEcS • A conference and exhibition for the water, gas and electricity sectors • Showcases transformation and flexibility to those working in these sectors • Provides CPD-accredited live content programmes, technical demos and networking opportunities T ransformation and flexibility are the two headline themes of Utility Week Live (UWL), which returns to the NEC in Birmingham May 23-24, 2017 bigger and better than ever. Today's utilities need to rise to the challenges of changing models of consumption and competition, the demands of sustainability and extreme weather, and political and economic upheaval: all these require a new approach from the essential businesses delivering water, gas and electricity to UK homes and businesses. Transformation and flexibility are therefore not optional for utilities, but the key to survival and success. Utility Week Live 2017 will bring together these businesses with their supply chains and wider stakeholders to explore the new models of thinking and operating that are demanded by this challenging environment. With last year's show featuring more than 100 speakers, 150 exhibitors and 3,000 visitors, the 2017 version promises to grow this still further. The pan-utility keynote conference sessions will feature top utility leaders debating themes including resilience and decision-making amid uncertainty (including the potential impact of Brexit), skills, sustainability and new business models. 'Meet the regulator' and 'meet the buyer' sessions will give delegates the chance to pose questions to Ofgem and Ofwat, and for utilities to engage with major energy and water users. Meanwhile, seminar sessions on the show floor will once again take place in individual theatres on the show floor dedicated to Water and Networks, and there will be a new Customer Solutions Theatre for pan-utility retail and customer-focused topics. Essential show features include the Innovation Zone (organised in partnership with the Energy Innovation Council); the Drilling & Tapping competition, including the World Water Cup (in partnership with the Institute of Water), the Streetworks Village, the Network Zone and the Outdoor Demonstration Zone. To mark the opening of the non-household retail market for water we will also be introducing the Water Retail Zone (co-hosted with our sister show edie Live), where water retailers can meet the major business buyers of water. "Ažer the success of last year, I am extremely excited to announce that Utility Week Live 2017 has launched," says Amanda Barnes, chief executive of Utility Week Live. Barnes continues: "It is a great opportunity for the multi- billion-pound UK utilities industry to gather over two lively days of networking and come face-to-face with the key decision makers across the gas, electricity and water sectors." The Utility Week Live exhibition, technical seminars and keynote plenary sessions are all free to attend, while a paid upgrade will be required to gain access to the keynote sessions taking place on both mornings of the show. To stay up-to-date with free ticket release dates, the latest seminar speakers, exhibitors and show partners, simply visit www.utilityweeklive.co.uk and register for the Utility Week Live newsletter.