RENEWABLE UK
Apart from the main exhibition there were 2 smaller exhibitions running in tandem on both the Wednesday (Wave & Tidal) and Thursday (Small Wind – see separate article in this issue and a careers fair). These were smaller in comparison to the main exhibition but no quieter.
THE VENUE The SECC was perfect for an event such as this and nothing was too much trouble with staff attentive to everyone’s needs. When commenting and thanking the staff on the last day I received a comment that the visitors, delegates and exhibitors were welcome back anytime because of their friendly nature and the staff stated that this was not the case with many other industries – so well done us!
THE EXHIBITION The cavernous space which we are now quite used to, when purpose built halls are created for events such as these, was made much more attractive to visitors because of the effort of the exhibitors with inventive displays and animations. 3D imagery was in abundance and was particularly helpful in this industry because of the vast projects and technical complexities involved.
The main hall housed the exhibition and various catering points with seating where much business was discussed. In the early morning before the exhibition opened officially there seemed to be ample space and comfortable seating arrangements but when lunchtime beckoned standing room only was the norm. This may have been cause for complaint in any period of general business growth but to complain in such
times of imposed austerity in many industries this would have been churlish to say the least. Standing to eat lunch we would suggest is a small price to pay to be involved in such a positive growth industry with so many smiling faces.
It is always good to do something completely different at a conference and exhibition so it was refreshing to see technical tours to BAE Systems Shipyard at nearby Scotstoun and the Whitelee Wind Farm, again nearby.
THE MAIN CONFERENCE There were numerous sessions on every subject you would care to mention with leaders in the industry giving advice to delegates in an informed and professional way over 3 packed days of the conference, which was opened and introduced by Maria McCafferty, Chief Executive of RenewableUK.
The highlight was undoubtedly Alex Salmond’s presentation on the commitment of finance from the Scottish Government for renewable energy development coupled with the first Modern Apprenticeship scheme for the renewable industry (detailed elsewhere in this issue). What I can state however is that the hall reached full capacity (650) with standing room only.
WORKSHOPS AND SIDE EVENTS These featured subject areas ranging from Health & Safety, through Aviation, Business clinics, Wave and Tidal to Small Wind and in the main were very well attended.
COMMUNICATION This was a great event in which to communicate and do business. There is indeed a great need for the whole industry to communicate in a better way than at present and we hope to play our part in assisting this aim in the continued publication of this magazine.
All images supplied by RenewableUK
www.renewable-uk.com
Wind Energy NETWORK
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