Date
13 July 2023
Time
09:00 – 14:00 (+ optional post-conference site visit)
Location
Black Country Living Museum (BCLM), Discovery Way, Dudley, DY1 4AL
List of transport options and directions here
Organisers
Sustainability West Midlands

Prime sponsors
Aims
- Share current information on the changing climate of the West Midlands and the need for approaches to net zero to consider adaptation and nature-based solutions.
- Share information on the changing political and support structures in the West Midlands within our field of sustainability.
- Provide an engaging networking opportunity for over 100+ cross-sector sustainability professionals to share knowledge and best practice supporting SWM’s Roadmap to 2030.
The Event
The West Midlands is undergoing a significant period of change. Our support landscape is in a period of flux, as national and local structures change direction. The new and record-breaking weather-related impacts we experience more frequently represent these unpredictable times.
SWM will address these changes at our Annual Conference, hoping to build resilience for the future amongst our members and stakeholders. After long periods of uncertainty and derailing factors, such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, let SWM share our support with you.
Our Annual Conference will discuss how we, as sustainability practitioners, can influence the transition and ensure that the changes are fair, just, and considerate to the environment we live in.
We address the real questions. How can we support our communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change? How do we ensure our businesses can decarbonise and thrive in the face of uncertainty? We will share insights from our recent monitoring of progress against our Sustainability Roadmap to 2030, along with other intelligence from our advisory work across the region.
The Venue
Our annual conference this year is set within the unique heritage grounds of our members, the Black Country Living Museum. With opportunities to exhibit, network, hear from a range of influential speakers, and contribute your views, this event is not to be missed!
Attendance
Existing SWM members receive one free place.
Additional places, and places for non-SWM members, are available for a small contribution of £25 plus VAT. This includes refreshments throughout the day, lunch, and free parking.
All attendees will also have the option of roaming BCLM from 14:00 until 17:00. Why not treat yourself to some period style sweets, cakes or the legendary orange chips they sell on site?
We are now sold out! However, you can sign up to the waiting list.
Exhibiting & Sponsorship
We have now reached capacity for exhibition opportunities at #AC23.
We hope to see you there for what promises to be an immersive and informative annual conference!
As this is an in-person event, please only sign up if you can definitely attend. If you have registered but can no longer attend, please email shabnum.hudda@swm.org.uk as soon as possible. Any delegates who do not turn up to the event on the day without prior notification may be charged.
Speakers confirmed so far:
- Ashok Sinha, Chief Executive, Ashden
- Delia Garratt, Chief Executive, Birmingham & Black Country Wildlife Trust
- Ed Green, Chief Executive, Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
- Richard Parker, Labour candidate for WM Mayor
- Emma James, Researcher, Climate Outreach
- Liz Alston, Sustainability Manager, Worcestershire County Council
- Jennifer Panting, Local Net Zero Team, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
Exhibitors
Exclusive offer from Neo:
Free sounding board sessions: what’s your brand’s potential for positive change?
Do you have a brand, strategy or culture challenge that would benefit from expert, independent viewpoint?
Nick Christoforou, Co-founder of purpose-driven brand and culture consultancy Neo, will be offering free sounding board sessions during the conference intervals.
Example conversations could include:
- How to galvanise your team, stakeholders, customers and partners around a shared purpose and goals
- How to maximise your brand identity to help you achieve your sustainability goals
- How to solve internal culture issues by reconnecting your people with your unique values and commitments
- How to use brand and culture as tools for sustainable business success
Each session is 15 minutes, which can be followed up with an additional free online session of up to 90 minutes.
Neo is a founding UK B Corp, member of the Better Business Network and supporter of the Better Business Act
Quote from previous sounding board conversation…
“I’ve just had a brilliant free sounding board session with Nick from Neo Nick came up with three or four great ideas and then suggested practical actions to implement the ideas. If you have a challenge or opportunity and fancy some expert advice, then I strongly recommend you spend some time with Nick Christoforou.” Rebecca Heaps, Founder, Tentshare