It was a different venue this time around for the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group’s annual Autumn Conference. Instead of Blackpool, we headed off to (the slightly more accessible for some) Nottingham Belfry on 4th November 2019.
As well as being sponsors of the event, we were also honoured to be given the research workshop slot on Monday afternoon in accordance with our work with AECOM on the update of the Integrated Urban Drainage Modelling Guide.
Read more about the workshop here
In attendance at the conference from RAA were Directors Martin Allitt and John Hilson, Principal Hydraulic Modeller Gary Buck, Senior Hydraulic Modeller Luke Johnson, Hydraulic Modeller Lydia Crowther, Graduate Hydraulic Modeller and drone pilot Bradley Sparkes and Marketing Manager Kelly Davies.
Following the opening address on Tuesday by CIWEM’s President David McHugh discussing key recent events leading to a transformational shift in our response to the climate and ecological emergency, the conference got underway with sessions on SuDS, partnership working and strategic thinking highlighting a range of projects and case studies from across the UK and Europe.
Tuesday evening delegates were treated to music and entertainment from Robin Hood and his merry men before the 35th anniversary gala dinner (with a Nottinghamshire themed menu) and awards ceremony took place. RAA were also pleased (and a little surprised!) to win the quiz organised by the new members group.
Thursday kicked off with a session on CSOs followed by a focus on Water Quality after the break which included the winner of this year’s best conference paper and presentation, the Almond Valley Strategic Study by Stephanie Firth.
The last but by no means least session of the conference took a look at DWMP progress that provoked some interesting discussion.
Thank you to event organiser Charlie Burnley, the UDG committee, other sponsors and delegates for making the event a success and we look forward to seeing you all again in the new year.