RWM Connect: CIWM and RWM to unite the resource sector with the industry’s ultimate networking event
RWM Connect 2026 will bring together professionals from across the resource, recycling and waste management sector for what is set to be the industry’s ultimate social and networking event, taking place on Wednesday 16 September at The Vox Conference Venue, Birmingham.
Held on the first evening of Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM), part of the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS Expo), the event will combine the audiences of the former ESS Connect Party and the CIWM Gala Dinner into one unified evening, creating a single destination for the sector to come together.
With 900 professionals expected to attend, RWM Connect offers a rare opportunity to engage with a broad cross-section of the industry – from established leaders and major organisations to emerging voices and innovators – in one all-inclusive setting.
The first day of RWM consistently attracts strong representation from across the waste management & recycling sector, including a significant presence from CIWM members, and RWM Connect provides the platform to continue those conversations beyond the exhibition floor in a more informal and flexible environment.
Attendees can expect an evening designed to support a range of engagement styles, from high-energy conversations to more traditional networking, alongside a high-quality social experience. The event will feature complimentary drinks, food stations throughout the venue, and a programme of live entertainment including a band, DJ and interactive elements such as a casino and games.
The event reflects the continued evolution of networking within the sector, bringing together key industry audiences into a single, more inclusive format that encourages the collaboration, relationship-building and knowledge exchange – core principles shared by both CIWM and RWM Expo.
Commenting on the launch of RWM Connect, Rob Mowat, Managing Director of RWM Expo, said:
“RWM Connect brings the sector together in a way that reflects how the industry operates today – collaborative, connected and forward-looking. It’s about creating the right environment for those conversations to happen.”
Sarah Poulter, CEO of CIWM, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our long-standing partnership with RWM to co-host a brand-new networking event for CIWM members and RWM attendees this September. Former CIWM Gala Dinner attendees will know that some of the most valuable conversations often continue beyond the exhibition floor, and we look forward to creating a relaxed, informal setting where those connections, ideas and collaborations can flourish.”
Taking place at The Vox, located across from the NEC Birmingham, RWM Connect is positioned as a key moment within the wider resource calendar.
Event details:
• Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
• Time: 7:00pm – late
• Location: The Vox Conference Venue, NEC Birmingham
Tickets:
• Individual tickets: £99 + VAT
• Team bundle (10 tickets): £900 + VAT
Spaces are limited and early booking is recommended.
For more information and to secure tickets, please click here.