Torbay's economy was dealt a ^10million-a-year blow today after the plug was pulled on a massive annual conference. This year will be the last time the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management visits Paignton Green (link below.)
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=141507&command=displayContent&sourceNode=257390&home=yes&more_nodeId1=257393&contentPK=20427324From 2009 onwards the conference, which brings hundreds of delegates and covers the green with millions of pounds worth of machinery, is going to London instead.
The CIWM has been visiting Paignton for the past 22 years, bringing thousands of delegates and consumers with it.
It has been estimated that the annual conference and exhibition, which takes up the majority of Paignton Green, injects millions of pounds into the Torbay economy.
But CIWM executives yesterday said they were moving the conference to the ExCel London international conference centre in Docklands.
The CIWM conference will be in Paignton for the last time this June, and Torbay mayor Nick Bye has called on people and businesses to support it.
With the conference delegates spending thousands of pounds in nearby hotels, Torbay Hospitality Association said businesses would be hit hard by its loss.
Matthew Clarke, deputy chairman of Paignton Chamber of Commerce, said it was important to find a quick alternative conference.
CIWM Trustees made their decision at a special meeting in Northampton yesterday.
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