We’re delighted to announce that Mary Portas will headline this year’s Midlands Climate Expo, taking
Date: 19 September 2025 | 9:30am – 4pm
Location: Alton Towers Conference Centre
The Climate Expo and Sustainability Conference takes place in Staffordshire, and has a mixture of exhibitors, speakers, workshops, roundtables and networking.
Everything you need to know about climate innovation, resilience and solutions, all under one roof.
The Midlands Climate Expo and Sustainability Conference brings together exhibitors, expert speakers, hands-on workshops, networking and more — for professionals, businesses and public sector leaders.
Discover the latest in climate innovation, resilience and real-world solutions — all under one roof.
Arrive, grab a drink, and explore the exhibition space before the activities begin.
A brief welcome from our venue hosts by Dare Ilori, Merlin Entertainments, to open the Expo and give us insight into the sustainability efforts of our chosen expo location.
Dare Ilori
How can sustainable procurement and tourism go hand in hand? This panel explores how destinations, suppliers and stakeholders are working together to embed sustainability throughout the tourism value chain.
Lizzy Carlyle
Phil Murphy
Dare Ilori
Rachel Woolliscroft
Explore the emerging role of artificial intelligence in tackling climate change. From energy management to predictive modelling, what’s hype, what’s hope – and what’s happening now?
Scott Elliott
Dr. Alaa AlZoubi
Gunjan Arora
Nicola Binks
Adam Whitehouse
Enjoy a seasonal buffet lunch and continue conversations with fellow delegates and exhibitors.
Please note: lunches must be booked in advance and can be selected when you register for the event.
From carbon data to community stories, how do we know what’s working? This session looks at how we measure and communicate impact, and why it matters for funders, partners and the public.
Dr Pawas Bisht
Jo Hand
Toby Shaw AISEP
Sharon Walker
A timely conversation on how devolved powers can accelerate climate solutions at a local level — featuring insights into political leadership, place-shaping, and policy innovation.
Prof. Zoe Robinson
Garry Jones
Cliff Dennett
Joan Walley
What does it really mean to lead with purpose? This powerful conversation, with our keynote Mary Portas, explores the future of business, place and values.
Mary Portas
Kate Copeland-Rhodes
An energising call to action to close the day. What bold steps do we need to take next — as individuals, organisations and regions — to shape a fairer, greener future?
Mary Portas
Olly Ragg
Kate Copeland-Rhodes
Steven Griffin
Unwind, connect and celebrate the day with a drink and a dose of climate comedy from the brilliant Stuart Goldsmith. This reception also marks the fundraising moment of the day, supporting our ongoing work to accelerate place-based climate action across the Midlands. Contributions—big or small—are welcome and appreciated.
Stuart Goldsmith
Dr Simon George
Tom Bedford
This session explores how businesses can tap into local networks, resources, and funding to accelerate their sustainability goals. This practical session will highlight real-world examples and signpost tailored support available across Staffordshire and the wider region. Location: Workshop Room 1
Diane Roberts
Delivered by The Globe Group, this session offers a practical introduction to building a sustainability plan tailored to your organisation. Learn how to identify priorities, set achievable goals, and take meaningful action — whether you're just starting out or ready to level up your impact. Location: Workshop Room 2
Tom Bedford
Led by Jason Howlet CEO of the Energy Storage Association and Board Member of Staffordshire Community Energy, Jason will explore how energy storage really works — from batteries to site-level solutions. This interactive session combines a quick-fire overview with an open ‘energy surgery’ Q&A, offering impartial advice and real-world insights. Location: Workshop Room 2
Jason Howlett
Clear, honest communication is essential in today’s climate-conscious world. Through this session you’ll explore how to shape a compelling sustainability narrative that reflects your values, progress, and ambitions—without falling into the trap of greenwashing. We’ll look at how to turn data and metrics into meaningful, human-centred stories that resonate with customers, clients, and stakeholders. Location: Workshop Room 1
Daniel Cope CEnv MISEP
We’re delighted to announce that Mary Portas will headline this year’s Midlands Climate Expo, taking
As the Climate Expo & Sustainability Conference continues to grow year on year, so too
We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on one of our long-standing exhibitors: Solar Star Power.
The Alton Towers Hotel is located on site and we have agreed a special B&B room rate of £140. If you would like to book accommodation, please download and complete the ACOMMODATION BOOKING FORM, then email to reservations@alton-towers.com
A member of the hotel team will call you to confirm the reservation and to take payment.
