An upcoming event to be held in London in November is set to highlight the need for multi-sector partnerships and collaboration to tackle growing flood risk in the face of the accelerating impacts of climate change.

Floodex, which takes place in conjunction with the National Drainage show, will bring together flood experts to explore major policy issues and practical approaches – ranging from the use of civil engineering solutions, hard infrastructure flood defence assets and technologies to Nature Based Solutions including wetlands, catchment management and sustainable drainage.

All seminars and panel discussions in the Floodex Theatre, SuDS Theatre and Drainage Theatre are all free to attend for visitors, with CPD accreditation. The full programme will be published on the website mid-October.

This important event comes at a timely moment – following the recent review of the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan this week, the Environment Agency has launched a major consultation on the updated plan to protect London and the Essex and Kent coasts that border the River Thames from increased flood risks as climate change threatens to create higher sea levels.

Managing tidal flood risk and the impacts of climate change is more important today than it was 10 years ago, according to organisations in the Thames Estuary including councils, the Greater London Authority, infrastructure providers and developers.

Baroness Brown DBE FREng FRS, Chair of the Climate Change Committee’s adaptation committee and Chair of the advisory group that reviewed the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan, said:

“Significant sea-level rise is now inevitable, and even reaching global net zero – imperative to limit future warming – will not stop this rising tide.”

The conference and accompanying exhibition offers professionals charged with addressing the impacts of climate change, including accelerating flood risks, the opportunity to meet their counterparts and exchange ideas and experiences from across a range of sectors , including:

• Local Authorities
• Internal Drainage Boards
• engineering consultancies
• drainage engineers
• utility companies
• Lead Local Flood Authorities
• regional organisations
• flood insurance specialists
• community flood groups
• NGOs and environmental groups
• Regulatory organisations
• Developers
• Construction sector
• Critical infrastructure utilities providers – including transport, rail, road, power , telecoms and broadband 

Key issues the two day event will cover include developments in technical innovation for multi-benefits SuDS, surface water drainage strategy, Nature Based Solutions, blue-green infrastructure, hard engineering solutions and digital technologies, to mention just a few.

Jon Irwin, Event Director commented:

“We had a fantastic attendance at last year’s event and we’re already seeing a steady stream of registrations for Floodex 2022. It offers professionals with an interest or direct involvement in ensuring that the UK flood defence infrastructure is fit for a unique opportunity to network with their peers all under one roof.

“In addition, they can also meet current and new suppliers, source the latest products and new services and find out about the new technologies and other solutions on offer.

“Multi-sector partnerships and collaboration are key to addressing the major challenges the UK is now facing from climate change impacts. The utilities sector, transport, rail, road, power , telecoms and broadband services on which we all depend including transport, rail, road, power , telecoms and broadband are increasingly at risk from extreme weather events.

“More than ever we need to ensure that our flood infrastructure is resilient and fit to protect our critical national infrastructure. “

Click here to register for free entry to Floodex and the co-located National Drainage Show