Beijing

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) will hold its spring
World Recycling Convention May 29-31 in Beijing. In addtion to networking with recycling experts from throughout the world, the convention will give BIR members the opportunity to explore China’s vibrant economy, history and culture.

According to the BIR, the convention will focus on doing business within China, which is the world’s fastest growing consumer of secondary materials, and attendees will have the opportunity to network with potential customers.

In addition to networking opportunities, the World Recycling Convention will also include presentations from recognized industry experts who will address the international market outlook for various secondary commodities in the near and middle terms.

MAKING ACQUAINTANCES. The China World Hotel, part of the China World Trade Centre complex in the heart of Beijing’s diplomatic and business district, will host the conference, which will include a number of networking opportunities.

The BIR will host a networking event the evening of Tuesday, May 30, at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. All BIR registered delegates, guests and spouses are invited to the "Imperial Evening," which will include various Chinese foods and performances in the temple’s courtyard. The Imperial Ancestral Temple dates back to 1420 and was built under the Ming dynasty. Following the Communist takeover, the temple was converted into the Working People’s Cultural Palace and houses operas and other cultural events.

If early registrations are any indication, attendance at the convention should be strong. According to the BIR Web site, as of March 8, "we have more registered delegates than at the same time before the Barcelona Convention, which reached a total of more than 900 delegates and about 200 accompanying persons and was amongst the most successful conventions ever organized in the history of BIR." While the BIR does not anticipate the same level of attendance for the May 2006 gathering, the organization is "confident" that it will receive "an impressive number" of delegates, according to its Web site.

As usual, the spring meeting will include an exhibit area featuring companies that offer recovery and processing technologies to the recycling industry. According to the BIR, there should be a strong showing among exhibitors, as two-thirds of the exhibition area was pre-booked when the exhibitor programs were sent out.

The BIR will also offer larger hospitality booths for rent at the World Recycling Conference that will enable companies to welcome their clients in a more private setting. The booths will be in the main foyer of the China World Hotel, opposite the main meeting room and exhibition area.

In addition to these networking opportunities, the World Recycling Conference will also feature informative speakers and workshops.

DOWN TO BUSINESS. Plenary sessions, which begin Monday, May 29, and conclude Wednesday, May 31, will be simultaneously translated in English, French, German and Chinese. Plenary sessions are open to all registered delegates. (Please refer to the sidebar on p. 89 for a complete listing of plenary sessions and times.)