Meet the Headline Speakers at ESS Expo 2026
From MPs and policymakers to sustainability leaders and technical experts, ESS Expo's headline speakers represent some of the most influential voices across the environmental sector. Included in your free ticket, you can explore our drop-in theatres across the show floor to learn from experts, discover new ideas and gain practical knowledge and takeaways.
Discover our headline speakers taking to the stage below, and explore the agenda to find out who's on when, along with the rest of our line up!
Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, will explore the growing risks posed by PFAS and discuss what action government must take to address these persistent pollutants.
Julia Buckley MP will join Judy Procter from the Environment Agency to examine how national flood resilience standards are being implemented and what they mean for future infrastructure and development projects.
Abby Chicken of Openreach will share how organisations can unlock sustainability benefits by reusing and optimising existing infrastructure to support circular economy goals.
Carolyn Cadman of South West Water and Judy Procter of the Environment Agency will discuss the challenges facing the water sector and the lessons that may surprise both industry professionals and the public.
Jamie Riley of Robinson Packaging will reveal what it takes to design plastic packaging that is genuinely recycled in practice, not just recyclable in theory.
Mariah Rizzo of Lime Technology will explore the operational and regulatory challenges of lithium-ion battery recycling and how businesses are adapting to meet growing demand.
Oliver Orlik of SBTi will join industry leaders to discuss tackling Scope 3 emissions, supply chain decarbonisation and the evolving role of corporate net-zero standards.
Rob Smith of Material Index will join a panel exploring how deconstruction can maximise material recovery, reduce waste and unlock greater value from the built environment.
Sam Bower of Balfour Beatty will join a panel examining natural capital as critical infrastructure and the role ecosystems play in supporting resilience, biodiversity and economic growth.
Wayne Visser of Católica Porto Business School will explore the breakthrough technologies with the greatest potential to deliver a net-zero, nature-positive future, including the opportunities and risks of AI.
Steve Birch of Tarmac will join industry experts to discuss how concrete reuse, recovery and recycling can help drive more sustainable construction and demolition practices.
