In the last five months, Sam, Nathan and I have attended a CIEEM conference in Nottingham and The Ecology expo in Warwickshire. Both events were held over two days and allowed us connect with existing clients and candidates, make new friends, learn about our industry and have some fun (and maybe a glass of wine) along the way.

In a sector that is constantly evolving, it has become abundantly apparent that attending ecology conferences and expos is one of the most effective ways for anyone involved in the ecology sector to stay informed, connected and competitive. Whether you are early in your career or operating at a senior level, these events offer real value that goes far beyond a day out of the office.

Ecology is shaped by changing policy, legislation and best practice. From Biodiversity Net Gain to evolving survey methodologies (such as the use of thermal drones, soil acoustics technology and detection dogs) conferences tend to provide direct access to the latest thinking and guidance. This helps ensure your work remains relevant, robust and aligned with current standards. In our experience, both the CIEEM conference and Ecology Expo put on a number of talks that help Ecologists understand how legislative change and technological advancement is being implemented in the real world.

Over the years, we have also come to appreciate that the ecology sector is driven by caring, passionate and generally bloody nice people. It is a sector that revolves around relationships, new and old. Conferences and expos bring together consultants, developers, academics, (and recruitment experts!) all in one place. These events create a platform to build connections, share experiences and develop relationships that can support your career for years to come.

A big learn for Sam and I was seeing some of the tech and products that are being developed to support with surveying and reporting. We hear a lot about how AI is shaping the future of surveys and for me, it was comforting to see that this will (in the main) not displace jobs, but rather make the work ecologists do more accurate over larger areas, in a shorter space of time – ultimately this is a huge positive for nature.

From a career development point of view, being present at industry will help raise your profile. Over time, you may become a familiar face within the sector, which can increase the likelihood of new opportunities being presented to you.

In conclusion then, attending ecology conferences and expos is not just about learning, it is about positioning yourself within the industry. By staying informed, building relationships with amazing people over a well-earned beer and engaging with the wider sector, you put yourself in a stronger position to develop your career and make a meaningful impact in ecology.