LAB, the trade fair and conference for analysis, bio and laboratory equipment, has announced the first in a series of conference programmes to take place at the 2009 event on 27-29 October.
The UK Science Park Association (UKSPA) has joined Leipziger Messe to organise two day-long programmes: an informative conference stream focusing on current issues and best practices for laboratories; and a Business Forum.
'Laboratory - Design, Management and Operation' is a one-day event, taking place on the first conference day, 27 October.
Sessions will cover the latest trends, current best practice and future prospects for UK laboratories.
Speakers such as Steffen Springer, managing director of Waldner, Mark Bryan of CUH2A HDR, Malcolm Tait of KJ Tait Engineers and Prof Peter James will discuss current developments in the UK laboratory sector.
In addition, Norman Mortell of Agenda Resources Management will be looking at the topical issue of laboratory security.
The conference will include talks on the following key industry topics: laboratory refurbishment; achieving the low-carbon laboratory; best practice in laboratory design; impact of recent legislation and compliance issues from registration of chemicals to new guidance on local exhaust ventilation; and re-engineering redundant and outdated research space.
Sessions will focus on current issues and technologies ranging from clean rooms to energy efficiency.
The UKSPA has also organised a one-day Business Forum for visitors, taking place on 28 October.
The Business Forum will feature speakers including Alex Clarke, Photonics Cluster (UK) project manager, Aston Science Park; Mike Pagan, managing director at Breaking Frontiers; and John Sealey, director at Your Marketing Matters.
The UKSPA contribution will ensure that the Business Forum demonstrates the role that science parks - and other UK environments - play in delivering solutions at a time of economic downturn.
The UKSPA is working with Aston Science Park to ensure that these sessions are both relevant and practical to the businesses that attend the forum.
The sessions will cover: safeguarding your commercial interests in a recession; what support is available to companies during the downturn; UK Trade Investment (UKTI) - working competitively overseas; Technology Strategy Board (TSB) - small business initiatives; and maintaining the sales pipeline.
As well as speakers from UKTI and TSB, the presenters will also focus on the business services available through UK science parks.
