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04 Oct 2024 < Back

A review of the 2024 Waterproofing and Preservation conferences

The PCA conferences have for a long time been our flagship events, an opportunity to promote knowledge and raise standards. This year was no exception. We can now look back on what was unquestionably a successful event and it was great to see so many new and familiar faces. 

This year’s conference looked very different. For the first time in a number of years we moved venue and this time round the property care and waterproofing conference were on back to back days.  

The calibre of presentations was as high as ever this year, having a deliberate focus on back-to-core business of most members in both the waterproofing and preservation sector. The preservation sector covered bugs, decay and salts in masonry walls, while the waterproofing brought us waterproofing of existing structures and warranties. 

Rather than break down each individual session or presentation this review will cover some of the highlights and main themes of the events.

The first session of the preservation day was particularly hard hitting with Nadhia Khan giving a brutally honest account of some the shortfalls by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing that led to the tragic death of young Awaab Ishaak. Also, within the morning session was Chetna Parmar who provided her perspective as a barrister specialising in despair claims.

The final session at the Property Care Conference was a continuation of a theme started last year where we considered blaming lifestyle. The consensus of the panel was we need to move away from tenant blaming but equally that we need to support our opinions with data. 

As with their previous appearances both Nicholas Donnithorne, Rentokil, and Dave Cook, Cook Group Ltd arguably managed to steal the show, each with the own technical expertise delivered in their own unique styles. 

To view the official conference pictures, click below.

Property Care Conference 2024

Structural Waterproofing Conference 2024

 

Context and something a bit more sobering 

We are led to believe the construction industry has come so far in recent years, following on from high profile events such as the Grenfell tragedy. However news broke during the conference about the collapse of ISG, which felt eerily similar to the Carillion collapse in 2018. This obviously got many asking the question, is the industry is genuinely learning from its mistakes? This message was perhaps reinforced during the panel debate on waterproofing day, where panelist Gary Cass, Hertfordshire Building Control, provided some statistics on the concerning low uptake of the Building Safety Act, a sentiment echoed by many of the other panelist.

When speaking to members, too frequently I hear they have lost out due to ‘the great race to the bottom’. Increased competency and promotion of higher standards has very much been at the heart of what the association has stood for and this is a topic that we will look to expand upon.

Feedback 

Preparation has already begun for next year's events, with all conferences scheduled for November 2025. To help us deliver the most relevant and informative conferences, we would love to hear your feedback. This helps us ensure the events are as relevant and informative for you as possible. Even if you did not attend the events your input would be welcome as it can helps make sure the next event is right for you.

Complete our feedback form

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