Here for the long haul

WasteExpo, the annual event for waste and recycling industry experts, is returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center May 6-9. Fresh off its 50th anniversary last year, organizers say they’re looking forward to an even more promising show this year.

“Registration numbers are up from last year, which is amazing considering it was a record-setting event,” says Liz Bothwell, group marketing director for Waste360, which is based in Connecticut. “We invite the industry’s amazing waste, recycling and organics professionals to learn in the five-star conference program, see 600-plus exhibitors waiting with the solutions they need and connect with 14,000 peers and experts alike.”

Targeted interests

This year’s conference program features six tracks for attendees to choose from: Business Insights and Policy; Collection and Transfers; Organics Recycling, Composting and Biogas; Food Recovery Forum; Processing and Disposal; and Technology and Innovation. Once an attendee narrows his or her focus, he or she can participate in targeted informational sessions at the conference.

The Food Recovery Forum track is back by popular demand, with a focus on efforts and solutions that reduce, rescue and recover food waste. Presentations feature successful initiatives, model programs and case studies that are generating change in this area of increasing importance to consumers and cities.

Also returning to WasteExpo this year are Spotlight Sessions that focus on the top industry trends. One of this year’s Spotlight Sessions is a “fireside chat” with Richard Burke, the CEO of Advanced Disposal, Ponte Vedra, Florida.

New additions

WasteExpo 2019 features several new elements, including the Business Growth Forum, which is a half-day seminar designed for small and midsize companies looking for financial strategies that go beyond day-to-day operations.

An entire half day is dedicated to workshops on safety, zero waste, recycling and food waste. The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, hosts a safety symposium, while another workshop focuses on how to start a food waste diversion program. Other workshops address recycling myths and legends and a certified training program for achieving zero waste.

Other new components at WasteExpo 2019 include the Public Sector Networking Event that was created to welcome those attendees and help them connect with peers and experts; the Spanish Super Session, a free education course designed for Spanish-speaking attendees; and two People’s Choice sessions designed to let attendees decide what they want to learn.

WasteExpo is organized in partnership with the NWRA and Stu Buckner, president of Buckner Environmental Associates LLC of East Islip, New York.

“It’s the industry’s annual reunion,” Bothwell says of WaseExpo. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to Vegas in May.”

The author is assistant editor for Waste Today, a sister publication of Recycling Today. Contact her at tcottom@gie.net.