This year’s WASTECON is back to an in-person event! Held in Orlando from November 1 – 4, this week’s event kicked off on Monday with a great opening session featuring several speakers talking about the challenges of the past year, the reliance of the industry and how important it was that attendees were part of SWANA. Kathryn Sandoe kicked off the session by welcoming attendees and talked about finding a sense of connection and belonging by being a part of SWANA. She stressed that there are many opportunities to support the organization and she hoped that attendees felt a sense of normalcy throughout the event. Sandoe also talked about the schedule of incredible speakers and sessions to help teams create sustainable futures for facilities. She stressed that there would be many opportunities throughout the week to explore new ideas and ask the right questions. She encouraged attendees to connect with one another, set goals and accountability, and make the most of their time at WASTECON.
Next, Keith Power, SWANA Florida Chapter President welcomed the audience to Florida and said that it was great to see everyone face to face and to make sure that everyone enjoys not only the conference but what the city had to offer. David Biderman then took the stage and talked about how the past two years have challenged the industry like never before, with issues in labor shortages, supply chains, pandemic affects, rise in residential collection and more. He explained how SWANA kept up with these many changes by pivoting from in-person to virtual sessions, issued important research papers, improved certification programs and more. With 47 chapters and 7 technical divisions, Biderman was confident that the organization’s membership would grow to more than 11,000 in 2022. He stressed that one of reasons SWANA has maintained its influence is because it is constantly in the mass media as a recognized source of data and knowledge. SWANA is also the leading voice to government for programs and funding. He urged attendees to attend at least one of the safety summit sessions — at the end of the day, we all want to make sure industry professionals go home to their families and it is important that we get this industry off of the list of the 10 most dangerous jobs. He said that while WASTECON this year is a little smaller, it will give attendees a more intimate experience with opportunities to reconnect and see colleagues and exhibitors. He also stressed that we need to realize that the new normal will be different but SWANA will be there every step of the way. He closed by thanking the sponsors, attendees, and hardworking SWANA staff and looks forward to hearing from attendees this week on how to make the association even better.
SWANA President, Brenda Haney talked about her experiences and the value of the organization, what attendees will see in the exhibit hall, what topics they will hear and the importance of networking. She stressed that attendees’ experiences, perspectives and insights make it a better conference and said thank you to local host. She also recognized committee chairs, Tammy Hayes and Jason Timmons for their hard work in making the event possible.
Closing out the session, the keynote speaker Ron Gonen, Founder and CEO of Closed Loop Partners, appeared via live video and spoke about the market forces advancing transition to circularity. He explained what the circular economy is (linear vs circular),the new economic model, and what are some of the drivers, including product design, recycled content, material science, commodity risk, management, regulation, increase margins and customer preferences. He also talked about the new types of technologies and the fact that the circular economy needs all stakeholders at the table. He explained that preemptive colllaborations are important and sees the biggest opportunities right now are in organics.
After the opening sessions, attendees made their way down to the exhibit hall where they had the opportunity to network with colleagues, friends and get a preview of what exhibitors had to offer. We look forward to the rest of the week to see and talk with attendees at this great event!
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