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Technical
Sessions, Training Courses: the Basis for Great Networking
By
John Trotti
Why do we
go to trade shows, conventions, conferences, expositions,
symposia, or even-more-casual get-togethers relating
to waste management - or whatever?
While there
are probably as many answers as there are attendees
at these events, among them you will probably find such
attractions as product and equipment displays, exposure
to a broad array of ideas and practices, and the opportunity
to rub elbows with friends and associates or network
with colleagues from afar, to engage in a wide variety
of social activities, and to take advantage of a number
of training and educational opportunities.
In most cases
we settle for one or two or three of these features,
but as previous attendees will tell you, WASTECON is
special because for professionals in the field it meets
all those criteria - and others no doubt I've failed
to observe.
That said,
I feel that the underlying reason so many people return
again and again to WASTECON is the opportunity to turn
the extensive array of professional training and education
programs into a springboard for ad hoc but focused discussions
on issues raised in the various presentations. While
the sessions themselves might be filled with vital information
presented in exciting, and even entertaining, ways,
what I view as the most important aspect is the energy
and quality of the many discussions that follow.
For one thing,
you can be assured that the attendees of a particular
session know that no matter what insight and wisdom
emanates from the podium, much lively and absorbing
debate is sure to take place in the hallways afterward.
For another,
most presenters to whom I've listened and then spoken
afterward tell me they look forward to participating
in these exit discussions, considering this to be a
valuable and rewarding part of the presentation experience
as well.
What's
on Tap at WASTECON 2004?
Trade
Show - Check out the newest equipment, systems,
services, and technologies.
Technical
Sessions - Learn the latest from top professionals
in the field. Each day offers seven to nine concurrent
sessions organized into 10 tracks:
- Collection
& Transfer
- Communication,
Education & Marketing
- Elected
& Appointed Officials
- Federal
Employees
- Landfill
Gas
- Landfill
Management
- Planning
& Management
- Recycling,
Waste Reduction & Composting
- Special
Waste
- Waste-to-Energy
Training
Courses - By attending SWANA's training courses,
you can meet many different objectives:
- Satisfy
state requirements, if applicable.
- Develop
professionally.
- Earn
continuing education units.
- Increase
productivity.
Local
Facility Tours - See how other facilities are run
firsthand. WASTECON offers four different full-day tours
to local facilities.
Certification/Recertification
Opportunities - Earn recertification hours by attending
the technical sessions, training courses, and facility
tours.
Social Events
- Relax with your colleagues during WASTECON's evening
events: Monday's Opening Reception and Wednesday's '70s
Disco Party.
Making
the Most of the Experience
The first
step is to sign up for WASTECON 2004 (www.WASTECON.org)
and then get there ready to take part in as many activities
as your feet and schedule permit. While we all naturally
gravitate toward friends and prior associates with whom
we feel comfortable, you owe it to yourself and others
to make a habit of speaking with strangers and including
others in your own discussion groups. Finally, it is
important to develop a personal commitment to these
discussions. Share your thoughts and experiences with
others and listen to what they have to say with the
same concern and enthusiasm.
John Trotti
is the editor of MSW Management.
MSW
- July/August 2004
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