As Long as the Public Sector is Responsible for Waste Management … There’ll Always Be a WASTECON

By John Trotti

Technical sessions, training courses, great networking, a grand expo of products and services … and this year it’s in Austin, TX, a city chock-a-block with surprises (and bats).

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, 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 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 more.

Many attendees view WASTECON as an 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 may 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 afterwards.

For another, most presenters to whom I’ve listened and then spoken afterwards 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.

But for my money, the real value of WASTECON lies on the trade show floor where theory gives way to practice. It’s there that attendees and exhibitors get a chance to focus on real issues and come up with workable solutions…something that only can happen at an event such as WASTECON.

What’s on Tap at this Year’s WASTECON?

Trade Show Pavilions
Check out the newest equipment, systems, services, and technologies in their specialty areas.

• Information Technology
• E-Waste/Lamp Recycling
• Organics
• Recycled Products
• Construction & Demolition

Technical Sessions
Learn the latest from top professionals in the field. Each day offers seven to nine concurrent sessions organized into 10 tracks.

• Collection and Transfer
• Communication, Education, and Marketing
• E-Waste
• Landfill Gas
• Landfill Management
• Organics Management and Composting
• Planning & Management
• Recycling, Waste Reduction, and Composting
• Special Waste
• Waste-to-Energy and Waste Conversion

Training Courses
By attending SWANA’s training courses, you can meet many different objectives.

• Satisfy state requirements, if applicable
• Professional development
• Earn CEUs
• Increase productivity

Texas Chapter Road-E-O
See how Texans herd their equipment.

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 2005 (www.swana.org). 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.

MSW - July/August 2005