By Thomas Metzger

For more than 40 years WasteExpo has been North America’s largest solid waste and recycling tradeshow serving the private and public sectors. WasteExpo offers a comprehensive schedule of events and activities for attendees to learn more about the latest technologies around solid waste and recycling, ways to keep your employees safer on the job, opportunities to network with thousands of industry leaders and experts and meet potential customers or vendors. If you are reading this article, you should plan to be at the 2013 WasteExpo in New Orleans from May 20 to 23.

The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), the Waste Equipment Technology Association (WASTEC) and Penton Media (the organizer of Expo) have planned a number of events and activities that make up the 2013 Expo schedule.

For example, NSWMA and WASTEC plan a comprehensive slate of conference sessions and workshops for Expo attendees, where conference attendees have the opportunity to learn about all aspects of the solid waste and recycling industry. There are three days with more than 40 sessions, including concurrent tracks covering topics such as recycling, safety, sustainability, finance, legal issues, community relations, collection issues, technologies and health issues. These sessions feature leading experts who understand not only the subject that they are covering, but also how the subject specifically relates to the solid waste and recycling industry.

In addition to these educational sessions, NSWMA and WASTEC have planned three exciting lunch programs. On Monday, we have scheduled a lunch program “Living Legends: Success Stories from Industry Leaders” featuring Charlie Appleby, President and Chief Executive Officer, Advanced Disposal Services, Inc., and Scott Dols, President and Chief Executive Officer, Big Truck Rental, LLC. On Tuesday, the lunch program, “Sustainability: Moving from Disposal to Materials and Energy Management,” will detail current trends, sustainable infrastructure beneficial uses, and industry positioning. Wednesday’s lunch program, “What to Expect from OSHA in 2013 and Beyond,” will present practical recommendations about how to respond to OSHA inspections and understand employee rights and defend against regulatory action.

One more important NSWMA and WASTEC event that is held during Expo is the annual Inspirational and Awards Breakfast where the waste industry gathers to recognize industry leaders for their commitments and contributions. Industry greats will be inducted into the NSWMA and WASTEC Hall of Fame, and Drivers of the Year will be recognized for their service.

The EIA Future Industry Leaders Alliance (FILA) is planning a new addition to the WasteExpo schedule with the launch of the FILA 5K Fun Run/Walk. Runners and walkers of all capabilities should come out the morning of May 25th to participate in the event. Proceeds will be used to help FILA establish a goodwill program to serve others in the association or to support worthwhile established charities. Awards will be presented to the top three male and top three female finishers. Registrants will receive an event t-shirt and water bottle.

The EIA Women’s Council is pleased to once again present Carts on Parade, a sponsored art competition. Entrants  are provided a 65-gallon wheeled trash cart that they may decorate with artwork. Their decorated carts will be prominently displayed at WasteExpo and may be included in a parade on the show floor.

These and other activities make WasteExpo a conference that anyone associated with the solid waste and recycling industry cannot miss. Learn more and register today at wasteexpo.com.