Show preview: Network, learn & explore at ISRI2024

With more than 365 exhibitors on the largest exhibit floor of any recycling event, the 2024 edition of the ISRI Convention and Exhibition taking place in Las Vegas, NV, April 15-18 offers countless equipment demonstrations to see, innovative technologies to experience, and knowledgeable professionals to connect with. Opening night will feature a first-time convention attendee welcome and exhibit hall opening reception, and the show will close out with a party at TAO Beach Club. Attendees can also look forward to focused networking events, such as the Women in Recycling and the Young Executives receptions. 

"I believe over the last several years, we have really refined what we deliver to attendees to ensure that they get the networking opportunities they value, the educational sessions that grow their business, and the thought leadership from keynote speakers that inspires them," says ISRI President Robin Wiener. "We have dialed in on this formula by truly listening to what our attendees value and then surpassing what they could even imagine in terms of an experience."

In between networking, attendees can look forward to more than 30 sessions from over 120 speakers covering topics like government relations, commodity markets, and everything in between. According to Wiener, the sessions are targeted so that any member of a company can find insights that are relevant to their position.

The sessions are divided into seven education tracks: Advocacy & Public Relations; Environmental Health & Safety; EVs & Batteries; Executive Management & Leadership; Markets & Trade; Operations; and Sustainability. Each track hones in on a key area of business for recyclers, such as Environmental Health & Safety which discusses protecting the health of MRF employees and surrounding communities, or Operations which covers business planning, legal issues, securing credit, and more. Here are eight sessions that you won't want to miss.

1. FISHING IN OTHER PONDS: CREATIVE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Finding and keeping the right employees is always a challenge. This session will feature ISRI members who have successfully used innovative hiring techniques and partnerships to fill their workforce needs. Speakers will share stories and tips for training employees from the ground up using apprenticeship systems, hiring individuals with disabilities, programs to widen candidate pools to more diverse populations, and giving people leaving the criminal justice system a second chance. Attendees will walk away with practical examples and resources to help their HR departments and managers build creative new partnerships to find great people.

Speakers: Kari Bliss, Principal Sustainability, PADNOS; Carol DeBellis SCP, SPHR, GPHR, SVP Human Resources, ERI; Mark Hodgson, Regional General Manager, SA Recycling; Stef Murray, Chief DEI Officer & VP of HR, Radius Recycling, Kathleen Parks, Senior Director, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

2. CHARTING THE UNKNOWN: UNRAVELING PFAS, REGULATIONS & INDUSTRY CONCERNS

Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Everlasting and pervasive, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing attention from policymakers and regulators across the nation. This session seeks to educate the recycling industry about these widespread chemicals, their multi-layered legislative and regulatory patchwork, and the specific challenges they pose to the industry. 

3. FROM VISIONARIES TO LEADERS: BREAKING BARRIERS IN THE RECYCLED MATERIALS INDUSTRY

Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.

In recent years, the essential role of women in the recycled materials industry has gained increased visibility, leading to more opportunities for female leaders. This shift increases diversity and creates equal opportunities, both of which are vital to the future growth and success of the industry. This session highlights and celebrates the success of women in recycling who have broken barriers as leaders and visionaries and discusses how we can maintain momentum for future generations.

4. MARKETING OVER BRANDING: HOW FOCUSING ON MARKETING ACTUALLY BUILDS BRAND

Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.

In the ever-evolving world of recycled materials, distinguishing between branding and marketing is paramount. This session is designed to illuminate how a strategic marketing approach can organically cultivate a robust and enduring brand within the recycled materials sector. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and industry insights, this session will equip attendees with the tools to leverage marketing's power, enhancing their brand presence, and driving business success.
Speakers: Jennifer Betts, CEO, Recycled Media; Brett Ekart, CEO, United Metals Recycling; Stuart Kagan, Co-Founder, Buddy.

5. SPARKING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES: EMPOWERING TOMORROW'S ECO-CHAMPIONS

Thursday, April 17, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

This session aims to empower the eco-champions of tomorrow through a dynamic blend of technology-driven education and local outreach. This session will explore innovative approaches to engage children and young minds in sustainable practices. Harnessing the power of technology, it will showcase interactive tools, educational apps, and virtual experiences designed to captivate young audiences and instill a passion for environmental stewardship.

6. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE RECYCLED MATERIALS INDUSTRY

Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Having a platform that aligns with current times in the recycled materials industry is a game changer - but that's just the beginning. In the near future, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) innovations will help you work smarter, faster, and more profitably than ever before. Learn how businesses are adopting new technologies like large language models, computer vision, and more to improve productivity, cut costs, and improve worker safety. Panelists will share case studies on how their work in AI has transformed analogous industries, like manufacturing and logistics, and lessons learned along the way.
Speakers: Josh Singer, Eigen Consulting; Dennis Xu, Co-Founder, Mem Labs.

7. THE FORMULA FOR SOCIAL MEDIA SUCCESS

Thursday, April 18, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Social media marketing can be intimidating to small businesses because it has a lot of moving parts. This comprehensive social media workshop will help you learn how to prioritize things and give you a clear formula to be successful on social media. Build your content strategy, discover must-have social media tools, and leverage social media marketing to start engaging with your customers and increase your sales.
Speaker: Stephen Donnelly, Stephen Donnelly and Associates.

8. ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN BATTERY HANDLING

Thursday, April 18, 2:00 – 3:15 pm

Safe handling of batteries entering the recycling stream is of utmost importance, and following industry-wide best practices is essential. This session will focus on current and updated best practices and regulatory requirements, as well as some of the challenges of acquiring insurance and maintaining safety in the electronics recycling sector.