2026 CARI Convention combines sessions, networking, and a fresh approach to federal advocacy
Education, market insight, and a renewed push for policy engagement will shape the 85th annual gathering in Gatineau, Quebec
Taking place from June 8th to 10th in Gatineau, Quebec, the Canadian Association of Recycling Industries' (CARI) 85th Annual Convention will bring together recycling professionals, industry experts, and emerging voices across North America at a time when market volatility and policy shifts are reshaping the sector.
The three-day event will kick off with a golf tournament on Monday morning, followed by an evening welcome reception designed to reconnect long-time members and introduce first-time attendees to the CARI community.
With a mix of structured programming and built-in opportunities for networking, the event is designed to foster practical conversations that attendees can take back to their operations. From yard managers to executives, participants will gain insight into how others in the industry are adapting to electrification, digitalization, and shifting regulatory expectations.
Strengthening federal advocacy for Canada's recycling industry
CARI's focus on industry alignment and forward-looking strategy extends beyond the convention itself. In a collaboration with PAA Advisory | Conseils, CARI has committed to strengthening government relations and policy engagement for Canada's recycled materials sector.
The advocacy program aims to elevate recycling industry priorities by improving visibility with federal decision-makers and ensuring that recycled materials issues are clearly understood and represented across all levels of government. As part of this partnership, CARI members will gain access to new opportunities, educational programs, and more timely communication channels.
"This partnership underscores CARI's ongoing commitment to providing strong value for members and ensuring Canada's recycling industry is represented at the highest levels of government," says Jacqueline Lotzkar, president and CEO of CARI.
CARI Next Gen (40 & Under) initiatives
In addition to the opportunities presented by the annual convention, CARI members can look forward to Next Gen events for those 40 and under. Hosted by a different representative for each province, the events will provide specialized educational programming and networking for the next generation of members across Canada.
The first interactive event will feature executive coach, David Boulos, guiding a workshop titled "Transformational Leadership & Self-Awareness," on May 14, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Grand Times Hotel Laval in Quebec. Attendees can expect to uncover blind spots, strengthen their leadership presence, and build a personal leadership commitment that can be applied immediately in work and life.
Sessions and educational opportunities
Alongside scheduled opportunities for socializing and networking, attendees can look forward to educational sessions that focus on critical issues in the recycling industry, like technology, commodities, and leadership.
Check out the selection of curated events and panels below to see how CARI is supporting its members through a changing world.
1. Opening Keynote Speaker: Dr. Jody Carrington
June 9 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bestselling author and psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington transforms complex human challenges into actionable insights for leadership. To set the tone of the convention, Dr. Carrington's Keynote Session will outline how to create a foundation of resilient leadership, strong teams, and healthy communities. She draws on two decades of front-line experience working in inpatient psychiatry, advising Fortune 500 companies, and showing how leaders can connect in a disconnected world.
2. The Slow Death of Heavy Equipment: How to Make it Happen Faster
June 9 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Colleen Miller, chief sales officer at SENNEBOGEN, will take the stage to discuss how effective maintenance is essential in ensuring operational efficiency, equipment longevity, and workplace safety. This educational presentation provides a comprehensive overview of best practices for common recycling machines like hydraulic material handlers. As well, specific tips on preventative maintenance and cost-saving techniques will be highlighted through real-world studies.
3. Economic Outlook Session
June 9 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Featured speaker Blake Hurtik from Argus Media will bring valuable insights into the external forces shaping recycled materials and metals markets. Hurtik runs a 12-person metals team covering ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, steel, ferroalloys, minor metals, and base metals. This session is a must-attend for anyone interested in understanding current market conditions and future speculations.
4. Next Generation Panel
June 9 | 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Focusing on the next generation of leaders in recycling, Slone Fox, editor of Recycling Product News, will moderate a dynamic discussion with young leaders in the industry — including Dan Lundquist of Rypac Metal Recycling; Chaise Coughlan of Triple M Metal; Chrysten Newton of PMR Inc.; and Sam Shine of Freight 130/Manitoba Corporation. The NextGen Panel will analyze how emerging and established leaders shape the industry with fresh perspectives, bold ideas, and a commitment to inclusion and innovation across the supply chain.
5. Government Relations Panel
June 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
In conjunction with CARI's partnership with PAA Advisory | Conseils which strengthens federal government relations and policy engagement for Canada's recycled materials sector, this panel will outline CARI policies and initiatives that benefit recycling organizations across the supply chain.
6. Closing Keynote Session: AI Microsoft Session
June 10 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
John Weigelt, CTO of Microsoft Canada, will discuss AI's real-world impact, tech trends, digital transformation, and how the economy is changing rapidly in the age of intelligent technology. The Closing Keynote Session promises to help organizations evolve alongside new tools and ensure they don't get left behind.
7. CARI Resources Panel
June 10 | 2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Panelists Shannon Fertitta of RIOS, Mike Morrison of NASCO-OP, Jodi Laplante of Agro Insurance, and Ryan Burns of Cowan Insurance Group discuss how recycling organizations can rely on CARI resources to manage and expand their businesses.
8. Commodity Panel
June 10 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Kirstyn Petras, a senior price reporter at Fastmarkets, will lean on her expert insights into the non-ferrous recycled materials market to moderate the 2026 Commodity Panel. Aaron Rosenthal of Ingot Metal Company brings his experience purchasing scrap metal to discuss current price trends in copper.
This article originally appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Recycling Product News.
