The
2023 MRN/SWANA Mid-Atlantic Conference is in the books. This year’s conference exceeded all expectations with a near-record number of attendees --- 25% higher than last year!
Click here to see who registered.
The program was a packed lineup featuring the hottest – and some mildly hot – topics relevant to both the recycling and solid waste industries. Throughout the day, there was also plenty of opportunity to visit and chat with our 22 vendors, and to do that all-important networking with our peers.
The day began with breakfast (and lots of coffee!) followed by a panel discussion on
how to attract and keep qualified labor in the post-pandemic supply chain strained economy.
Attendees then moved to the breakout sessions where they had the choice of getting an
update on recycling markets or learning about
landfill gas to energy innovations, which included
crypto currency and
RNG systems.
Following a quick break with a chance to visit our exhibitors, attendees gathered to hear the latest on the
Maryland legislative front including how we did and what will happen next.
During lunch, SWANA presented scholarships to three recipients. MRN followed with a quick business meeting where members elected the 2023-24 BOD, then presented a plaque to outgoing MRN president Maria Myers. Myers served two consecutive terms as president as well as several terms as director. Then, to his great surprise, the BOD presented the
Dwight Copenhaver Recycler of the Year to MRN’s Executive Director Peter Houstle for his outstanding service to MRN since 2007.
We were also treated to a presentation from
Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary
Serena McIlwain, who shared MDE’s priorities and plans for the future. The Secretary stayed afterwards for a quick chat with several attendees.
After lunch (which was delicious), attendees headed back down for two more sets of breakout sessions. The first session offered a choice between a panel discussion on the
innovative reuse programs or an update on
stormwater discharge permitting. The second breakout sessions offered a panel discussion on the
commercial side of food diversion or a session on how to
design and implement an effective safety training program.
The conference closed out with a great general session on how (whether we’re ready or not)
EVs are the next big thing and what that means for the industry.
Click here to view pdfs of the speaker slide decks.
After the conference, those that chose to stay indulged in crabs and BBQ while listening to a little bluegrass. And as an added bonus, a number of attendees took some time off on Tuesday to take a tour of the Linganore Winery or check out Howard County’s Composting facility.
*Mark your calendar for next year's Annual Conference on June 10, 2024 at Turf Valley!
As always, a special thanks to our sponsors, whom we couldn’t do this without, and all the exhibitors for spending the day with us.