The ReMA Great Lakes Chapter has set Aug. 27-29, 2024, for its first Great Lakes Regional Conference at the Erie Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The conference features a vendor exhibit hall, and a dynamic schedule of educational and networking events. Attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in a fishing tournament, golf tournament, kayaking, and sailing excursion on the Victorian Princess.
The Great Lakes Regional Conference is led by ReMA member Andrew Lincoln, and the conference has a cooperative, member-minded history behind it. Lincoln worked on the three-day concept for the event since 2022. His goal was to have the Exhibit Hall as the main attraction, combined with a strong speaker, fun activities, and multiple networking evening events.
“The event originally materialized from the Vendor Expo that the Northern Ohio and Pittsburgh Chapters jointly hosted for many years,” said Lincoln. “I felt there was an opportunity to expand and include the Empire Chapter, which also has a similar event held shortly after ours. After several discussions with the neighboring chapters, which were all in favor, we had our first unofficial committee meeting at the national board meeting in Denver in October 2023. At the request of current Northen Ohio Chapter President Eric Philips, we included the Ohio Valley and Michigan chapters, and the event name was born: The Great Lakes Regional!”
Closing night features keynote speaker Matt Auslam, Green Beret and Special Forces Command Sergeant at USASOC. During the event, the chapter will present its Women in Recycling Award. Two networking receptions will be available, the late-night reception on Day One at Oliver’s Beer Garden, and the Joint Young Executive and Women in Recycling Social at the Pier 6 Rooftop Bar and Restaurant.
According to Lincoln, the support from event exhibitors/vendors has been tremendous and 75% of the Exhibit Hall has sold. Eriez Magnetics, headquartered in Erie, has agreed to sponsor a manufacturing tour of its testing facility.
“Being the northern-most member of the ReMA Pittsburgh Chapter, I’m excited to host the inaugural event in my hometown of Erie, Pennsylvania,” added Lincoln. “The Bayfront Convention Center and adjoining hotels have been wonderful to work with and offer beautiful views of the Erie waterfront and Presque Isle Bay.”
Premiere sponsors are Sennebogen and Benlee, and opportunities to join as a sponsor and/or exhibitor are still available here.
“I encourage everyone to join us,” said Lincoln. “It will be the biggest recycling exhibit hall in the region! Roof top bars and beer gardens are the perfect places to network. The beautiful views of Lake Erie are priceless, and if you can find the time, 70+ degree water to dip your toes into,” said Lincoln.
Register today and be part of the excitement of the inaugural Great Lakes Regional Conference!
