Many of the programs available in ISRI2021 will remain available to convention registrants through May 20 on demand. The exhibit hall will remain open during that time as well.

The ISRI2021 convention and exposition is nearly over. No matter your job, experience level, or location, we hope you’ve found something valuable to take back to your organization at the recycling industry’s largest gathering. Before this year’s event is history, here’s a look ahead at Day Six, the final day.

Environmental Justice: What Is It and Why Is It Important, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT

What exactly is Environmental Justice (EJ)? Since many recyclers are located within overburdened and vulnerable communities, how do they respond to the historic and contemporary EJ issues facing the industry? Join a discussion with Matthew Tejada, director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice. He is leading the agency’s efforts to advance EJ, working with communities, other EPA divisions, federal agencies, academic partners, business and industry, and state, local, and tribal partners. The session also features:

ISRI President Robin Wiener and Dan Garvin, president of Colorado Iron & Metal, Inc., and ISRI’s Young Executive of the Year, also will participate in the session.

Volvo Sponsored Demo: Purpose Built: Specialized Machines and Services That Boost Profitability in Scrap and Recycling, 12:45 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. EDT

Check out Volvo CE’s line up of machines and services built for your industry. Hear from product experts about how you can maximize efficiency on the job, and get a close look at Volvo CE’s scrap and recycling machines, packages, and services.

Copper Spotlight: Forecasts and Risk Factors for the Red Metal, 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. EDT

Copper prices outperformed all the other major base metals in 2020. Forecasters are projecting continued price gains into 2021. But significant risk factors still remain including continued uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; financial market-jitters; the outlook for China; and the availability of copper scrap. Chris Lewon, vice president at Utah Metal Works Inc., and a past ISRI leader, moderates the discussion. Other presenters include Daniel Fischer, vice president of Kataman Metals, and Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics LLC.

Company Culture, 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. EDT

True organizational change is seldom accomplished without a change in culture. From this session, hosted by Tony Smith, ISRI’s vice president of safety, attendees will be able to define their own company’s culture, identify the different aspects of creating a strong culture, and be able to positively influence their company. Smith will be joined by Craig Boswell, president of HOBI International Inc., and Jean Francois, head of partnerships at Ingram Micro Commerce & Lifecycle Services.

Trade in 2021 and Beyond: The Biden Administration’s Policy for Jobs, Economic Recovery and Circular Economy, 2:45p.m. – 3:30 p.m. EDT

President Joe Biden views trade as a cornerstone for addressing a range of economic and environmental issues. Although there is some focus toward domestic priorities, the administration is re-engaging in international forums and developing strategies to open markets. Biden’s environmental agenda includes an emphasis on the Circular Economy, of which recycling and trade play a critical role. Adina Renee Adler, ISRI’s vice president of advocacy, will brief attendees on the administration’s priorities in trade, and opportunities for growing scrap markets.

As you attend ISRI2021 educational sessions, don’t forget to have fun! The Exhibit Hall, Puppy Cam, and Virtual Photo Booth will be open all day from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EDT, so be sure to visit our exhibitors, and stop by the ISRI Hub for the Puppy Cam or try Chair Yoga for a few minutes of mental relaxation. When you’re in the Virtual Photo Booth, submit a 20-second video telling us what you learned at #ISRI2021!

The 2021 Recycling Education and Research Foundation Silent Auction (RERF) Silent Auction is open, benefiting industry-related research and scholarships. Bidding and checkout are conveniently handled on your mobile device or computer. The auction ends Friday, April 30, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Text “RERF2021” to 243725 or visit the auction site to register and bid.

Thank you for helping make ISRI2021 a great success! Don’t forget to plan ahead for ISRI2022. Next year’s convention and exhibition is scheduled for March 21-24, 2022, in Las Vegas. Look for details in the coming months.

 

Dan Hockensmith

Dan Hockensmith

I'm a native Ohioan who since 2014 has called Maryland home. My background includes print, broadcast, and digital journalism; government contracting; and marketing communications.