What a show it was! This week WasteExpo 2018 started off Monday with numerous informational sessions, including discussions on robotics, efficient recycling solutions, DOT compliance, managing leachates, education programs, fire safety and much more that continued throughout the conference. On Monday evening, the event officially kicked off with the welcome reception held at the Marquee Club in the Aria Casino and Hotel. Expo attendees were treated to fantastic views of the Las Vegas strip, great food and networking opportunities to see old friends and make new contacts.
On Tuesday morning, the NWRA Awards Breakfast honored those individuals who have really stood out by dedicating their careers and lives to the waste and recycling industry as well as highlighting their continuous involvement in different aspects of their professional paths. Our own Editorial Advisory Board member, Will Flower, was recognized with a distinguished service award, which honors “the highest spirit of volunteerism, involvement, personal integrity, professionalism and performance in an honorable and professional manner.” Other awards included:
- Member of the Year
- Chapter Leadership
- Distinguished Service Awards
- Drivers of the Year
- Operator of the Year
In addition, this year’s Hall of Fame Recipients were Scott Dols of Big Truck Rental and Trucks & Parts, Larry Henk of Premier Waste Services, Steve Menoff of Civil and Environmental Consultants and James Trevathan of Waste Management. Each honoree gave a heartfelt speech about their time in the industry and what the award meant to them. They were all inspirational and it was great to see them be recognized by the profession that they work in.
The exhibit hall opened to great crowds and for three days, attendees and vendors interacted, saw the latest upgrades, technologies, solutions and strategies that would help them make their jobs easier and more efficient. From comfortable cabs in waste machines and garbage trucks, to smart technologies, cameras, telematics and the latest in route optimization software, there was something for everyone to see and evaluate for their operations. The halls remained crowded during the week and all had a great time connecting and reconnecting with vendors at the show. Thank you to everyone who visited the Waste Advantage Magazine booth; we truly enjoyed talking to all of you about the industry challenges, changes and what you see happening now and in the future.
We’ll see you next year again in Las Vegas in May!
