There’s much that attendees can get excited about for ISRI2022 this early in the game. The largest convention and exposition in recycling, which runs March 21–24 in Las Vegas, will be the association’s first in-person national convention since 2019. “The excitement and desire to be back in person among the members, vendors, and anyone else involved is palpable at this point,” says Jason Glei, ISRI’s vice president of marketing.

The convention will include elements of the traditional ISRI expo long-time attendees know and love—and introduce twists. The expo hall itself is getting an update designed to promote in-person networking, engagement, and fun. “We’re bringing in what I think of as a ‘golf theme’ to the hall to provide a bit more interaction and fun on the floor,” Glei says.

While the expo hall will serve primarily as a networking spot with the latest and greatest equipment, innovations, and products and services in the recycling industry, it will also feature a putting course. “Vendors will have the opportunity to have one [of 18] holes in their booth to drive traction,” Glei says. “The course will bring an element of fun for those visiting the hall. It’s another reason to come by and engage.”

Attendees who grab a club and test their golf skills will have an opportunity to win prizes. All convention attendees will receive a card in their registration packet that they can use to keep track of how well they play through the course. They can turn in their final scorecards at the ISRI booth to be considered for a prize. The first prize winner will receive $500, second place wins $300, and third prize is $200. Even for those who want to play but may not have high scores may win a cash prize. Attendees who complete the course and give their scorecards will be entered into a drawing to win $500.

Another golf competition will take place right next to the ISRI booth. “We’ll have a fully capable virtual driving range and so we’ll have a driving competition as well as a closest-to-the-pin competition,” Glei says. “Anyone who hits a hole-in-one has the chance to win $10,000.”

Glei hopes members enjoy the golf theme and that ISRI will be able to introduce similar fun themes into future conventions. “If there’s an opportunity to tie in the venue and city into a convention activity that would be great,” he says. “It’s all about providing a great experience for our attendees.”

In addition to the usual discounts that members receive on their hotels and registration, there will be new elements at ISRI2022 to highlight member value. Members can look forward to a members-only VIP lounge on the showroom floor. The lounge will feature enhanced amenities. “This will be a space for members to network right on the show floor,” says Brianna Gianti, ISRI’s vice president of membership. “They’ll be able to host meetings, charge their phones, put their feet up, grab a drink, whatever they need.”

If glimpsing the benefits ISRI members enjoy first-hand encourages nonmember attendees of ISRI2022 to join the association, they can do so onsite. “Attendees can sign up either at registration or in front of the member lounge,” Gianti notes. She or someone from her team will stand by the lounge entrance with an iPad, ready to register new members. “That way they’ll be able to get access to a lot of what we offer members during the convention,” she says.

ISRI2022 will also feature a demonstration stage in the center of the expo hall. The stage will be used for announcements throughout the opening reception, cash giveaways, and product demonstrations. “This is another opportunity our members can take advantage of to elevate their voices,” Glei notes.

Along with the networking opportunities, members can expect a strong array of educational sessions on topics affecting the recycling industry. Because it will be in person, ISRI2022 can expand on the high-quality educational programming attendees experienced virtually at ISRI2021. “I encourage everyone to check out the schedule and take advantage of all the great sessions,” Gianti says.

 

Hannah Zuckerman

Hannah Zuckerman

Hannah is a Writer & Editor for ISRI's Scrap News. She's interested in a wide range of topics in the recycling industry and is always eager to learn more. She graduated from Bryn Mawr College, where she majored in History and a minored in Creative Writing. She lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband.