10 Things I'm Looking Forward to at WasteExpo 2014

Investor Summit: Presentations from the major public players should provide an illuminating look at the state of the industry all day on Monday. The combination of topical panels and company-specific presentations will provide a good variety of content throughout the day. I will also get a chance to sit down with many of the presenters in one-on-one video interviews. Check Tuesday's show daily for highlights.

Keep America Beautiful Q&A: NW&RA CEO Sharon Kneiss and Keep America Beautiful President & CEO Jennifer Jehn will sit down for an interactive Q&A session Tuesday morning. I'm looking forward to hearing the two share insights and compare notes. The two will undoubtedly have thoughts on how to improve awareness of recycling and make it beneficial for all vested parties. 

The Exhibit Hall: I got a sneak peek today. Many exhibitors have already set up and their latest trucks and other pieces of equipment. Seeing the full exhibit hall in all of its glory Tuesday morning will be a treat as I soak in my first WasteExpo.

The Organics Industry in the U.S. Panel: The opening session on Monday at 9:00 AM includes keynote speaker Luis Diaz, president of CalRecovery Inc. He's speaking as part of a panel that will surely set the tone for all the Composting and Organics Recycling content being showcased throughout WasteExpo.

National Waste & Recycling Association's Awards Breakfast: Taking place Tuesday morning, the awards breakfast will highlight the best and brightest in the industry. I'm looking forward to see who will be honored at this year's show, including seeing this year's Hall of Fame inductees.

Getting an Education: I'm still a newcomer to this industry. I'm doing my best to get up to speed. I plan to use this conference as an opportunity to listen and learn. The sessions will help. And so will one-on-one conversations with attendees.

Showing off the Waste360 Booth: This one is self-serving, but a lot of work went into creating a new booth for Waste360 and some of our sister publications and products. We've also got a studio set up and we'll be shooting show floor videos on both Tuesday and Wednesday. Stop by Booth #4431 and check us out.

Networking: I want to meet as many people in the industry as possible at the show. I've got a pretty full slate, but feel free to stop me, say hello, tell us how you think we're doing and swap business cards. I goal it to leave this show with ideas on how to make Waste360 even better when it comes to serving your industry news and information needs.  

All in the Multifamily Session: With a background in commercial real estate, I'm intrigued to learn how apartment building managers tackle the issues presented by trying to meet recycling targets and educate residents.

Coca-Cola Bottling Plant Tour: The conference ends with a tour of Coca-Cola's plant. It will be a light and entertaining way to end the conference by seeing the Atlanta icon.