Later, Gator

Alice Jacobsohn

DESPITE THE SULTRY Louisiana weather, attendees of WasteExpo 2003, held June 3-5 in New Orleans, got down to business. With 444 exhibitors, up 22 from last year, the trade show's exhibit floor stretched across the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center like a multi-colored super highway. The technology pavilion quadrupled in size from four companies in 2002 to 16 companies that covered 2,700 square feet this year. The Truck Components and Supplies Pavilion, sponsored by Waste Age's sister publication Fleet Owner magazine, rose from 10 companies to 46.

According to Rita Ugianskis-Fishman, WasteExpo show director and Primedia Business Exhibitions group show director, overall show traffic declined slightly from the 2002 Las Vegas tradeshow, but the lower numbers did not appear to dampen sellers' spirits. There were several new opportunities at WasteExpo 2003, including the premier partner program, new product showcase and turnkey program. The Educational Conference offered a wealth of new information. And the boxed lunch sessions allowed 191 attendees to learn and network in a relaxed atmosphere. The highlight of the boxed lunch sessions was a “Conversation with Wayne Huizenga,” the co-founder of Waste Management Inc. and Republic Services Inc.

The Medical Waste Institute's Medical Waste Conference also was new to WasteExpo 2003 and welcomed 74 attendees and 18 sponsors/table top exhibitors. The American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) was a conference supporter.

WasteExpo greeted new and familiar faces at the Welcome Reception, and the Environmental Industry Associations' Inspirational and Awards Breakfast recognized exemplary industry leaders, drivers and their companies.