EDUCATION THEMES & TOPICS

Got questions? We’ve got answers.
Feel free to contact us at Convention@recycledmaterials.org

Click each theme to view the full descrptions and topics to be addressed.
More topics can/will be added over time as issues and opportunites arise.
Last Updated: 02/26/2025

Topics: Shifting Global Markets | Tariffs | North American Trade | China | India

Explore the dynamic relationship between the global economy and the future of the recycled materials industry. Gain insight into the impact of shifting global markets, evolving trade policies, and fluctuating tariffs on the industry’s growth and sustainability. Special emphasis will be placed on North American, Indian, and Chinese trade, highlighting each region’s role in driving innovation, adapting to supply chain disruptions, and fostering international collaboration. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to navigate economic uncertainties and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing marketplace.

SESSIONS:

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM      Spotlight: Ferrous
2:00 – 3:15 PM          Spotlight: Paper
2:00 – 3:15 PM          Trade Challenges: India
3:30 – 4:45 PM          Navigating North American Trade: The Future of Recycled Materials in a Shifting Political Landscape
3:30 – 4:45 PM.         Spotlight: Electronics

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM       Spotlight: Copper
10:30 – 11:45 AM       Trade Challeneges: China
2:00 – 3:15 PM           Spotlight: Nickel/Stainless
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Manufacturing Outlook 2025 & Beyond
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Spotlight: Plastics

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM         The Power of Recycled Materials: Driving Economic Growth & Sustainability
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Spotlight: Tire/Rubber

Topics: Supply Chain | EV Transition | Electrification | Infrastructure

Delve into the evolving role of manufacturing in shaping the present and future of the recycled materials industry. Explore critical topics, including supply chain optimization, infrastructure shifts and investments, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), and the broader shift toward electrification. The sessions will address how advancements in manufacturing technologies and sustainable practices are transforming material recovery, processing, and reuse. Attendees will gain practical insights into leveraging these trends to meet the demands of a greener economy.

SESSIONS:

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM      Spotlight: Ferrous
2:00 – 3:15 PM          Spotlight: Paper
3:30 – 4:45 PM.         Spotlight: Electronics

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM       Spotlight: Copper
2:00 – 3:15 PM           Spotlight: Nickel/Stainless
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Manufacturing Outlook 2025 & Beyond
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Spotlight: Plastics

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM         The Power of Recycled Materials: Driving Economic Growth & Sustainability
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Spotlight: Tire/Rubber

Topics: Operations | Safety | Freight/Theft | Fires | Sales/Purchasing | Shredding | Batteries | ESG

Learn best practices essential to the future of the recycled materials industry. Topics include optimizing operations, improving safety protocols, sales and purchasing training, and tackling key challenges such as freight theft and recovery, logistics, and fire prevention. Specialized sessions will focus on shredding processes, battery handling, and incorporating sustainable and responsible business practices into daily operations. Gain actionable strategies to enhance efficiency, drive growth, mitigate risks, and meet industry demands while fostering long-term success.

SESSIONS:

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM         Eco-Innovation 2.0: Implementing Next-Gen Technologies in Recycling
2:00 – 3:15 PM            No Sparks, No Surprises: Safe Handling & Management of End-of-Life Batteries

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Best Practices for a Successful Preventative Maintenance Program
2:00 – 3:15 PM           Best Practices: Safety Program & Culture
2:00 – 3:15 PM           Freight & Material Theft: Mitigating the Risk
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Sustainable Workforce: Build, Hire, Retain, Promote

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM         Best Practices: Shredding
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Best Practices: Leadership & Teambuilding
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Best Practices: Material Receiving & Grading

Topics: Sourcing | Development | Retention | Promoting | Training

Discover how innovation is shaping the future of the recycled materials industry. Explore methods for attracting talent, supporting employee development, and improving retention through effective engagement and leadership. Sessions will also highlight career advancement opportunities and the implementation of comprehensive training programs to meet evolving operational and sustainability needs. Gain practical tools to cultivate a skilled, motivated workforce that drives long-term success in this ever-evolving industry.

SESSIONS

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
3:30 – 4:45 PM        Sustainable Workforce: Build, Hire, Retain, Promote

Topics: Analytics | KPIs | Secession Planning | Family Business | CRM

Delve into the business planning strategies vital to the future of the recycled materials industry. Topics include leveraging analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs) for informed decision-making, preparing for succession planning, and navigating the unique dynamics of family-owned businesses. Explore best practices for implementing and optimizing customer relationship management (CRM) systems to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement. Gain actionable insights to help plan for growth, sustainability, and long-term success.

SESSIONS

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:00 – 10:20 AM       NEW FOR 2025: Innovation Demonstration – Freight130
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Eco-Innovation 2.0: Implementing Next-Gen Technologies in Recycling

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
2:00 – 3:15 PM            Freight & Material Theft: Mitigating the Risk
3:30 – 4:45 PM            Manufacturing Outlook 2025 and Beyond
3:30 – 4:45 PM            Sustainable Workforce: Build, Hire, Retain, Promote

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM          The Power of Recycled Materials: Driving Economic Growth & Sustainability
10:30 – 11:45 AM         Best Practices: Material Receiving & Grading

Topics: Federal | State | Local | Critical Minerals

Explore the vital role of advocacy in shaping the future of the recycled materials industry. Learn how to effectively engage with federal, state, and local governments to influence policies and regulations. Sessions will also highlight the importance of critical minerals in the global economy and the industry’s role in supporting responsible sourcing and recycling. Learn actionable strategies to advance industry priorities, build strong partnerships, and drive meaningful change through advocacy at every level of government.

SESSION

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM          State Policy Power Hour: Key Recycling & Legislative Trends Across the U.S.
3:30 – 4:45 PM              Navigating North American Trade: The Future of Recycled Materials in a Shifting Political Landscape

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM            The Power of Recycled Materials: Driving Economic Growth & Sustainability

Topics: Ferrous | Aluminum | Copper | Nickel/Stainless | Plastic | Electronics | Paper | Tire/Rubber

Explore the evolving landscape of materials and their essential role in the future of the recycled materials industry, manufacturing, and the global economy. Sessions will cover market trends and opportunities across key sectors like the automotive industry, for ferrous metals, aluminum, copper, nickel/stainless, plastics, paper, electronics, and tire/rubber materials. Discover how global economic shifts, technological advancements, and sustainability initiatives are transforming supply and demand dynamics. Gain valuable insights to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in this rapidly changing market.

SESSIONS:

Tuesday, May 13, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM      Spotlight: Ferrous
2:00 – 3:15 PM          Spotlight: Paper
3:30 – 4:45 PM.         Spotlight: Electronics

Wednesday, May 14, 2025
10:30 – 11:45 AM       Spotlight: Copper
2:00 – 3:15 PM           Spotlight: Nickel/Stainless
3:30 – 4:45 PM           Spotlight: Plastics

Thursday, May 15, 2025
9:00 – 10:15 AM         Spotlight: Aluminum
10:30 – 11:45 AM        Spotlight: Tire/Rubber

This is media training tailored for professionals in the recycled materials industry. Learn how to effectively communicate industry messages, handle media interviews, and address public perceptions with confidence and clarity. Gain strategies for crafting compelling narratives, managing challenging questions, and highlighting the industry’s vital role in sustainability and the circular economy. Leave equipped to represent your organization and the industry with professionalism and impact.

Thursday, May 15, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 PM           NEW FOR 2025: Media Relations & Crisis Communications