The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has attracted more than 5,000 attendees at the ISRI2022 Convention and Exposition in Las Vegas. From March 22 to 24, the association gathered to usher in new leadership and reflect on another successful year for ISRI. The first in-person annual convention and expo in three years, the ISRI2022 attendee total represented the event's largest paid registration in eight years.
"ISRI2022 saw over 5,000 attendees from 53 countries and 49 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico," said Robin Wiener, ISRI president. "It was a wonderful event – and so much fun to be together after three long years without an ISRI Convention. We hosted industry leaders from around the world, recognized members for safety leadership, and awarded ISRI's coveted Design for Recycling, Youth Poster and Video Contest, and Lifetime Achievement awards, and more, while also providing top drawer networking and educational opportunities from leading speakers. Of course, ISRI2022 also showcased the largest recycling exhibit hall in the industry, allowing attendees to see the latest in new technologies and innovations."
Sonoco Alloyd won the 2022 Design for Recycling award for its EnviroSense PaperBlister package. The award was accepted by Sabrina Dixon-Ridges, the company's global sustainability business strategy alignment manager.
Gary Champlin, general manager of Champlin Tire Recycling in Concordia, Kansas, ended his term as ISRI chair and turned leadership over to Brian Henesey, vice president and general manager of Rocky Mountain Recycling in Commerce City, Colorado, to begin his two-year term.
"I believe strongly that no industry is stronger than its trade association," said Champlin, ISRI's immediate past chair. "Having witnessed our organization up close and at work during my past two years as chairman, I can tell you with great confidence that our industry is strong."
ISRI chair Henesey spoke about past challenges and how ISRI continues to rise to the moment to ensure focus is placed on "Recycling is Essential."
"What's the secret sauce? What is it that makes ISRI one of the stronger trade associations out there? The lynchpin that holds it all together and sets the direction we take comes from those in this room and beyond," Henesey told attendees at the ISRI Board elections. "It comes from everyday members who aren't experts in lobbying or environmental law. It's those who aren't politicians or bureaucrats."
Plans are underway for ISRI2023, which will be held April 17-20, 2023, in Nashville.
