January/February 1995
What can you expect to do and see at the scrap recycling industry’s biggest meeting of the year? Much that’s new and different, say convention organizers.
By Eileen Zagone
The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) returns to the Mirage in Las Vegas this year for its annual convention and exposition. But while the setting is familiar, visitors can expect the four-day event, set for March 19-22, to be different from conventions past in everything from the arrangement of the hospitality areas to the lineup of general session speakers to the schedule of social activities. Even the convention's theme--"Catching the Winds of Change''--boasts of this spirit.
For those who have attended the annual national gathering of the scrap recycling industry in prior years, these changes are expected to add a new level of excitement. Still, there's more behind the direction of this year's show, says Convention Chairman I Michael Coslov of Tube City Inc. (King of Prussia, Pa.). The 1995 convention format, he notes, is being designed with an emphasis on making all members feel as welcome as possible and creating an atmosphere conducive to fostering the personal business relationships that are so important in the scrap recycling industry.
Plans call for an expanded convention registration area, for example, featuring quiet seating areas where members can relax, enjoy refreshments, and discuss business with other attendees anytime throughout the convention.
The exhibit hall is also set for some layout and activity expansions, including the addition of seven special activity areas such as a basketball free-throw setup, a putting green, and a caricaturist booth. In addition, the exhibit hall will host the opening reception, offering attendees an opportunity to acquaint themselves with the products and services represented there and begin building business relationships. (For some practical tips on visiting with exhibitors, see "Become a Savvy Trade Show Visitor" on page 75.A preliminary list of exhibitors is below.)
Workshops, Spotlights, and Speakers: The '85 Offerings
ISRI conventions have always featured educational and inspirational programs designed to encourage the exchange of information and advice, and "Catching the Winds of Change" promises to be no different in this respect. ISRI plans to present a variety of industry and general business sessions—as well as ReMA committee, division, and board of directors meetings—throughout the convention.
Among the preliminary workshops is an exploration of quality control issues facing the scrap industry and the trend toward raw material supplier audits and certification. Speakers are scheduled to include scrap processors and consumers who will discuss how their quality control programs work and offer advice on whether other businesses can benefit from such programs.
Also planned is a program with the working title, "Yes I Can: How a Small Company's Safety Program Saves Big Dollars," featuring real-life data scrap recyclers should be able to relate to their own operations, plus a workshop on how to interpret and use monthly financial statements to improve management capabilities and the bottom line.
Other preliminary programs include a workshop covering the fundamentals of the paper recycling business—including how to buy, grade, bale, and sell paper—designed to teach recyclers of other commodities the basics of handling paper; a session geared to those new to the world of scrap trading set to emphasize effective techniques to employ when making an initial sales call and the dos and don'ts of selling recyclables; and a comprehensive overview of the entire glass recycling process, covering everything from quality and markets to equipment and history.
There are also several commodity spotlights slated, which will bring together commodity authorities to discuss the market factors affecting copper, iron and steel,aluminum, nickel/stainless steel, and precious metals.
In addition to these industry-specific sessions, the 1995 ReMA convention will include more-general presentations, such as an address by John Stoessinger, a political analyst who will discuss economic competition as we approach the end of the century. Also scheduled to speak are Peter Davis, founder and director of the family business studies division at the University of Pennsylvania 's Wharton School , and Leonore Hausner, a family interaction and crisis intervention expert who is set to present a spouse program session. (A complete schedule of all educational sessions, social activities, and other convention offerings planned as of press time is on page 80.)
Las Vegas Lowdown
While "Catching the Winds of Change" offers ReMA activities throughout the days and into some evenings, even the busiest convention-goer may want to find time to take advantage of the attractions in and near Las Vegas .
That doesn't just mean blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and the slot machines. The city also offers shows and plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Plus, famous outdoor attractions such as Death Valley, Hoover Dam, and the Grand Canyon are a car-ride away. For up-to- the-minute information on scheduled events throughout the city and surrounding areas, call the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at 702/892-0711.
ISRI members attending the convention qualify for reduced airfare on Delta Air Lines and USAir: 5-percent off any already-discounted fare or 10-percent off unrestricted fares. (USAir requires 7-day advance ticketing.) First class discounts are also available from both airlines. To qualify for the discounts, reservations can be made directly with the airline (Delta, 800/241-6760; USAir, 800/334-8644) or through your travel agent, using ISRI’s identification numbers (Delta, File #J096O; USAir, Gold File #92990001).
Car rental discounts are available to convention attendees as well, through Alamo ; call 800/354-2322 and refer to BY #245303. And if you fly Delta or USAir and rent Alamo, you will receive 500 frequent flyer miles. Give your frequent flyer number to the Alamo agent when making your reservation. Then show your ticket or boarding pass and frequent flyer card when you pick up the car.
What can you expect to do and see at the scrap recycling industry’s biggest meeting of the year? Much that’s new and different, say convention organizers.