Understanding the role and importance of social change, rather than relying solely on engineering solutions, has always been a focus of the Coffs Harbour Waste Conference.
For Greg Freeman, Conference Convenor, it’s about providing an opportunity for people to learn, connect and be inspired. It’s what drove him to start the conference in 1996 and continues to drive him today.
“The idea that it’s about people at the centre of the discussion has always been really important,” Greg says. “Where we are different as a conference is that the content is crafted by people in the industry, not by us. The focus each year has been to try and reflect where we are in the industry.”
He says the theme for Waste 2023 – Working together for a better future – is important for the industry as it continues to shake off the effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
The priority, Greg says, is to get people back together and look forward.
The response to a call for abstracts is a good indication that things are returning to normal and the conference, as well as the program, will be bigger and better than ever. More than 150 submissions for abstracts were received, surpassing that of any other year.
Greg says the type of abstracts reflect an industry that has always been on the front foot – what started as waste management is now resource recovery and at the cutting edge of society.
“There’s a demographic, age and content shift,” he says. “There’s a younger generation coming through, with different ideas.
“When the conference started in ’96 it was basically landfill compactors, garbage bins, weigh bridges and basic infrastructure. Now it’s more software and communications services. The focus has shifted away from regulation driving content to more innovation and technology.”
It was with that shift in technology in mind that the 2022 conference introduced an equipment and technology expo component. Based on its success, the expo will return in 2023.
The expo, which includes a selection of presentations complementing the existing outdoor exhibition, will take place on 9 May and provide delegates an opportunity to see equipment in action and hear from suppliers about the latest and greatest in waste management.
Greg says the expo is a way to give companies a voice and an opportunity to sell their products and ideas.
“We want it to enhance the conference. It’s one of the things that we will build on over the next few years and see how it goes,” he says.
Harnessing a wish to give the industry an opportunity to share ideas and recognise growth, the conference will include the 2023 Excellence in Innovation Awards, sponsored by the Battery Stewardship Council.
It will be the first time in 10 years the awards have been presented and will include awards for outstanding council project; innovative product or technology; and revolutionary new start-up.
Greg says they aim to acknowledge those key people in councils and the non-government sector who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve sustainability in the community.
“We are very mindful that the waste and resource recovery sector has been hit hard over recent years. The pandemic and other global shocks have emphasised the importance of our industry to society and that this industry is essential, evolving, and innovative,” he says.
“Despite the barriers faced, many councils and businesses have continued to provide innovative solutions as well as new products and technologies designed to benefit the community as a whole.”
The Coffs Harbour Waste Conference is targeted at anyone who works in, or has an interest in waste management issues, particularly local government.
Attracting more than 600 delegates from across the nation, the 2023 hybrid event, will be held at Opal Cove Resort, Coffs Harbour, from 9-11 May, and features both face-to-face and online attendance options.
Attendance at the equipment and technology expo can be one-day only or form part of the full conference experience.
Exhibitors interested in providing a presentation as part of the expo can contact organisers. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are selling fast.
For more information, visit: www.coffswasteconference.com.au or phone (02) 6583 8118
