Waste Expo Australia is one of the largest gatherings of waste management and resource recovery professionals in Australia.
There’s a reason for this. Behind the scenes, an advisory board brings together stakeholders from across the resource recovery, recycling, and waste industries. Together, they bring experience in a range of sectors ensuring the expo remains at the forefront of challenges and opportunities.
Michelle Mandl, general manager of communications, customer, and engagement with TOMRA Cleanaway, says evolving due to customer feedback is one factor behind Waste Expo Australia’s longevity and success.
On the advisory board for the past three years, Mandl says the expo has a strong national presence because of its curated conference program, plus an expo floor with more than 120 industry suppliers, most of who are at the cutting edge in their respective fields.
“Waste Expo Australia draws diversity from across Australia, and it affords fantastic learning and development opportunities,” Mandl said.
“Being co-located with All Energy Australia gives it another dimension for delegates to engage. That’s becoming more relevant as the renewable energy and waste sectors integrate.”
Staying relevant is vital, says Erin Ford, senior brand and marketing manager for Repurpose It. She says board members continue to question industry trends, areas of concern, innovations, or gaps.
Case studies also play a central role in showing attendees what is, and can be, achieved within the industry.
“The expo is an area to learn and share knowledge,” Ford said. “Case studies can really step it up. They can show people the impact a company or technology is having.”
So, what does the 2024 event have in store?
Plastics, batteries, and the circular economy continue to be important.
“The number of abstracts that focused on plastics highlights that they are a huge area of concern,” Ford said.
“With single use plastics, we are trying to change embedded behaviours. We’re improving, but it’s still a big issue. And we have massive issues with batteries across all waste streams.
“The conference program will provide some insight into the challenges and what the industry is doing to address them.”
The expo has achieved 27 per cent visitor growth since the 2022 event. In 2023, more than 3500 professionals attended across the two days, putting exhibitors face-to-face with potential customers from Australia and overseas.
Attendees include local, state, and federal government, waste service providers, consultants, engineers, technology and equipment suppliers, project developers, facility managers and landfill owners/operators.
Ford said the cross-section of attendees is a drawcard, providing exhibitors with the chance to engage with people they would not normally see. She believes crowd numbers are bolstered because the expo is free to attend.
“It removes the financial barriers that could stop some people from attending,” she said. “As exhibitors, Repurpose It makes a lot of connections through the expo.
“Education is a big part of Repurpose It, and the expo gives us a chance to highlight what we do while listening to the consumer market.
“Nothing beats face-to-face business. Whether you are already in the industry, new to the market or expanding in it, Waste Expo Australia provides access to key decision-makers.”
The 2024 Waste Expo Australia, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 23-24 October, will focus on advancing toward sustainable resource recovery.
Local and international suppliers, including representatives from Ireland, Germany, France, and Japan, have confirmed their attendance. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are still available.