NWRA and Informa Join Forces to Launch Waste Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced a strategic collaboration with Informa to host the first-ever Waste Leadership Summit, scheduled for June 8–10, 2026, at the Washington Hilton. According to the association’s statement, the event aims to gather senior decision-makers to address the growing regulatory, economic, and operational challenges facing the waste and recycling industry.
The three-day summit will complement existing industry events such as WasteExpo and the Global Waste Management Symposium but with a sharper focus on leadership, strategy, and policy alignment. Sessions will explore pressing issues including regulatory frameworks, workforce shortages, investment trends, and the adoption of technologies like fleet electrification and artificial intelligence in operations.
“The Waste Leadership Summit is the ideal forum to gain insight on the state of our industry, honor the best our industry has to offer, and coalesce our voice to help ensure regulation and policy initiatives are practical and economically viable,” said Michael E. Hoffman, President & CEO of NWRA.
Event organizers also emphasized the summit’s unique networking opportunities. “We’ve created an intimate, high-caliber networking experience tailored for the decision-makers shaping the future of waste and recycling,” noted Rita Ugianskis, Vice President, Waste Group at Informa.
Beyond keynote sessions and policy dialogues, participants will also take part in hallmark events such as the Waste360/Stifel Investor Summit, the NWRA Awards Gala, and the EREF Charitable Auction. These activities are designed to connect executives, municipal authorities, investors, and technology providers in meaningful discussions on industry innovation and sustainability.
Earlier announcements by NWRA and Informa had referred to the event as “The Waste Summit”, initially projected for May 2026 in Washington, D.C. However, the partnership has since finalized both the name and schedule: the official title is now “Waste Leadership Summit”, and it will be held on June 8–10, 2026 at the Washington Hilton. This adjustment reflects the organizers’ intent to position the summit as a flagship leadership and policy forum distinct from other major industry gatherings.
The launch of the Waste Leadership Summit comes at a critical time. The U.S. waste and recycling industry is under pressure from stricter state and federal mandates, shifting consumer demands, and the urgency of meeting climate goals. Analysts note that forums like this can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between policymakers and industry players, helping to accelerate innovation while ensuring compliance and long-term financial viability.
The Waste Leadership Summit is expected to become a flagship event for executives and policymakers, setting the tone for regulatory and market directions in the years ahead.
