Agenda

Monday, October 12

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pre-Conference Tour 

Heidelberg Materials’ new multi-million dollar Mitchell facility is the second largest cement plant in North America, and one of the most advanced and energy-efficient. Learn what efforts the company takes to reduce carbon emissions in the industry. Find out about environmental and education grants this company offers. We will then tour the huge, multi-acre facility. Tour is limited to 30 people and sturdy boots and PPE are required. Registrants will receive specific meeting location details.

After the tour, Carla will host an optional driving and walking tour of Spring Mill State Park, showing the parks unexpected connections to the cement company. 

9:30 AM 

Tour of Lawrence County Recycling

Details coming soon. Please check back for updates.

11:00 aM

Lunch on your own

1:00 PM

Educational Showcase

STEM: "Boat Challenge"

Have you ever noticed trash in a body of water? Some of it floats and some of it doesn't, and all of it can become an environmental problem. Using the STEM process, students will create a floatable boat from reused trash items from home. What kind of impact can floatable litter make on an ecosystem? What can we do about it?

STEM: "Berry Natural Packaging"

You are out picking berries when you realize you have no way to get them home. Using the STEM process, students will design packaging to carry their berries home with items that can be found outside (leaves, sticks, bark, etc).

Amy Sieferman and Katie Archer- Hendricks County Recycling District

Freddy the Fish

Students join Freddy on his journey downstream, discovering how litter and pollutants affect the water along the way. During this engaging, interactive story, students actively add “litter” and “pollutants” to Freddy’s water, helping them see firsthand how pollution impacts the environment. This newly updated program features colorful story cards with illustrations to bring Freddy’s adventure to life. Students work in pairs, with each group using their own fishbowl, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in this fun, hands-on learning experience.

Stefanie Hoffmeier, Dearborn County SWMD

THINK INDIGENOUS: Applying Indigenous Wisdom to Today’s World

These sessions for K-12, to adult, are about applying the science and the science of the spirituality of what indigenous know and have known-to today's world. For the ultimate health of our planet, humans must act with oneness, understand nature's systems, and our connections to the environment around us. Students identify who indigenous people are, what the indigenous perspective, is, how it affects our relationship with the Earth and daily life, and how they too can practice Indigenous wisdom.

Elisa Pokral, Waste Reduction District of Monroe County

Protecting Ecosystems in Dubois County

Quickly analyze real life pollution scenarios and figure out what SWMD services prevent the issue from happening in our county! Developed as a 15-minute section of a high school AP Environmental Science field day event and is appropriate for a variety of formal and informal settings and age groups.

Carla Striegel-Winner, Dubois County SWMD

Tips for Creating an Engaging Social Media

Join Sarah in learning how to create an engaging and aesthetically pleasing social media presence as a Solid Waste Management District! We will be going through quick tips on Canva and tips for creating fun reels to grow your following and outreach.

Sarah Tubbs, Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County

2:30 PM

BREAK

2:45 pm 

Food Waste & Compost Program 

Caldwell Inc. composting operation overview including education in schools and food de-packaging process.

Kennedy Lawson, Caldwell Inc.

4:00 PM

Free Time

During this time we will offer the following at 4:30 pm: 

Carla Striegel-Winner of Dubois County SWMD will lead a hike to some of the parks neat springs, streams, and caves with an option to don a helmet and headlamp in the park’s Donaldson Cave for a bit of adventure. Hike location could change depending on recent weather events. Meet in lobby/ inn entrance.

7:00 PM

Social Event
Spring Mill INN

wednesday, October 14

7:30 AM

check out and Breakfast

8:00 AM

Vendor Presentations

8:45 AM

Roundtable - Special Recycling Streams

9:30 AM

Break & Vendor Visits

9:40 AM

State of Recycling: Where does it all go?

Rumpke

10:40 AM

Break & Vendor Visits

10:50 AM

Lithium-Ion Batteries, The Hazards of Disposal

This session will cover the numerous types of batteries disposed of daily and the special dangers caused by Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Michael White, Hazmat Specialist, Indiana Department of Homeland Security

12:00 pm

Lunch

The Strange, the Rare, & the Wild: An AISWMD Showcase

1:00 pm

Project Management & Planning

This session will discuss the importance of planning especially regarding waste management plans.

Deanna Garner, GT Environmental

2:00 PM

Break & Last Chance to Bid

2:10 pm

Advocacy That Makes a Difference: Turning Local Voices into Legislative Action

Effective advocacy doesn't require a title in government. It requires informed, engaged professionals who are willing to share their expertise and tell their story. This interactive session will explore the current legislative landscape, discuss issues affecting Indiana's solid waste management districts, and provide practical strategies for building productive relationships with elected officials and policymakers. Participants will learn how to communicate their district's value, respond to emerging legislative issues, and become effective advocates throughout the year, not just during the legislative session. Whether you're new to advocacy or a seasoned leader, you'll leave with actionable tools and greater confidence to help shape policies that strengthen solid waste management and protect the interests of your community.

Steve Wolff, The Corydon Group