Our Premier Regional Event

The Pacific Northwest Regional Symposium is held annually each spring and is sponsored jointly by the the Beaver, Evergreen, and Pacific Chapters of the Solid Waste Association of North America. Each chapter takes turns hosting the event, rotating location every year. Such a collaboration helps to renew a sense of community with our neighbors, both professionally and recreationally, bringing solid waste specialists together for over 30 years!

This symposium attracts a large number of professionals and operators, representing public and private sector organizations from throughout the Pacific Northwest. It includes a mix of interesting presentations on important industry topics and fun events for relaxing and socializing. It also provides an excellent opportunity for vendors to exhibit their businesses and interact with potential clients.

When the symposium returns to Oregon every three years, it’s held at the historic McMenamins Edgefield, a 74-acre parcel of farmland at the mouth of the spectacular Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area with a stately main building furnished in turn-of-the-century decor and boasting over 100 guestrooms and hostel accommodations. In addition to a variety of pubs and restaurants offering local fare and handcrafted ales, wines, spirits, the venue includes a par-three golf course, spa, extensive gardens, and a movie theater.

Innovation: Shaping the Future of Materials Management

On May 1-3, 2024 the Beaver Chapter of SWANA will once again host the Symposium at the historic McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon. Our program theme this year is Innovation: Shaping the Future of Materials Management, envisioning a future that promotes innovative practices for materials management.

Stay tuned for more details, and in the meantime mark your calendar!

Call for Presentation Abstracts

The SWANA Beaver Chapter Symposium Program Committee is seeking speakers interested in presenting as part of the Technical Program of the 2024 SWANA Northwest Regional Symposium.

Our program theme this year is Innovation: Shaping the Future of Materials Management, envisioning a future that promotes innovative practices for materials management. We have identified some tentative session topics below but welcome all ideas relative to the program theme. In particular we are interested in ideas, approaches, and solutions to the challenges around materials management in reference to the following topic areas:  Waste Management, Safety, Sustainability, Diversion, Recovery, Recycling, Innovation, and Compliance.  

Each presentation will last approximately 30 minutes, including questions and answers.  As an added bonus, speakers will receive free registration to the Symposium on the day you are selected to speak.

To be considered as a presenter for a technical session, please submit a presentation abstract (300 words or less), along with your presentation title and subject, speaker bio, and contact information, by January 27, 2024.