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Call for Speakers

Waves

2027 Southern California SWANA Chapter
Western Regional Symposium

Waves of Change:
Collaboration and Innovation in Resource Management
April 26th - 29th, 2027

The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

910 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101-6114

The Southern California SWANA Chapter invites practitioners, leaders, and innovators to submit presentation proposals for the 2027 Western Regional Symposium. Share your expertise and help shape the future of solid waste management in our region.

Suggested Topics Include:

  • Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) including SB 54

  • ​AI Use In the Industry

  • Recycling and Market Developments

  • Plastics Reduction, Recycling, and Circular Economy Solutions

  • Organics Management and Composting Innovations

  • SB 1383 Tips, Tricks, and Best Practics

  • Reusable Foodware Programs

  • Repair / Fix-It Clinic Programs

  • Textile Recycling Programs, including SB 707

  • Collections Systems and Operational Efficiency

  • Innovations in Solid Waste Equipment and Operations

  • Construction & Demolition Programs or Operations

  • Illegal Dumping

  • Hauler Franchise Systems

  • The Costs of Solid Waste Management

  • PFAS and Emerging Contaminants

  • Renewable or Innovative Technologies

  • Disaster Debris Management and Emergency Response

  • HHW Management and Operations including Batteries and E-wastes

  • Post-Fire Hazardous Waste Management

  • Waste and Material Reduction Strategies

  • End-of-Life Management of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Climate Initiatives

  • Fleet Management and Truck Maintenance Best Practices

  • Heavy-Duty Vehicle Innovation (EV's, Hydrogen, Alternative Fuels)

  • Smart Fleet Technologies, Telematics, Data Developments, and Safety Systems

  • Workforce Development, Leadership, and Retention

  • Safety Culture and Training Programs

  • Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement or Outreach

  • Soft Skills: Communication, Change Management, and Team Leadership

Presentation Submissions

Requirements:
  • Presentation Topic(s) from Suggested Topics

  • Presentation Title (15 words or less)

  • Single Speaker (20 minutes), Panel Session (50 minutes with time for questions), or Poster Presentation

  • Abstract (300 words or less)

  • Presenter(s) biography (150 words or less)

  • Contact Information

Important Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: October 1, 2026

Notification of Acceptance: December 2026 - January 2027

Symposium Dates: April 26-29, 2027

Directions:
  1. Complete the online submission form below in full

  2. Select the topic area that best aligns with your presentation

  3. Select presentation style: Single, Panel or Poster

  4. Enter your presentation title (15 words or less)

  5. Upload or paste your abstract (300 words or less)

  6. Provide presenter details, including contact information and brief biography

  7. Indicate any co-presenters or panelists and include their information if applicable

  8. Review all entries for completeness and accuracy

  9. Click Submit to finalize your proposal

*Tip: Prepare your abstract and presenter information in advance to streamline the submission process.

Must align with one of the categories from our posted list.

15 words or less

Presentation Format
Single Speaker Presentation (20-minute format)
Panel Session (50-minute format)
Poster Presentation

300 words or less

150 words or less

150 words or less

Additional Information:
  • Submissions will be evaluated based on relevance, innovation, and practical application to SWANA membership and industry professionals.

  • Selected presenters may receive discounted registration.

  • Student and young professional submissions are encouraged.

  • Accepted presentations may be included in symposium proceedings.

  • If you have any questions, please email us at: info@socalswana.org

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