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ESD: Solid Waste Technical Conference

Solid Waste Technical Conference and Training Day

Conference Day: Tuesday, April 6, 2027

Training Day: Wednesday, April 7, 2027

Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing

In its 36th year, the Solid Waste Technical Conference focuses on cutting-edge technological innovations and solutions related to the solid waste industry. The one-day conference, April 6, 2027, brings together national experts to present on issues related to policy, new technologies, regulatory updates and what the future holds for the industry. A post conference Training Day is scheduled for April 7, 2027.

 

Call for Presentations

You are invited to take an active role in this event by submitting a presentation proposal. Hands-on or demonstration presentations are preferred. Submit an abstract of your oral presentation that:

 

  • Is no longer than 250 words
  • Clearly presents a topic that is related to the solid waste industry
  • Outlines benefits attendees will take away from your presentation

Email your abstract in PDF format along with presentation title to lsmith@esd.org

by Monday, November 30, 2026. Accepted presenters will be notified in mid-December 2026.

 

Sponsorship and Exhibitior Opportunities Available

Click here for details or contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at 248-353-0735, ext. 152 or lsmith@esd.org for more information.

Volunteer as a Judge

Michigan Regional Future City Competition

January 19, 2027

Vibe Credit Union Showplace, Novi

This fall, middle school students began work on the Future City Competition: a project based STEM learning program where students work in teams with an educator and volunteer mentor to research, design, and build cities of the future. This year’s theme is “Fire Resilient Future,” challenging students to design cities that can prevent, withstand, and recover from fires.

Judges are needed for each of the four stages of the competition. The essays will be judged remotely, and the model, presentation and question and answer session will be judged live and in person on Tuesday, January 19, 2027.

More information is available here. To volunteer as a judge, visit the following website: https://dashboard.futurecity.org/register. Please be sure to select the Regional judging category and choose Michigan as your region in order to be part of our competition.

 

Attention college students, we want to hear from you!

9th Annual TechCentury Student Writing Contest

Submission Deadline: December 4, 2026

 

To promote and engage student voices and ideas about the profession of engineering, ESD and its TechCentury magazine will hold it’s 9th annual writing contest.

 

The contest is open to all students attending Michigan universities and studying within any of the engineering disciplines or related fields. The top three entries will be published in the Spring 2027 issue of TechCentury. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Fishman Stewart, LLC.

 

For essay topics and contest details, click here. Questions? Contact Susan Thwing at sthwing@esd.org.

 

Upcoming ESD Events

January 19: Michigan Regional Future City Competition

Spring: Engineers Get Hired Job Fair

April 6-7: Solid Waste Technical Conference & Training Day

June 7: Annual Golf Outing

June: Annual Dinner

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