Conference At A Glance 2025

All activities are on the Main Stage – except Concurrent Sessions.
View Day 1 and Day 2 schedules for more speaker information.

Times are listed in Pacific Standard Time

At A Glance
Day 1
Day 2
Keynote Showcase 2025

Day 1 • October 22

Start Time Event
7:45 AM
Start Time • Networking and Zoom Assistance
8:00 AM
Opening • Welcome
8:15 AM
Plenary 1 • Sustainability Trends and EPR Requirements: What Companies Need to Do Now
9:00 AM Keynote 1 • Breaking down Sustainability Silos – How Zero Waste Supports Efficiency, Health, and Decarbonization
9:30 AM
Plenary 2 • Considerations in Developing a Zero Waste Plan: Port Authority of NY & NJ Case Study
10:30 AM Break
10:45 AM Concurrent AM
  • Track A – Waste Reduction Strategies in the Medical Industry
  • Track B – How Data-Driven Tools Helps NVIDIA Improve Waste Diversion
  • Track C – Sustainable Solutions at Large Scale Events and Venues
11:45 AM Sponsor Showcase & Networking 
12:15 PM Keynote 2 • Full Circular: Pushing the Limits of the Circular Economy in NYC
12:45 PM Concurrent PM
  • Track A – A Comprehensive Approach to Reuse & Reduction at Universities
  • Track B – Strategies for Zero Waste in Parks
  • Track C – How a Marketplace of Sustainable Business Solutions is Accelerating Waste Reduction Solutions
1:45 PM
Plenary 3 • A “Univer-City” Partnership to Expand Compost Access
2:45 PM
Plenary 4 • Breaking Barriers: Strategic Initiatives to Fast-Track Your Zero Waste Journey
3:45 PM
Next Steps • Highlights and Key Takeaways from the Day
4:00 PM
Happy Hour • with Sponsors & Partners

Day 2 • October 23

Time
 Event
7:45 AM Start Time
8:00 AM Welcome & Opening
8:15 AM Keynote 1 • The State of Zero Waste Municipalities in the U.S.
8:30 AM Plenary 1 • Municipalities Leading Toward Zero Waste
9:30 AM Concurrent AM

  • Track A – Rethinking Beverage Containers: From Recycling to Reuse
  • Track B – Policy in Action: Customizing Zero Waste Policies for Your Community
  • Track C – Community Support for Businesses 1: Foodware Ordinances
10:30 AM Break 
10:45 AM Keynote 2 • Give it to Me Straight, Doc: A Plastics Prognosis
11:15 AM Plenary 2 • Prescriptions for a Planet: Plastics Solutions
12:15 PM Plenary 3 • Community Organizations Leading Toward Zero Waste
1:15 PM Sponsor Showcase & Networking
1:45 PM Concurrent PM

  • Track A – How Zero Waste Pop Ups Can Support Zero Waste Events
  • Track B – Grassroots Pathways to Zero Waste
  • Track C – Community Support for Businesses 2: Food Recovery, Institutional Reuse, & Best Practices
2:45 PM Breakout Discussions
3:30 PM Plenary 4 • Funding Zero Waste Solutions
4:30 PM Happy Hour with Sponsors & Partners