Reinventing the Gateway: St. Louis Welcomes RCon™ 2026
From its role as the Gateway to the West to its modern-day emergence as a hub for technology, manufacturing, and sustainability, St. Louis has always been a city defined by innovation. That spirit of reinvention makes it the perfect host city for RCon™ 2026, where waste and resource management professionals come together to shape what’s next for our industry.
That forward‑thinking mindset was on full display during SWANA’s recent site visit to St. Louis.
Reinvention Rooted in Reuse at City Museum
City Museum is perhaps one of the most creative examples of innovation through reuse anywhere in the country. Housed in a former shoe factory, this downtown attraction transforms repurposed materials—such as salvaged steel, tiles, and structural remnants—into immersive, interactive art exhibits and an imaginative playground designed for both children and adults. The City Museum perfectly reflects St. Louis’s commitment to creativity, reinvention, and sustainability.
Rich, Regional Flavors
St. Louis also delivers when it comes to food, offering plenty of opportunities to experience the city’s flavor and creativity on and off the conference floor. A local favorite is Rooster, known for its scratch-made, farm-to-table dishes and seasonal specials that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Beyond brunch, St. Louis is nationally recognized for its barbecue scene, with iconic spots like Pappy’s Smokehouse delivering slow-smoked, Memphis-style BBQ that’s become a must-try for attendees.
Craving something sweet? No visit is complete without a stop at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a beloved local institution since 1930. Located along historic Route 66, Ted Drewes is famous for its signature “concrete”—a rich frozen custard so thick it’s served upside down. Speaking of Route 66 – this year is the iconic highway’s Centennial marked by celebratory events throughout the year.
Rooted in Resilience, Recognized for Reinvention
St. Louis is also a city shaped by resilient, long‑standing businesses that continue to adapt and thrive—none more iconic than Anheuser‑Busch. Founded in St. Louis in the mid‑1800s, the brewery grew from a small local operation into a global brand by embracing innovation, from early adoption of pasteurization and refrigerated railcars to diversification during Prohibition that kept its workforce employed. This legacy reflects the broader business culture of St. Louis; one built on adaptability, endurance, and a commitment to long‑term impact.
The 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair cemented St. Louis’s reputation as a global stage for innovation and progress—qualities that reflect the spirit of RCon today. Held in Forest Park, the World’s Fair showcased advances in science, technology, manufacturing, and agriculture to millions from around the world. Much like RCon, the fair convened leaders and innovators to exchange knowledge, explore solutions, and reimagine what was possible. More than a century later, hosting RCon in St. Louis continues that legacy—bringing our industry together in a city with a long tradition of shaping the future.
A Natural Fit for RCon’s Mission
As SWANA prepares to welcome attendees to St. Louis, it’s clear this city offers more than a destination—it offers a mindset. RCon in St. Louis isn’t just about where we’ll gather—it’s about moving the industry forward, together.
Register for RCon 2026 before early bird rates end May 15 to join us September 29 – October 2 in St. Louis, Missouri. Stay tuned for the agenda coming soon!