SWANA’s RCon® 2026 Brings Together More Than 1,500 Industry Professionals in St. Louis

The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) concluded RCon® 2026 on October 2 after a week of education, networking, innovation, and collaboration that brought together more than 1,500 waste and resource management professionals and over 200 exhibitors in St. Louis.

Held September 29 through October 2 at America’s Center, RCon 2026 featured more than 90 educational sessions, six experiential learning tours, three training courses, four general sessions, facilitated roundtables, rapid insight sessions, and a sold-out exhibit hall showcasing the latest solutions shaping the future of the industry.

Throughout the week, attendees explored critical topics including safety, circularity, sustainability, recycling innovation, landfill operations, workforce development, public engagement, and emerging technologies. RCon also highlighted the importance of professional development, industry collaboration, and creating stronger pathways for the next generation.

SWANA’s RCon concluded with a forward-looking general session focused on evolving workforce needs and building organizations that can thrive amid rapid change. The closing keynote and panel discussions explored strategies for recruiting talent, supporting employee growth, investing in teams, and creating workplaces where employees can succeed and find purpose in their work.

"The future of our industry depends on our ability to attract, develop, and retain talented people,” said Carolyn F. Muller, Acting SWANA CEO. “This year’s closing discussions reinforced the importance of investing in our teams, supporting career growth, and creating workplaces where people can build meaningful careers while making a difference in their communities.”

One of the highlights of the week was Thursday evening’s all-attendee networking event, Reclaimed & Reimagined: A Night at the City Museum. Hosted at one of St. Louis’ most iconic destinations, the event offered attendees a unique opportunity to connect while exploring the museum’s four levels of adventure built from reclaimed and repurposed materials. The imaginative venue, known for its innovative reuse of architectural and industrial artifacts, provided a fitting backdrop for a community dedicated to resource management, sustainability, and creative problem-solving. 

Other special networking events throughout the week included the Volunteer Appreciation Bash at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery, the Awards Celebration at City Foundry, speed networking opportunities, and numerous informal and educational gatherings that enabled attendees to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas with peers from across North America.

During the closing general session, SWANA President Lynsey Baer announced the location and dates for RCon 2028, which will be held in Raleigh, North Carolina from October 3-6. The announcement generated excitement among attendees and provided an early opportunity for members to begin planning for another premier gathering of waste and resource management professionals. 

Before looking ahead to Raleigh, SWANA will welcome the industry to RCon 2027 in Portland, Oregon, September 21-24, continuing the association’s commitment to providing world-class education, networking, and leadership opportunities for professionals across the waste and resource management sector.

View the RCon 2026 highlight video with a sneak peek at next year’s host city of Portland.