ISRI Returns to E-Scrap Conference in a Big Way

Each year the E-Scrap Conference and Trade Show brings together electronics recyclers, information technology asset disposition (ITAD) firms, electronics manufacturers, buyers and brokers of recycled commodities, device repair businesses, government officials, potential investors, and other players in the growing sector.

This year, ISRI rebounds from COVID with a big presence Sept. 19-21 at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, with many members and staff involved in presentations and workshops. “This provides ISRI the opportunity to showcase our strengths and how we help lead the industry towards more sustainable recycling through standards, developing markets, and transitioning towards more ITAD services,” says Billy Johnson, ISRI’s chief lobbyist. ISRI has a booth (#1221) and lounge at the event’s Elite Hall. ISRI’s Electronics Division is a Diamond sponsor of the conference.

ISRI Women in Recycling Council Co-chair Sandy Pierce, commodities trader at materials recycler PADNOS, notes this year’s E-Scrap Conference touches on various key topics such as certification, original equipment manufacturer take-back, precious metal market trend, ITAD, sustainability, and more. “Not only do I get to see familiar faces and meet new friends, but also I get to learn and continue to grow the business,” she says. Pierce will moderate the “Markets in Focus: Precious Metals” session on Sept. 21.

Craig Boswell, member-at-large for ISRI’s Electronics Division and president of electronics recycler HOBI International, looks forward to meeting people in the industry and learning new information. “With the increasing challenges facing the ITAD industry, the content of this year’s conference is especially timely and engaging,” he notes.

ISRI is sponsoring a workshop, “Fire Safety at Your Facility,” and the opening night reception on Sept. 19. Other sessions with an ISRI presence include:

• “The State of the Sector,” featuring Boswell; Joe Pickard, ISRI’s chief economist and director of commodities; and Walter Alcorn, vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability at the Consumer Technology Association, on Sept. 20.
• “Connecting Sustainability and Date Security” on Sept. 20, featuring Don Griffes, Blancco’s director of research and development; Russ Ernst, Blancco’s executive vice president of products and technology; and Sunnking President Adam Shine.
• “M&A and Preparing for Capital Infusion,” featuring Rike Sandlin, CEO of Rivervista Partners, on Sept. 20.
• “The Latest on Global Trade Regulations” on Sept. 21, featuring Fred Fischer, ISRI’s assistant vice president of international trade.

“The E-Scrap conference is like a homecoming every year,” says Matt Young, ISRI Electronics Division 2^nd Vice-chair and president of recycler Electronics Value Recovery. “It’s exciting to catch up with friends and partners and learn how the industry is evolving. As an industry, we’ve all had a volatile year, and I am looking forward to participating on the [Sept. 19 “Markets in Focus: Refurb and Reuse”] panel to discuss changes and emerging trends.”

Photo of Jackson Square, New Orleans, courtesy of Dan Hockensmith.