NWRA announces dates for 2026 Northeast Invitational

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced the dates for its 2026 Northeast Invitational event, taking place Aug. 24-25, 2026, in Hampden, Massachusetts.

For its second year, the event will convene industry professionals for two days of engagement, education and networking. The first Northeast Invitational, held this October, brought together NWRA members from across the region.

“The response we saw this year made it clear that our members truly appreciate having a regional event of their own,” says Faith Zydowsky, vice president of Sierra Container Group of Atlanta and co-chair of the Northeast Invitational Planning Committee. “The Northeast Invitational offered a great opportunity to connect, learn from one another and strengthen relationships across the industry.”

According to the NWRA, suppliers noted the 2025 event offered attendees meaningful engagement and visibility.

“The invitational creates a unique environment where suppliers and members can interact in a more targeted and productive way,” says Zach Martin, CEO of Big Truck Rental of Tampa, Florida, and chair of the NWRA Suppliers Board of Governors. “Those conversations help us better understand member needs and strengthen the partnerships that drive our industry forward.”

Planning for the 2026 event is already underway. It will include a private networking event followed by a full day of programming featuring a legislative briefing; a golf tournament with supplier-hosted contests and engagement opportunities; and an evening reception.

“We are committed to growing the Northeast Invitational into a premier annual gathering for our region,” says Martin Mattsson of Volvo Construction Equipment North America Inc. and co-chair of the Northeast Invitational Planning Committee. “Our team is exploring opportunities to enhance the program while preserving the elements that made the inaugural event such a success.”

The NWRA will also continue its partnerships with Connecticut-based USA Hauling and Recycling and GreatHorse golf course and country club, both of which will again play key roles in hosting the 2026 event.

“We were proud to support the inaugural invitational, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back for another great event in 2026,” says Frank M. Antonacci, chief operating officer of USA Hauling and Recycling.

Additional details, including registration and sponsorship information, will be released in the coming months.