MBA's First Annual Conference - A Grand Success

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1.  On March 26, 2024, Midwest  Biosolids Association hosted  its very first Annual Conference at                         Purdue  University.        

            2.      The conference was a huge success with about 160  attendees.

• Session 1 highlighted the value of collaboration in  supporting biosolids management and what we learned from some of our members through a MBA member engagement survey.
• Session 2 shared lessons learned from a few projects  and programs, such as the City of Columbus, Ohio’s 100% beneficial use  program.
• Session 3 was all about the ongoing research that  fuels the sound, science-backed management of biosolids. For example, Dr. Linda Lee and others shared updates regarding the presence and behavior of certain chemicals in biosolids.
• Session 4 highlighted “boots on the ground” case studies, like fugitive methane tracking, “win-win” approaches to land application, and biosolids strategic planning.

              3.    The dinner the night before was amazing with over 70 attendees. It was a great opportunity

                      for many to meet other MBA members for the first time.

             4.     The success of this conference would not have been realized if not for the following:

                           Dr. John Norton, Jr., Conference Chair, for his tireless effort in organizing the event and 

                                    bringing everyone together in such a short time

                          Dr. Linda Lee and staff, Purdue University, for the tremendous support and hosting the 

                                    conference at such wonderful venue.

           The various sponsors who contributed far beyond sponsoring the event, the food and 

                                    refreshments

          The presenters, especially for their preparation and passionate delivery, even on short 

                                     notice

             5.     Janine Burke-Wells, Executive Director of the Northeast  Biosolids and Residuals        

                      Association, quipped “This conference was  fantastic. It is amazing how far the Midwest 

                      Biosolids Association has  come in such a short time and most of all to put on such a 

                      wonderful  conference. The speaker line and the presentations were excellent. This  was a 

                      memorable experience.”

             6.    The MBA Board of Directors and the Conference Chair  especially appreciate the work of and 

                     everyone including the attendees for  making this a tremendous success showing that you 

                     care about sustainable management of biosolids.

Our next annual conference is tentatively set for May 2025 at Michigan State University. Be on the lookout for more information coming soon.