2026 HVRC Annual Conference & Awards Celebration
On this page: Registration | Agenda | Resources & Reading Materials | Event Sponsors | Event Photos
This Year's Theme: Waste Management Challenges & Solutions in the Region
Please join us on Friday, November 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm for an afternoon celebrating the Mid-Hudson Region and the great work being done by our municipalities. This year's event highlights waste management challenges and solutions in the Region.
The agenda will cover:
- Short presentations on waste management challenges, best practices, and potential solutions for the Region
- Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony: Celebrate Mid-Hudson municipalities for their achievements in HVRC's programmatic areas over the last year
- A workshop including lively discussion of the State's Solid Waste Management Plan
Featured presenters at this year's event include Solid Waste Management experts from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, local recycling coordinators, and representatives of waste management facilities. A webpage with presenter biographies will be linked here soon.
Tentative Event Agenda
12:00-12:30 pm | Lunch/Networking
Join us for lunch and an opportunity to make connections with other folks working in waste management & local government in the Region. Vegetarian options will be available.
12:30-12:35 pm | Conference Opener
HVRC Executive Director Carla Castillo and CEC & CSC Coordinator Brandon Toye will provide opening remarks.
12:35-1:20 pm | Waste Management Challenges Presentations
Presenters will share an overview of Statewide & Regional challenges related to Waste Management and set the stage for conversations throughout the conference.
Speakers: TBA
Presentation Materials: TBA
1:20-1:30 pm | Q&A, Share Out, and Group Brainstorm
After presentations on Waste Management Challenges, this is a time for attendees to ask questions, share challenges their municipalities are facing, and brainstorm potential solutions.
1:30-2:00 pm | HVRC Annual Awards Celebration
In HVRC's Fourth Annual Awards Ceremony, join us in celebrating Mid-Hudson municipalities for their achievements in HVRC's programmatic areas over the last year. We hope this celebration "energizes" the Region and inspires continual efforts.
Award #1: The Potential Energy Award: For taking on numerous projects that will build resilience and prepare the municipality for the changing climate.
- Awardee TBA
Award #2: The Kinetic Energy Award: For incredible momentum and accomplishments in the past year.
- Awardee TBA
Award #3: The Radiant Energy Award: For facilitating collaboration, sharing ideas, and helping the Region work together to achieve its sustainability goals.
- Awardee TBA
2:00-2:55 pm | Waste Management Solutions Presentations
Presenters will share current and potential Statewide & Regional solutions related to the Waste Management challenges our Region faces.
Speakers: TBA
Presentation Materials: TBA
2:55-3:55 pm | Workshop & Lively Discussion of NYS's Solid Waste Management Plan
In small groups, HVRC staff will facilitate discussions regarding NYS's Solid Waste Management Plan. Workshop resources and helpful reading materials will be added here soon.
3:55-4:00 pm | Closing Remarks
HVRC staff will provide closing remarks and offer potential next steps as we strive toward Regional Waste Management solutions.
Resources & Helpful Reading Materials
Links to articles and other helpful resources that will help you prepare for our workshop discussions will be added here shortly.
Event Sponsors
The 2026 Awards Ceremony featured gift baskets donated by Adams Fairacre Farms.
At Adams Fairacre Farms, we take pride in offering the best local, fresh meat, produce, and products. From farm-fresh fruit to locally-sourced seafood, we are your one-stop destination for everything fresh.
Event Photos
After the Conference, photos will be linked here.