29th RAM/SWANA Conference

Wednesday and Thursday, April 1 - April 2, 2026
Mystic Lake Center: 2400 Mystic Lake Boulevard NW, Prior Lake, MN 55372

The RAM/SWANA Conference & Show is the premier recycling and waste management conference in the Upper Midwest. Please join us at this award-winning conference - a great opportunity for professional development, networking and industry education!

  • ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

    ATTENDEE REGISTRATION: CLOSED

    WALK IN ATTENDEES WELCOME AT THE REGULAR RATE LISTED BELOW

    Early Bird Rate: (Through 2/28/2026*)
    Full Conference (Both Days)**
    Member: $450
    Non-Member: : $500

    Regular Rate: (Starting 3/1/2026*)
    Full Conference (Both Days)**
    Member: $500
    Non-Member: $600

    Tours: (Limited spaces available)
    ‍ Free
    ‍ ‍ March 31, 4PM (Pre-Conference)
    Register for tours HERE

    Conference Kickoff at LaunchPad:
    ‍ $75/person (Through 3/15/2026)
    ‍ ‍ March 31, 6PM (Pre-Conference)
    ‍ ‍ Register for the kickoff HERE

    Are you a student or GreenCorps member? We can offer you a special rate! Please contact Emily Youngs at eventsbyemilymn@comcast.net for a discount code.

    Need to pay via check or purchase order? Contact Emily Youngs at eventsbyemilymn@comcast.net for registration help.

  • AGENDA

    AGENDA

    See the conference at a glance or view the detailed agenda with the button below.

    View the conference digital program HERE

    Agendas are subject to change

    CONFERENCE AGENDA
  • HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

    HOTEL ACCOMODATIONS

    RAM/SWANA has secured a room block for conference guests needing overnight accommodations. You may either book online at the link below, or call Mystic’s Reservation Center 24/7 at 952-445-9000 for assistance with booking reservations. Just mention that you are with the RAM/SWANA Annual Conference Block. Book your room before March 4, 2026 to be included in our room block and receive the special group rate. Rooms are booked on a first come first served basis. If the room block is full or if you want to book outside the room block, select ‘Other offers, these dates’ when prompted.

    Rate Availability: 
    - 03/31/2026 - 04/03/2026
    Rate Includes:
    - Complimentary Self Parking
    - Complimentary Wi-Fi

    GRAB YOUR ROOM!
  • CARBON OFFSET & EVENT SUSTAINABILITY

    CARBON OFFSET & EVENT SUSTAINABILITY

    Attendees are invited to join us in reducing the impact of travel to and from Mystic Lake Center. Your donations will go towards the purchase of carbon offset credits from Green Cities Accord. Native Sustainability and Sustainable Synergy Solutions will match contributions up to $1000 with the goal of purchasing and retiring all the credits required to achieve a net zero travel impact for the RAM/SWANA Conference. 
    Your small donations can make a big difference!|
    ‍ ‍ $3 = 188 miles
    $5 = 313 miles
    $10 = 625 miles
    $15 = 938 miles

    DONATE HERE


    In an effort to lead by example, we are committed to integrating sustainability into our events as best as possible. We focus on applying sustainability to menu choices, waste and recycling management, exhibitor best practices, attendee participation, and communications and marketing.

    CONFERENCE SUSTAINABILITY

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Minnesota Department of Health
This conference has be pre-approved for 5 MDH credits per day (10 total for the full conference).

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
This conference has be pre-approved for 5 MPCA credits per day (10 total for the full conference).

*Rates and dates subject to change
**No single day rates available

Terms and Conditions

Cancellations received in writing on or before February 28, 2026 are fully refundable. No refunds will be allowed after February 28, 2026. Non-payment or non-attendance does not constitute cancellation. Notice of substitutions must be made in writing and sent to: eventsbyemilymn@comcast.net.

Member pricing is applicable only to current Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) or Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) members. If you can not verify your membership, you will be billed at the non-member rate.

This conference is hosted entirely in person. There is no virtual attendance option. The event location is accessible to persons with disabilities and persons who are wheelchair users. For individuals requiring accommodations, please contact eventsbyemilymn@comcast.net prior to the event.

By registering for the RAM/SWANA Conference, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or recorded, and such photography, video and/or recording may be used for reporting, promotion and advertising purposes now and in future development. You are not eligible for any form of compensation including but not limited to commissions, royalties, or product discounts.

Questions? Please contact Emily Youngs at eventsbyemilymn@comcast.net