Kick off the week in style at our Opening Reception, set against the stunning backdrop of the Hotel Bourre Bonne rooftop. As you arrive, join fellow attendees for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration.

Connect with fellow FILA members over breakfast and engage with Xavier University leaders in a discussion about developing the next generation of waste and recycling professionals. Share your perspectives on workforce needs, leadership development, and future educational opportunities for the industry.

We are excited to welcome back Leaderology for another engaging and impactful leadership development experience. After delivering a highly successful session last year, Leaderology returns with Leadership Evolution: Coaching to Inspire Growth—a dynamic workshop designed to help today’s leaders adapt and thrive in an ever-changing workplace.

In this interactive session, participants will explore how leadership expectations are evolving across generations and gain practical strategies to develop a modern leadership approach grounded in authenticity and consistency. The workshop emphasizes the power of coaching as a leadership tool, equipping attendees with techniques to foster psychological safety, elevate performance, and unlock their team’s full potential.

Through a blend of guided discussion, hands-on activities, and real-world application, leaders will leave with actionable insights and a clear plan to strengthen their coaching skills and drive meaningful growth within their teams.

What does it take to build the kind of trust, teamwork and resilience needed to reach the top of the world?

At this year's FILA Fall Summit, we'll hear from Eric Alexander, a renowned mountaineer and adventurer whose incredible experiences redefine what's possible when people work together.

Eric defied the odds when he helped guide his blind friend, Erik Weihenmayer, to the summit of Mount Everest. He has climbed the highest point on six of the seven continents, survived a 150-foot fall while climbing in the Himalayas, and continues to help others overcome barriers through adventure.

Through stories from Everest and expeditions around the world, Eric will share powerful lessons on:

• Building trust when the stakes are high
• Creating teams that rely on and support one another
• Overcoming obstacles and setbacks
• Setting ambitious goals — and finding a way forward
• Helping others reach heights they may not have thought possible

This is one keynote you won't want to miss.
 

Join NWRA President & CEO Michael E. Hoffman and incoming NWRA Chairman Bill Rumpke Jr. for an engaging fireside chat on the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of the waste and recycling industry. Drawing on their leadership experiences, Michael and Bill will share perspectives on industry trends, business growth, advocacy, workforce development, and the evolving role of leadership in a rapidly changing environment. Attendees will gain valuable insights into what it takes to lead organizations, inspire teams, and drive the industry forward while preparing for the next generation of executive leadership.

Join the FILA board for an interactive look at the year. We'll share where FILA stands today, what's coming in 2027 and 2028, and the many ways you can get involved, from Deal Me In and FLEX to giving back and leading on the board. This isn't a lecture: bring your phone for a live poll, your questions for the open floor, and your ideas for what FILA should do next.

Join us for an evening at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. Enjoy food and drinks while connecting with fellow attendees, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the bat factory, and try your swing in the batting cages.

*Transportation not provided

Meet in Hotel Bourre Bonne Lobby

Giving back will be part of this year’s FILA Fall Summit in Louisville. Attendees will support Blessings in a Backpack by helping provide 500 bags of food for local students experiencing food insecurity, along with handwritten “Positive Notes” of encouragement to include in each bag. FILA will also team up with Brightside and the City of Louisville for a community cleanup, giving attendees another opportunity to make a positive impact in our host city.

Quick stop at the hotel to freshen up before our next activities.

Return to the hotel following our morning service projects and take some time to freshen up before departing for lunch.

Continue the conversations and connections from the week over a private FILA networking lunch at Angel’s Envy. This relaxed setting gives attendees an opportunity to connect with fellow emerging leaders, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships across the waste and recycling industry.

Lunch begins at 12 PM. Depart from hotel lobby at 11:45 AM.

Spend the afternoon experiencing a signature piece of Kentucky culture while continuing to connect with fellow FILA members. Attendees will visit Angel’s Envy and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. for guided experiences highlighting Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, craftsmanship, and history. Along the way, attendees will have time to connect with fellow emerging leaders, build relationships, and strengthen connections across the industry.

Enjoy some free time before our closing dinner. Head back to the hotel to refresh, relax for a bit, or continue exploring Louisville before we come together for our final evening at Churchill Downs.

Return transportation will run shuttle trips departing from 8:30 - 9:30 PM for guests wishing to return to the hotel. Meet in the front drive of the museum for pick up.

Share your input about the 2027 Healthcare Waste Conference at Waste Expo

What if PHMSA knocks on your door?  What are the most frequent office and behind-the-scenes mistakes that companies make?

1:00 PM | HWI Policy Position Status
Speaker: Kristin Aldred, PhD, Senior Manager, Government Affairs, WM; HWI Policy Committee Chair

Discussion Topics:

• Where and how HWI's policy positions have been utilized
• Practical applications and industry impact
• Future opportunities and next steps

2:00 PM | Regulatory Update
Speaker: Alex Chapman, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainability, WM; HWI Membership Committee Chair

Discussion Topics:

• Current state regulatory issues where HWI is actively engaged
• Emerging regulatory developments affecting the industry
• Ongoing and new issues requiring HWI attention and involvement

3:00 PM | Member Meeting and Ongoing Discussions
Facilitator: Bob Spurgin, HWI Chair

An open member discussion focused on current priorities, industry challenges, committee activities, and opportunities for collaboration among HWI members.