The Portable Sanitation Association International may have just hosted the best Nuts & Bolts Education Conference in the association’s history. If you follow PSAI’s social media, you’ve already seen that the conference reached record-breaking attendance for this event with 250 attendees. The many first-time attendees certainly picked the right time to join PSAI.
The conference kicked off with a site visit to Texas Disposal Systems that will be remembered for years to come. Three charter buses hit the road to tour TDS’ massive site — which we soon learned was more of its own ecosystem. Attendees got to see the company’s recycling center, landfill, composting operation, tree farm and wildlife ranch. It was fascinating to see how all systems complemented each other and how TDS upheld high standards, positive workplace culture, and community engagement and giving in their business model.
Later in the week, attendees heard from excellent panelists learning how to be prepared and proactive when it comes to natural disasters potentially hitting their worksite, and how to create a positive workplace culture through better benefits to communication and recognition strategies. Keynote speakers shared better business strategies, including how to prepare for the economic outlook of 2023. As always, the room was abuzz during the multiple roundtable breakout sessions; 15 different industry-specific topics were presented.
Thanks to attendees’ support and fun-loving spirit, PSAI was able to fundraise $6,000 for the PSAI Scholarship Fund and charity of choice, Friends of Ngong Road. All of this was through the debut of The River Walk Ramble Amble. This poker run-style event proved to be a huge hit. Participants walked the San Antonio River Walk, collecting poker chips to exchange for cards. The best hand won a cash prize of $805. Without a doubt, PSAI will host the Ramble Amble again next year.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a PSAI event without networking and good times with friends. Evening receptions were held two nights in a row on the gorgeous rooftop patio of the St. Anthony Hotel, overlooking the city.
WWETT SHOW
You can catch PSAI at the WWETT Show Feb. 20-23 in Indianapolis. PSAI will offer two classes on Monday, Feb. 20, as well as our full Basic Service Technician Training series on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Participants in the Basic Service Technician Training series will have the opportunity to take the PSAI Certification Exam as well. Visit PSAI on the trade show floor at Booth 2346.
