Annual Environmental Conference

July 9 - 11, 2023

Margaritaville Lake Resort, Osage Beach, MO



Keynote Speakers Announced

Dru Buntin, Director

Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Dru Buntin was named Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in August 2021.

Dru served as Deputy Director for the department from 2009 to 2012, and again in 2017. Dru is the former Executive Director of the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, where he served for four years. Since rejoining the department in 2017, Dru has led the agency on important river-related issues, including drought relief and flood recovery. He was also instrumental in leading the department's Red Tape Reduction efforts, which reduced the regulatory burden on Missouri businesses and citizens. Dru earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Missouri - Columbia.

Meg McCollister, Regional Administrator

U.S. EPA Region 7

Meg McCollister has a strong advisory and advocacy background with nearly two decades of experience serving nonprofits, candidates for public office, and public policy campaigns. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas before attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctorate with an emphasis in urban, land use and environmental law.

After law school, McCollister served on the Board of Directors for Sonoma County, California Conservation Action and worked on environmental campaigns and in local government. Upon her return to the Midwest, she has continued to serve as an advisor and strategic thinker in areas including environmental, health, and social improvement initiatives as well as communication strategies.


Monday Luncheon Speaker

Dan Meers, aka KC Wolf

Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs

What makes Dan truly special is that he is as equally entertaining out of his costume. He goes to work each day like many other men, dressed in a suit. The only difference is that instead of wearing a tie with his suit, he wears a tail. Dan's work as KC Wolf and his experiences as a professional sports mascot have reinforced to him the philosophy that laughter and a cheerful heart are good medicine. He is also a firm believer that when you learn to think only of the best and work on for the best, you can start to expect the best!


AGENDA                                                            

 SUNDAY
 
   
 10:00 am
GOLF TOURNAMENT

 2:00 pm
Exhibits set up
 4:00 pm
Registration opens

 6:00 pm

 


8:00pm - 10:00 pm

WELCOME RECEPTION                      

Whorlow Entertainment Dueling Pianos


Board reception for young professionals - new to the industry (less than 5 years)


   
 MONDAY
 
   
 7:30 am
Registration, exhibits open
 
8:30 am

Breakfast
PLENARY SESSION

Dru Buntin, MDNR Director

Meg McCollister, EPA Region 7 Administrator



 10:30 am

12:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

Lunch; award presentation 



Dan Meers, KC Wolf

 1:30 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

 3:00 pm
Break

 3:30 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

 5:00 pm

RECEPTION - bring the family!

Entertainment for kids

World Bird Sanctuary birds on display

Casino night with mouse races

   
 TUESDAY
 
   
 7:30 am
Registration, breakfast exhibits open

SWANA meeting




 8:30 am
CONCURRENT SESSIONS

 10:00 am
break

 10:30 am
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
   
 12:00 pm

Networking Lunch


 1:00 pm
CONCURRENT SESSIONS


2:30 pm


Adjourn



  



REGISTRATION                                                 

Registration fees are $325 for the full conference, which includes meals and handouts; $250 for one day.  After June 1st, the registration fees increase $25.

Full refunds are available through July 2, 2023.

2023 Environmental Conference

RESORT INFORMATION                                    

Prior to June 10, 2023, Room Rate for 2022 is $138 for run of the house, and Resort complex room. Rate for suites:   $275 for Resort One Bedroom Suite, $409 for Resort Two Bedroom Suite.  After June 11th, regular hotel rates apply. ROOM BLOCK IS SOLD OUT. Rooms are still available just not at the discount rate.

Hotel reservations may be made by calling 800-826-8272 or at www.tan-tar-a.com. Please reference the group code of "MWCC" in order to receive the rates indicated above. Check-in time is 4:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.


CE INFORMATION                                             

The following Continuing Education Credits are available for the conference:

  •  MoDNR Solid Waste Technician Recertification (this is still required in by state law in Missouri)
  • Missouri Legal CE credits
  •  SWANA credits
  • PDH hours for engineers

GOLF TOURNAMENT                                         

The golf tournament is Sunday, July 9, with a shotgun start at 10 am.   We will be playing at The Oaks Golf Course. The registration fee for the golf tournament is $100 per person, or $360 for a team.

RECEPTION FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS      

The board of directors will be hosting a reception Sunday evening at 8:00 pm for those attendees who are new to the industry, with five or less years of experience.  Be sure to indicate your interest in attending on the registration form.


SCHOLARSHIP RAFFLE                                     

Every year the Coalition provides scholarships to students at four-five Missouri universities.  These students are often in attendance at the conference.  Raffle tickets to support the scholarship fund may be purchased with your registration or onsite at the conference.

Grand Prize is $1,000; first prize is $400 cash; and second prize is $200 cash.


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