Executive Luncheon Registration Open

Registration is exclusively open for those attending the Executive Leadership Luncheon.

CSDS Exam

Want to earn Certified Secure Destruction Specialist Accreditation (CSDS)? Learn more about this prestigious accreditation. Study and prepare to become an expert in the industry and then take the CSDS exam during this year’s conference

Registration is required to take the exam. Contact [email protected] to sign up today.

Located In: Escondido 1

Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon: Obnoxious Offer

Presented By: Carl Gould

Located In: Tate B-C

This Event is part of the Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by VRC Companies, LLC. Add-On to Your Registration Today for $139 per person!

Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon: Shielding Your Business: Comprehensive Risk Management for Secure Operations

Presented by: Dan Mackarevich

Located In: Tate B-C

This Event is part of the Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by VRC Companies, LLC. Add-On to Your Registration for $139 per person!

Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon: Who Are You Without Your Business?

Presented by:Melanie Spring

Located In: Tate B-C

This Event is part of the Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by VRC Companies, LLC. Add-On to Your Registration for $139 per person!

Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon: AI Unlocked: Insights from MIT’s AI Program and Practical Applications for Your Business

Presented By:Aaron Ryssemus

Located In: Tate B-C

This Event is part of the Exclusive Executive Leadership Luncheon, sponsored by VRC Companies, LLC. Add-On to Your Registration Today for $139 per person!

Exhibitor Hall Preview Event

The Expo is open early on Sunday! Attendees will be able to go through the Expo a day ahead of all other attendees, view the latest in innovations released at this year’s show, meet with Exhibitors to discuss solutions and view demos, and schedule meetings if they desire.

Attendees will also receive a free drink at the bar setup at this time in the expo, courtesy of Allegheny Shredders

Pre-Event Networking at Billy Bob’s Texas

This Event Has Limited Availability! Add it to Your Registration Today to Secure Your Spot!!

Join i-SIGMA for a special Texas-Style Pre-Event Networking Evening at Billy Bob’s Texas! Experience the thrills of Texas with live entertainment, a private bull riding experience, delicious food, drinks, and activities with your i-SIGMA community.

Billy Bob’s Texas Event Includes

• 3 Hours of entertainment at Billy Bob’s Texas
• 2 Complimentary Drinks, On Behalf of Vecoplan, LLC
• Shuttle to and from the Gaylord Texan to Billy Bob’s
• Yummy Food & Apps
• Access to Private Cash Bar
• An Incredible Opportunity & Memory

More About Billy Bob’s Texas

When: Sunday, 6 April, 2025 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Where: Billy Bob’s Texas
Sponsored by: Vecoplan, LLC
Pricing: $139 Per Player
Registration: This Event May Sell Out. Pre-Registration Required to Attend. Register Today to Secure Your Place »

Billy Bob’s Texas Location

Billy Bob’s Texas is about 30 min away from the Gaylord Texan. i-SIGMA will be providing transportation to and from the Gaylord to Billy Bob’s Texas.

Sponsored by: Vecoplan, LLC

Morning Coffee & Pastries

Start the morning off right with an enjoyable cup of coffee or tea, paired with a delicious pastry!

Coffee & Tea Sponsored By: IG2

Pastries Sponsored By: K-2 Partners

Located in the: Registration Foyer

Registration Open

Registration is open for all attendees. Pick up your badge to enter sessions and the expo.

Day One Keynote: Carl Gould

Join us at the 2025 i-SIGMA Conference & Expo as we welcome renowned business strategist and leadership expert Carl Gould as our keynote speaker. With his groundbreaking methodologies being implemented in 35 countries, and over 7,000 Business Coaches and Mentors trained and certified since 2002, Carl has built the largest business mentoring organization in the world.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from one of the industry’s most influential thought leaders. In addition to delivering the opening keynote, Carl will host an exclusive session at the Executive Leadership Luncheon on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Seating for this luncheon is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot when you register for the conference!

Start your conference experience on a high note by learning from Carl Gould’s wealth of expertise and practical strategies to elevate your leadership and business success.

Sponsored by: Stericycle, Inc.

Located In: Tate Ballroom

Women of Wisdom Features: The Original AI – Aligned Intuition

Presented by: Melanie Springs

Located In: Escondido 1&2

Maximizing Value: Building an Optimized Downstream ITAD Program

Presented by:
Jonathan DeMent

Located In: Mesilla 1

In the IT asset disposition (ITAD) industry, having a strong and compliant downstream program is critical to ensuring data security, regulatory compliance, and maximizing value from retired IT assets. This session will provide attendees with actionable strategies to build and maintain a downstream program that drives profitability, reduces risk, and enhances customer trust. Attendees will learn how to evaluate downstream partners, implement robust tracking and reporting systems, and adapt to evolving environmental and regulatory standards.

Risk Reduction Through Balancing Man & Machine

In today’s evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes and industries face increasing risks from both cyber threats and human vulnerabilities. Striking the right balance between technology-driven security measures and human oversight is critical to protecting sensitive organizational and customer data.

Join our panel of industry experts as we explore real-world risks, discuss current cyber and human vulnerabilities, and share practical mitigation strategies. This session will provide actionable insights on implementing a comprehensive privacy and security program that integrates both technological advancements and employee awareness. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on strengthening their data protection frameworks, improving regulatory compliance, and fostering a security-first culture within their organizations.

Panel Presentation by: 

• Scott Reis
• Joe Harford
• Andrew Ysasi
• Jenny Heyns

Located In: Mesilla 2

Expo Hall Open

Come enjoy the expo hall and discover new innovations and services.

From the Bottom Up

Presented By: Chad Pregracke

Located In: Escondido 1 & 2

Chad Pregracke, 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, is living proof that one person can make a difference. As the founder of America’s only “industrial strength” river clean-up organization, Chad Pregracke tells a compelling, uplifting, and inspiring story about growing up on the river and how his river experiences led to his unique vision to clean up the Mississippi River and start an internationally recognized not-for-profit, Living Lands & Waters. Most of the trash removed from the Mississippi River and other water bodies are plastics and hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent trying to dispose of those plastics. After learning that 43% of all slow-growing hardwood trees are cut down for single use wood pallets, Chad knew there had to be a better solution. So, Chad and his wife Tammy started Green Current Solutions (GCS). GCS makes 100% recycled plastic pallets utilizing a portion of the plastics removed from the rivers. In addition, through our grinding operations, we can incorporate other company’s plastic waste streams. GCS is a culmination of Chad and Tammy’s passion for the natural environment and their drive to make change. Companies switching from wood to 100% recycled plastic pallets are not only saving millions of pounds of plastics from our oceans, rivers, landfills, and incinerators, but they are also saving millions of trees from being cut down. Chad’s presentation is motivating, captivating, genuine and refreshingly spontaneous. His story will show you that one person can truly make a difference!

Essential Digital Marketing Strategies

Presented by: Ben Street

Located In: Mesilla 2

In this session, we’ll explore how to leverage cutting-edge digital marketing techniques and robust CRM tools to enhance customer engagement and retention. We’ll also cover essential website infrastructure considerations to ensure your online presence is optimized for performance and user experience. Join us to learn how to build stronger customer relationships and drive sustainable growth through data-driven marketing strategies.

Unlocking Success: Understanding and Implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Presented by: Renee Schafer, CSDS

Located In: Mesilla 1

KPIs are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively an individual or organization is achieving key business objectives. If you don’t know yours, you are failing to plan and as Benjamin Franklin said, planning to fail. Learn how to identify your key KPIs, ensure they are SMART and use them to gain an edge on your competition.

Lunch in the Expo: Dedicated Hours

Enjoy lunch in the Expo as you discover solutions, the latest innovations, new business partners, and more! The i-SIGMA Expo and outdoor Truck Lot are worth taking your time to visit each booth as well as the mobile vehicles outside to learn what’s new to help you grow our secure data destruction or records management business in today’s market. In fact, you may want to sit and visit with an exhibitor while watching a demo and learning more about what they have to offer.

Sponsored By: KEITH Manufacturing Co.

Records Management Reconnected: Bridging the Past and Future of Records Management

Presented by: 

Nathan Hughes, ARMA
Nate Campbell, i-SIGMA

Located In: Escondido 1&2

Driving Towards a Safer Tomorrow: Leveraging Telematics and Driver Coaching for Fleet Safety

Presented by: 

Brent Earlewine
Nick Bloemen

Located In: Mesilla 1

In an era where safety is paramount, this session will delve into how telematics and driver coaching are transforming fleet operations to create safer roads and better outcomes for businesses. By harnessing real-time data, telematics systems provide invaluable insights into driving behavior, vehicle performance, and risk factors, while personalized driver coaching helps reduce accidents, improve driver skills, and ensure compliance with safety standards. Attendees will discover the direct impact of these technologies on reducing operational costs, improving fleet efficiency, and delivering peace of mind to customers who rely on safe and reliable fleet operations. Join us to explore how the integration of telematics and driver coaching can drive a safer tomorrow for fleets and their customers alike.

Maximizing Uptime: Preventive Maintenance Systems That Deliver Performance

Panel Includes: 
Tom Kertesz
Mike Campbell
Joe Baruch
Randy Rauenzahn
Peter Viveen
Facilitator: Gina Lentine

Located In: Mesilla 2
Equipment breakdowns can disrupt operations, increase costs, and affect customer satisfaction. This session focuses on building and implementing robust preventive maintenance systems and processes to enhance equipment performance and ensure seamless operations. Learn how to create a structured maintenance plan tailored to your fleet and facilities, explore proven tools and technologies for monitoring performance, and discover strategies to proactively address potential failures before they escalate. Industry experts will share best practices and case studies to help you minimize downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and boost operational efficiency. Walk away with actionable insights to develop a preventive maintenance program that safeguards your business and keeps it running at peak performance.

Records Management Reconnected: Networking and Snacks

Located In: Escondido 1&2

Records Management Reconnected: Treasure Hunting: The Art and Science of Caring for Corporate and Cultural Archives

Presented by: Meg Travis

Located In: Escondido 1&2

 
Archival collections can take many forms, from catalogs of master audio recordings, films, or video; to physical memorabilia such as signage, posters, photographs, props, sets, or models; to corporate historical records in fragile formats such as glass transcription discs, maps, blueprints, or product designs. Many of these archival assets, especially media, are stored on formats that are at immediate risk of loss due to time-based degradation or equipment or software obsolescence. Iron Mountain’s Media and Archival Services division is the leading global provider of complete end-to-end solutions for the protection, preservation, relocation and even monetization of archival collections. In this session you’ll learn which media formats are most at risk, and your best next steps for future-proofing fragile archival assets.

Building Trust: Finding and Vetting Downstream Partners for ITAD Success

Presented by: Tony Perrotta

Located In: Mesilla 1

Building a Strong Foundation: Certification Success and Strategic Supplier Partnerships

Presented by Panelists
Bill Rinehart
Greg Haber
Joshua Martinez

Facilitated by Price Brannon
 

Located In: Mesilla 2

Evening Reception in the Expo

There is no better way to start a conference and conclude the full first day than mingling with colleagues and discovering the latest innovations to grow your business. Enjoy drinks and appetizers during this evening reception held in the Expo, as you network, meet with existing partners, create new business connections, and discover superb solutions in a relaxed atmosphere.

Sponsored by: Iron Mountain

Located In: Longhorn Expo Hall

Registration Open

Registration is open for all attendees. Pick up your badge to enter sessions and the expo.

Morning Coffee & Pastries

Start the morning off right with an enjoyable cup of coffee or tea, paired with a delicious pastry!

Coffee & Tea Sponsored By: IG2

Pastries Sponsored By: K-2 Partners

Located in the: Tate Hall

Day Two Keynote: Pablos Holman – Emerging Technologies

Presented by: Pablos Holman

Located In: Tate Ballroom

Expo Hall Open

Come enjoy the expo hall and discover new innovations and services.

Shred Idol 4.0 Utilizing AI to Separate Yourself from the Competition

Presented By:
– Joe Harford
– Ray Barry
– Colin Scott

Located In: Mesilla 2

The Shred Idol Boys are back for another interactive and engaging sales session! This year, the Boys will show attendees how AI leverages data to provide actionable insights, enabling sales teams to make informed decisions that optimize strategies and increase conversion rates.

The Shred Idol Boys will highlight how AI automates repetitive tasks, allowing sales teams to focus on high-value activities that drive revenue. These include AI-powered lead scoring, automated follow-ups, and AI-driven CRM enhancements that streamline sales processes.

Key Points: Predictive sales forecasting, performance analytics, and AI-driven market trend analysis.

Business Physics

Presented by: Tom Adams

Located In: Escondido 1&2

Business success can be distilled to some simple, yet powerful principles clearly explained by the classic laws of physics – laws that were true 10,000 years ago and will be just as true 10,000 years from now. The fact is that there are universal laws at work in your life and business. You need to understand and work with them so that you can resolve the underlying conditions that are causing any breakdowns. And although every business is unique, the principles and patterns are always the same. When you can see them, you’re three steps ahead of those who can’t. In this speech I’ll help you to understand the principles and see the patterns to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.

Sharps and Shreds: Navigating Compliance Across Medical and Information Waste

Presented by: Bob Spurgin

Located In: Escondido 1&2

The medical records industry offers significant opportunities for growth, but entering this field requires careful consideration, compliance, and expertise. Attendees will learn about the key regulatory requirements, such as HIPAA compliance, as well as the operational adjustments needed to handle sensitive healthcare data securely. The session will also explore how to leverage your existing infrastructure, client relationships, and expertise in records management to build a successful medical waste service line. Discover actionable strategies to expand your business into this lucrative market while maintaining the highest standards of privacy, security, and trust.

Truth and Dare: Using Science to Eliminate Data and Increase Efficiencies

Presented by: Renee Schafer

Located In: Mesilla 1

How often do you evaluate your own data disposal options? Do you know the difference between overwrite, secure erase and degauss? How many times do you run overwrite software and what can you degauss (or not)? Together we’ll explore the science behind the different ways to eliminate digital data, face the truth, then dare to discuss how to increase efficiencies and put more money on the bottom line.

The Booming Business of Electronics Recycling & ITAD: A Golden Opportunity for i-SIGMA Members

Presented by: Daniel Puckett

Located in: Mesilla 2

The ITAD and electronics recycling industry is growing fast, driven by stricter regulations, corporate sustainability mandates, and rising data security concerns. Yet, we’re still in the early stages—and the opportunity is only getting bigger.

Membership Meeting & Awards Luncheon

Join i-SIGMA for the association’s Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Luncheon. Enjoy catching up with colleagues and hearing directly from the association leadership.

There is no additional cost to attend the Awards Luncheon for registered participants. 

Located In: Tate Ballroom

Sponsored By: Arthur Hall Insurance

Generations in the Workplace

Presented By: Steve Sauceda

Located In: Escondido 1&2

Educational Session Sponsored By: American Document Services

Fiber Markets: Best Practices for processing and marketing recycled commodities

Presented by: Will Davis

Located in: Mesilla 2

An in-depth discussion on the state of the Sorted Office Paper and other recycled commodities markets. Where the market is currently and where we believe the market is going and what this means for the revenue generated from the sale of these commodities. Presenter will walk members through recycling best practices as it relates to their document destruction business, both for companies who bale their own material and for companies who shred and drop loose materials at local recyclers. Topics include, equipment utilization, paper quality needs, what fiber consuming mills look for in their sorted office waste spec, recycled fiber marketing strategies for increased and secure revenue streams, other paper, plastic or metals grades can be generated by Document Destruction companies etc.

How Smart Companies Beat Competitors Online

Presented By: Daryl Woytowicz

Located In: Mesilla 1

There’s not much value in a website if customers can’t find it in their moment of need. This session explores how to boost your online visibility and generate high-quality shredding leads through digital marketing. We’ll uncover strategies to beat competitors in local searches and dominate Google’s listings. This enlightening discussion includes the latest trends in online marketing including the role of artificial intelligence (AI). For those wanting to take their marketing even further, we’ll cover the best pay-per-click techniques to attract purge and route customers.

Digital Defense: Why Cyber Hygiene Certification is the Next Essential Standard

Presented By: 

• Harford
• Peyton
• Schafer

Located In: Mesilla 2

Automating Your Business Has Never Been Easier

Presented by: Darin Adams
Located In: Escondido 1&2

Discover the secret to growing your business. It’s automation. Get rid of the overwhelm of growing your database, or following up with customers, or knowing the latest details on a deal. It can all be automated. Your three-ring binder or Excel spreadsheets aren’t working (if you even have those).
Come learn how to set up your processes with automation and catch a glimpse of how much simpler work can be. We’ll show you how to automate phone intake forms, rescheduling a purge, satisfaction surveys, new website lead intake capture, and more. See what others are doing and walk away with the tools you need to do the same.

Proactive Leadership: Solving Problems Before They Spark: Preventative Fire Maintence.

Recycling facilities face significant fire risks during material processing. Crushing and shredding operations increase the surface area of particles, making materials more susceptible to ignition. Flammable recyclables, such as paper and wood, further heighten the risk, while even household waste can pose unexpected fire hazards.

A growing concern is the rising number of fires caused by discarded lithium-ion batteries, which have become a significant threat to recycling operations. As these incidents increase, implementing advanced fire prevention and protection measures is more critical than ever. We will demonstrate how Firefly’s early detection and suppression systems will safeguard your facility and keep your process downtime to a minimum.

Presented by: Ryan Morrow

Located in: Mesilla 1

Truck Lot Party

The 2025 i-SIGMA Conference & Expo will end with a bang, including an amazing party in the expo hall (this year we have an indoor AND outdoor truck lot) with a live band amongst an array of the latest mobile shred vehicles. Mix. Mingle. Talk Shop. Network. Eat. Drink. Laugh. Enjoy the full Expo and outdoor Truck Lot one last time. This reception is definitely not one to miss.

Sponsored by: Shred-Tech

Located In: Longhorn Expo Hall

Boosting Profits through Container Efficiency

Panel:

Brian Cunningham
Cory Layes
Emil Brignola
Facilitated by:
Maggie Geolat

Located in: Mesilla 2

Are you looking to maximize your company’s profitability while improving your shred collection practices? Join us for an insightful session on “Boosting Profits Through Shred Container Efficiency,” where we’ll explore how optimizing your shred container processes can lead to significant cost savings and operational improvements.

Harnessing the Power of Mobility in Records Management and Secure Destruction: Lessons from the Real-World

In this session, we will explore how mobility is transforming industries through the integration of mobile applications, cloud platforms, and smart access control. Drawing on examples from sectors such as healthcare, logistics, and finance, we will demonstrate how these ecosystems enhance operational efficiency, security, and compliance. Attendees will learn how similar approaches can be applied in the records management and secure destruction industries, offering real-time data access, secure workflows, and enhanced compliance.

Presented By: Peter Kreiser

Located In: Mesilla 1

Navigating the i-SIGMA Specifications Manual

Presented By: Price Brannon, i-SIGMA Director of Certification

Located in: Mesilla 2

This session is designed to provide attendees with a clear and comprehensive understanding of the i-SIGMA Specifications Manual. Whether you are new to the certification process or seeking to refine your compliance practices, this session will guide you through the key components of the manual. Topics will include interpreting the standards, applying them to your operations, and avoiding common pitfalls during audits. Attendees will leave equipped with practical insights, tips, and tools to confidently implement the manual’s requirements and achieve successful certification outcomes. Perfect for operators, compliance officers, and business leaders committed to upholding

Doing More With Less or the Same

Presented by: Steve Innerfield

Located In: Mesilla 1

Trucks and Staff are expensive, so learn how to think outside the box to increase route density, only have full trucks coming back, and cut out wasted office time. Before you take on the expense of adding trucks or people, learn how to do more with what you already have, just by thinking about things differently. This is not just theory – you will leave this session with actionable steps you can take to increase operational efficiency. If you feel like you are trying to fit 10 pounds of shredding into a 5 pound bin, this session is for you!

What is your Shred Truck Worth?

Presented by: 

Located In: Mesilla 1

Understanding your shred truck’s true worth is vital for making informed decisions that impact your bottom line. This session will break down key factors that influence your return on investment, from operational costs and revenue potential to resale value. You’ll gain insight into smart financing strategies to help you optimize cash flow, upgrade your fleet, and position your business for long-term growth and profitability. Whether you are looking to maximize your current investment or plan for future equipment purchases, this session will provide practical, actionable strategies for getting the most out of your shred truck.

The CSDS Advantage: Unlocking Professional Growth and Industry Leadership

Presented by: 
Amanda Cavanah, CSDS
Colin Scott, CSDS
Angie Wade, CSDS
TJ Barelmann, CSDS
Facilitator: Jennie Gift, CSDS

Located In: Mesilla 2

Gain insight into the Certified Secure Destruction Specialist (CSDS) program and how it empowers professionals to stay ahead in an industry driven by data privacy regulations. This session will cover the certification process, its value to both individuals and organizations, and how it aligns with long-term professional and business goals.