The Solid Waste Association of North America is no rookie when it comes to organizing a grand event. On Monday, SWANA kicked off its 53rd annual WASTECON conference at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, where solid waste industry professionals congregated to discuss hot topics, demonstrate innovations, and swap industry insight.

"As industry leaders, we must continue to adapt to new conditions and challenges while incorporating new practices and technologies into our ongoing efforts," said SWANA President Michelle Leonard in a statement. That's why the 2015 WASTECON theme is "inventing the future of solid waste management." With features such as a student design competition, a Young Professionals program for individuals 35 and younger, and safety summits, this year's conference has a focus on sustaining the future of the waste and recycling industry.

The kick-off energy was pulsing through the convention center on Monday, and Waste Dive was there to capture the excitement. Here are the highlights from WASTECON day one (but don't worry — we'll be here until Thursday, so there's more to come).