REUSE24 conference recap: Highlights from Reuse Minnesota’s 5th annual event
Reuse Minnesota hosted its 5th annual conference in the Twin Cities from October 8-9, 2024. Preconference site visits took place on October 8, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore local reuse organizations. The main event was held on October 9 at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, bringing together 200 experts, thought leaders, and change-makers from across the nation—and even from Scotland! The conference facilitated networking, learning, and exploring ways to strengthen and expand the reuse economy. In addition to the in-person attendees, eight virtual speakers participated. Attendees were grateful to learn about other reuse efforts happening outside of Minnesota. 

Preconference tours and social hour

Five Reuse Minnesota members generously hosted preconference site visits, offering participants an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their organizations. 

Participants learned more about the social and economic impact these members are making in our community. We are thankful to these hosts for helping us kick off the conference: Furnish Office & Home, Loose Parts Laboratory, Macalester College, Minnesota Tech for Success, and Recovery Bike Shop.

Following the site visits, Minnesota Tech for Success generously hosted a social hour where conference guests had the opportunity to mingle and connect, sharing their personal and professional connections to reuse.

Keynote and conference sessions

This year’s conference featured a wide variety of engaging breakout sessions. With an array of 20 sessions, attendees commented that it was difficult to decide which one to attend! You can check out the full list of sessions, descriptions, and speaker bios in our conference guide. 

Our keynote speaker, Shontel Isham, owner of Nibi Earth and representative of the Leech Lake Tribal Reserve, shared her experience and insights into the reuse and social programs in Cabin Country. The audience appreciated how she humanized reuse, inspiring attendees to consider its role in connecting and strengthening communities. 

Back by popular demand, we also hosted a hands-on programming session where attendees could learn new skills such as mending, furniture upcycling, creative arts, and mindfulness. This afternoon session was the perfect energy booster after enjoying our delicious lunch planned and prepared by culinary students from Hennepin Technical College.

Additional conference highlights

• Book swap - Attendees, as well as Hennepin Technical College students and staff, participated in a book swap. A variety of topics from cookbooks to children’s literature were swapped.

• Silent auction - Items donated to the auction featured an assortment of upcycled items and reusable products. Proceeds from the auction will support Reuse Minnesota’s work in educating the public about reuse, advocating for supportive policies, and promoting local reuse businesses and organizations. 
  
  

Thanks to our sponsors and exhibitors
We are grateful to our sponsors for their continued support of our event. Their generosity makes it possible for us to plan and deliver an impactful experience. This year, we had a record 15 exhibitors! They were busy engaging with attendees during scheduled breaks. We appreciate their presence in helping foster connections within the reuse community.

Sponsors: Brave North Technology, Bridging, Eureka Recycling, HDR, Hennepin County, Minnesota Cloth Diaper Bank, Minnesota Waste Wise, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Mission Critical Systems, PaintCare, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, r.World, The Green Mission, and University of Minnesota ReUse Program.

Exhibitors: Better Futures Minnesota, Bridging, Dodge County, Hennepin County, Hennepin Healthcare, Homebody Refill Market, Minnesota Toy Library, MnTAP, PaintCare, Park+Coop, r.World, Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy, Reuse Minnesota, Space by Space Organizing, and Minnesota Waste Wise. 

We would also like to extend our thanks to the team at Hennepin Technical College, whose culinary students and instructors created a menu that met dietary needs, used reusables, and helped reduce food waste by letting attendees take home leftovers.

Looking ahead

Reuse Minnesota is excited to continue working with our members and partners to make Minnesota a leader in sustainable reuse practices. For more photos and highlights from REUSE24, visit our website.

Ways to get involved

• Become a member of Reuse Minnesota as an individual or organization

• Register to attend our annual meeting on November 20, 2024

• Donate to support our work

• Sign up for our monthly newsletter

• Follow us on social media @reusemn

• Email us if you'd like to be considered as a site visit host, speaker, sponsor, or exhibitor at REUSE25

We’re excited to continue growing the reuse economy in the year ahead!