When and where will the 2026 MRF Operations Forum be held?

When:

October 26 - 27, 2026

Where:

Hyatt Regency Chicago
151 Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601

What time does the show start?

Registration opens on Monday, October 26, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. CT with a Meet & Greet Reception. Registration reopen again on Tuesday, October 27 at 7:30 a.m. CT.

When and where do I receive my badge and show materials?

Registration credentials can be picked up on-site at the MRF Operations Forum registration desk located in the Regency Ballroom Foyer on the Ballroom Level (West Tower) of Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Who attends the show?

Click here to review the attendee demographics for MRF Operations Forum.

Is there a MRF Operations Forum app?

Yes, the event app is run through Cvent and available for PC, Apple and Android and information on how to download it will be available soon.

How can I see a list of who is attending?

You can view a list of attendees within the conference event app. The app will allow you to message attendees within the platform. A link to download the app will be available two weeks prior to the event.

Is there a dress code?

Business casual attire is appropriate for the event. We recommend you carry a light jacket or sweater for the air-conditioned meeting space and exhibit hall.

How do I get a media pass to the event?

To apply for a media pass for MRF Operations Forum, please email us at conference@gie.net.

Who is the organizer of the show?

Recycling Today Media Group
The organizer of MRF Operations Forum is the Recycling Today Media Group. The Recycling Today Media Group, which publishes Recycling Today, Construction & Demolition Recycling and Waste Today magazines. Visit the website at www.RecyclingToday.com. The Recycling Today Media Group is a division of GIE Media Inc., a Cleveland, Ohio-based business-to-business producer of magazines, conferences, websites and directories.

How can I become an sponsor?

Information on how to become a sponsor can be found by clicking here.

How do I register for the show?

To register for the conference, click here. If you have any questions while you register, please contact us at conference@gie.net.

What is the cost to attend the show?

For complete pricing, click here.

What is the difference between the PPRC+ Pass and MRF Operations Forum Pass?

PPRC+ Pass – This pass includes access to all MRF Operations Forum educational sessions and networking events, as well as the main sessions and exhibit hall at the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference (October 28-29, 2026).

MRF Operations Forum Pass – This pass includes access to all networking functions and general educational sessions affiliated with MRF Operations Forum.

What meal functions are included with registration?

Planned meal functions include a meet and greet reception on Monday, October 26, and a networking continental breakfast, lunch and networking reception on Tuesday, October 27. The Tuesday networking reception will take place in the exhibit hall of Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference.

Are there any pricing discounts available?

Yes, we are offering registration discounts to anyone who registers in a group of three (3) or more as well as early registration pricing discounts listed on our pricing page here.

If you are a Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) member, please contact membership@recycledmaterials.org to see if there are any member discounts available for this show.

Is there a group discount?

Yes, attendees registering in a group of three (3) or more will receive a 10% discount on their total purchase. To qualify for the group rate, groups must register at the same time. Discount cannot be applied retroactively or combined with any other discounts.

Is there a pricing difference depending on when I register?

Yes, registrations are subject to discounted early pricing. To view our discounts and deadlines, please click here.

Can I attend the event virtually?

No, MRF Operations Forum is a solely in-person event. Virtual options are not being offered at this time.

Do you accept on-site registrations?

Yes, on-site registrations are accepted on a space available basis.

What forms of payment do you accept for the conference fee?

GIE Media Inc. accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards. Checks, wire transfers and money orders (made payable to GIE Media Inc.) are also accepted but must be sent prior to the start of the conference. For information on where to send checks and wire transfers, please email us at conference@gie.net. Please do not send cash with mail-in registrations; cash will only be accepted on-site for registration payment. Checks must be drawn in U.S. dollars and from a U.S. bank.

What is included with my registration fee?

Each registration package includes access to different elements of the conference. To view what is included with each pass type, please click here.

Am I able to change/upgrade my registration pass?

Yes, you can upgrade your registration pass at any time. The cost to upgrade will be the rate difference between the pass type you registered for and the one you are looking to upgrade to at the time you registered. To upgrade your pass, contact show management at conference@gie.net.

Does the registration fee include travel/hotel costs for the conference?

All travel costs including air and hotel accommodations are the responsibility of the attendee. MRF Operations Forum has secured a block of rooms at the conference rate at the host hotel. Rooms in the conference room block are reserved for conference attendees. Detailed hotel information, including a link and instructions to book your reservation at the host hotel are included in the registration confirmation.

How will I know my registration has been received?

After completing registration, you will be routed to a confirmation page where you can add the event to your calendar, print a receipt, edit your registration and view a map and directions. In addition, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration information.

What do I do if I have registered but haven't received my confirmation email?

First, please ensure the email conference@gie.net is whitelisted on your email server. The registration confirmation will come from Recycling Today Media Group from conference@gie.net and will be titled "Registration Confirmed - MRF Operations Forum". Additionally, please check your spam/junk folder in the event that the confirmation email was caught in your spam filter by mistake. If you still have not received it, please email us at conference@gie.net and we will re-send your confirmation email.

My registration timed out. Do I have to re-enter all my information?

The system saves the information you previously entered. Simply log back into the registration system to complete your registration. To log into the system, click here and enter your first and last name and email address. The system will autofill the rest of the information you previously entered.

What is the cancellation policy?

All cancellations must be made in writing and e-mailed to conference@gie.net. Voicemails will not be accepted. A full refund minus a 10% administrative fee will be issued if the cancellation is received by October 7, 2026.

No refunds will be issued after October 7, 2026, or for no-shows.

If you cancel your conference registration, your hotel room will no longer qualify for the group rate and may also be cancelled if booked at the host hotel. MRF Operations Forum reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration or instructor emergency.

Attendees can notify the show at any time that another individual will attend the conference in their place. MRF Operations Forum also reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event. A full refund of registration fees will be issued only if this occurs.

If I can’t attend, can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Attendees can notify the show at any time that another individual will attend the conference in their place.

What is the refund policy?

A full refund minus a 10% administrative fee will be issued if the cancellation is received by October 7, 2026. No refunds will be issued after October 7, 2026, or for no-shows. MRF Operations Forum reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration or instructor emergency. MRF Operations Forum also reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event. A full refund of registration fees will be issued only if this occurs.

Is there a discounted room rate available at the host hotel?

Yes, we have contracted a discounted room rate at Hyatt Regency Chicago. For more information on the discounted group room block please click here.

How do I make reservations at the host hotel?

A block of discounted rooms is available to event attendees at Hyatt Regency Chicago at a special group rate of $289.00 per night plus tax for a single or double occupancy. The rate is available until October 5, 2026, or until the room block is full.

Attendees must be registered to book a room at the host hotel. Information on how to book your room at the discounted group rate can be found in your registration confirmation.

How do I cancel my hotel reservation?

Please access your reservation confirmation for instructions on how to cancel your reservation.

Is there an airport shuttle to the host hotel?

No, there is not a designated airport shuttle to and from Hyatt Regency Chicago. For information on transportation to and from the host hotel, please click here.

Where can I find information about things to do in Chicago?

You can find a list of Chicago attractions by going to the host hotel website or by clicking here.

Where can I view the educational sessions for MRF Operations Forum?

Click here to view the schedule of events for MRF Operations Forum.

Who are the other presenters/speakers at the show?

The presenters represent a diverse cross section of professionals, including top management from leading organizations in North America. Click here to view our full speaker lineup.

Will speaker presentations be available after the event?

Presentations that we have been given permission to release will be available post-show through a PDF file. These presentations will be sent out to registered conference attendees in a link 5 to 10 business days following the last day of the conference.

Are the sessions being recorded?

The educational sessions for MRF Operations Forum are not being recorded.

How do I apply to be a speaker?

To apply to be a speaker at MRF Operations Forum please fill out this speaker application form.