12.03.2007 - 05:12pm ET

(CSRwire) PITTSBURGH, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Air & Waste Management Association (A&WMA) will step into its second century of environmental stewardship when it holds its 101st Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 24-27, 2008, in Portland, OR. The event is sponsored by Toyota (NYSE: TM).

"A&WMA is excited to bring its 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition to Portland," said Adrianne Carolla, A&WMA Executive Director. "I can't think of a better place to kick off our second century than a city known worldwide for its commitment to environmental responsibility."

Industry Leading Speakers

Bill Reinert, National Manager of Advance Technology for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., will provide the conference's opening keynote presentation on Tuesday morning, June 24, at the Oregon Convention Center. Reinert, whose work is primarily responsible for the success of the Prius, will discuss the challenges of designing alternative fuel vehicles for commercial sale, and the role such vehicles will play in creating a cleaner, more promising environmental future.

Also Tuesday morning, William Swope, Vice President and General Manager of Corporate Affairs for Intel Corp. will address attendees. His presentation "Environmental Sustainability: Why it's Critical for Market Leadership in the 21st Century," offers a fresh look at how environmental stewardship can be profitable for corporations, framed by the challenges facing the technological community.

In addition, Michael MacCracken, Chief Scientist for Climate Change Programs at the Climate Institute in Washington, D.C., will present the 2008 Critical Review, "Prospects for Future Climate and the Reasons for Early Action," on Wednesday morning, June 25. MacCracken will discuss potential climate scenarios, and offer reasons society must act now to avoid severe consequences. Afterward, other experts in the environmental field will critique his presentation and conclusions, and perhaps offer alternative views.

Be a Part of the Industry’s Premiere Event

A&WMA will continue to accept abstracts for its highly-regarded technical program through Dec. 3, 2007. An abstract style guide, list of suggested topic areas, and an online submission form are available at www.awma.org/ACE2008.

Information on sponsorship, exhibition, and participation opportunities is also available at www.awma.org/ACE2008.

The Air & Waste Management Association, which celebrates its Centennial anniversary in 2007, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional organization that provides training, information, and networking opportunities to thousands of environmental professionals in 65 countries. For more information and a complete schedule of specialty conferences, workshops, Webinars, and e-courses, visit www.awma.org.

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