Win FREE pass to this years Conference to be held September 22-23, 2026

    2026 Midwest
    Environmental Compliance
    Conference

    September 22 - 23 | Overland Park, Kansas

    Register Now

    Deregulation Is Reshaping Environmental Compliance. Stay Ahead at MECC 2026.

     Hear directly from EPA Region 7, state regulators, attorneys, and industry experts as they examine the policy shifts, enforcement priorities, permitting reforms, and legal challenges affecting the Midwest. 

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     2026 Conference | Deregulation in High Gear

    The regulatory landscape is changing
    faster than ever.

     Regulatory updates, webinars, and newsletters keep you informed. MECC helps you understand what those changes mean, how they affect your organization, and what actions to take—through direct access to regulators, attorneys, consultants, and environmental professionals from across the Midwest. 

    Regional Insight Makes the Difference.

    Environmental compliance isn't applied in a vacuum. Regulations may be federal, but implementation,
    permitting, enforcement priorities, and agency expectations often vary across the Midwest.
    That's why MECC brings together EPA representatives, state regulators, environmental attorneys,
    consultants, and industry leaders to discuss the issues affecting facilities throughout the region.
    The result is timely, practical insight that helps you prepare for what's next—not just understand what
    changed.

    Featuring Participation From

    MECC 2026 is proud to welcome participation from EPA Region 7 and environmental agencies across the Midwest.

    Where the Midwest Comes Together
    To Prepare For What's Next.

     For thirteen years, MECC has brought together environmental professionals, regulators, attorneys, consultants, and industry leaders to address the regulatory and compliance issues shaping organizations across the Midwest.

    More than a conference, MECC is a forum for practical discussion, expert insight, and professional connections that help attendees navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

    Your Registration Includes Access To:

    Regulatory & Legislative Updates
    Hear directly from federal and state agencies on the latest environmental developments
    and enforcement priorities.

    Expert-Led Technical Sessions
    Gain practical perspectives on permitting, air, water, waste, remediation, PFAS,
    and other emerging compliance issues.

    Legal & Compliance Perspectives
    Understand how evolving regulations may affect your organization through discussions
    led by experienced environmental attorneys and practitioners.

    Networking with Midwest Professionals
    Connect with peers facing similar regulatory challenges
    and exchange ideas, experiences, and solutions.

    Actionable Takeaways
    Leave with practical insights you can apply immediately to strengthen
    your organization's environmental compliance efforts. 

    What Environmental Professionals Are Navigating in 2026

    Opportunities

    ✔ Permit Reform

    ✔ Regulatory Clarity

    ✔ Compliance First Enforcement

    Challenges

    ✔ PFAS

    ✔ Court Challenges

    ✔ Funding Uncertainty

    ✔ Evolving EPA Priorities

    Why MECC 2026 Matters

    Environmental compliance is entering one of the most significant periods of change in decades.

    Executive orders, permitting reforms, evolving EPA priorities, court challenges, and emerging issues like PFAS are changing how organizations approach compliance.

    MECC 2026 brings together regulators, attorneys, consultants, and industry leaders to help you understand:

    • What has changed
    • What may change next
    • Which changes are likely to withstand legal scrutiny
    • How to prepare your organization with confidence

    2026 Focus Areas

     🏛 EPA Policy Changes 

    ⚖ Enforcement Priorities

     📄 Permit Reform

     🌎 PFAS

    🏭 Air & Water

     ⚡ Data Centers

    📚 Refresher Courses

    🤝 Region 7 Updates     

    Uncertainty Isn't a Strategy

    Environmental professionals are being asked to make decisions while regulations, policies, and enforcement priorities continue to evolve.

    MECC 2026 helps you separate lasting change from short-term headlines so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

    Register by August 31 and save $100. Organizations registering three or more attendees receive a 20% group discount.

    2026 Conference Highlights

    Discover the timely topics, expert insights, and valuable networking opportunities designed to help environmental professionals navigate today's rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. 

     🏛️ Analysis of New EPA & Region 7 Policies 

    Gain practical insight into the latest federal and state policy changes, enforcement priorities, permitting reforms, and emerging compliance challenges impacting the Midwest.
     



     🗺️ State-Specific Sessions & Panels 

    Hear directly from state regulators and subject matter experts on issues unique to your state, including permitting, enforcement, and regulatory implementation.  

     ⚡ Speed Learning Sessions 

    Join focused, fast-paced presentations that deliver practical guidance, regulatory updates, and actionable takeaways in a concise format.  

     🤝 Early Arrival Meet-Up Reception 

    Kick off your conference experience on September 21 at the Sheraton with an informal networking reception. Meet fellow attendees, reconnect with colleagues, and start valuable conversations before the conference begins.  

    Featured Speakers

    The Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference brings together respected voices from regulatory agencies, environmental law, consulting, and industry to share practical insight on the issues shaping environmental compliance across the Midwest. Gain valuable perspectives, ask questions, and learn from professionals addressing today's regulatory challenges every day. 

    Kevin Perry

    Assistant Director
    Regform

    Tom Grever

    Partner
    Shook, Hardy & Bacon

    Brittany Barrientos

    Partner
    Stinson

    Conference Sponsors

    Thank You to Our Conference Sponsors.
     
    Our sponsors help make the Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference a valuable experience by supporting high-quality educational programming, meaningful networking opportunities, and collaboration across the environmental community.
     
    We appreciate their continued commitment to advancing environmental compliance throughout the Midwest. 
    Stinson
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    Terracon-Logo
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    BUSINESS-CARD-AD22-Geosyntec-300x173
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    Black-logo-ghd
    BUSINESS-CARD-AD22-Thompson-Coburn-300x173

    Built on Experience. Backed by Trusted Voices.

     Now in its 13th year, MECC has become a respected forum for environmental professionals seeking timely, practical insight into the issues affecting compliance across the region.
     
    MECC brings together representatives from the U.S. EPA, state environmental agencies, environmental attorneys, consultants, and industry leaders to share perspectives on today's regulatory landscape and the challenges organizations are preparing for tomorrow.
     
    Hosted in partnership with leading Midwest business and manufacturing organizations, the conference also offers Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit opportunities for qualifying attendees. 

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference?
    The Midwest Environmental Compliance Conference is a professional educational event bringing together environmental professionals, regulators, consultants, engineers, attorneys, facility managers, government agencies, and industry leaders to discuss today's most important environmental topics. Attendees leave with practical knowledge, regulatory updates, professional connections, and ideas they can immediately apply within their organizations.
    Who should attend?
    The conference is designed for professionals involved in environmental compliance, permitting, sustainability, safety, engineering, public works, manufacturing, utilities, consulting, legal compliance, and environmental management.
     
    Typical attendees include:
    • Environmental Managers
    • EHS Professionals
    • Environmental Engineers
    • Consultants
    • Attorneys
    • Regulators
    • Municipal Officials
    • Utility Professionals
    • Facility Managers
    • Manufacturing Leaders
    • Students entering environmental careers
    Why should I attend?
    Environmental regulations, technologies, and best practices continue to evolve. The conference provides an opportunity to:
    • Stay current on regulatory developments
    • Learn from industry experts
    • Continuing Legal Education credits will be available for two states
    • Discover new technologies and services
    • Network with peers from across the region
    • Bring home practical solutions for your organization
    Is this conference only for environmental professionals?
    No.
     
    Many attendees work in operations, engineering, safety, facilities, public administration, manufacturing, energy, water, transportation, or legal professions where environmental responsibilities are only part of their job.
    What does my registration include?
    Registration typically includes:
    • Educational sessions
    • Keynote presentations
    • Exhibit hall access
    • Conference materials
    • Networking opportunities
    • Refreshment breaks
    • Meals noted on the conference agenda
     
    Specific inclusions may vary by registration type.
    Can someone else use my registration if I cannot attend?
    Yes. If you are unable to attend, your registration may be substituted. Please contact the conference office prior to the event to request a registration substitution. 
    What is your cancellation policy?
    Please refer to the conference registration policies for current cancellation deadlines and refund information.
    What topics will be covered?
    Topics typically include:
    • Air Quality
    • Water Quality
    • Waste Management
    • Environmental Compliance
    • Hazardous Materials
    • Sustainability
    • ESG
    • Climate Resilience
    • Environmental Permitting
    • PFAS
    • Industrial Stormwater
    • Environmental Enforcement
    • Environmental Justice
    • Regulatory Updates
    • Emerging Technologies
    Programming varies each year to reflect current issues affecting environmental professionals.
    Will presentations be available afterward?
    Yes. Presentation materials are available to registered attendees before, during, and after the conference. Attendees can access them before and during the event to follow along on their own devices, and they remain available afterward for continued reference. 
    Will there be opportunities to network?
    Absolutely.
     
    Networking is one of the biggest benefits of attending. Throughout the conference you'll have opportunities to connect with speakers, exhibitors, regulators, agency representatives, consultants, and fellow professionals during meals, breaks, receptions, and educational sessions.
    Why should my company exhibit?
    The conference brings together environmental decision makers from government, industry, consulting, utilities, engineering, and manufacturing.
     
    Exhibiting provides an excellent opportunity to:
      • Demonstrate products and services
      • Meet qualified prospects
      • Build relationships
      • Generate leads
      • Increase brand awareness
      • Support environmental education

    Email Kevin Perry at kevinlperry@gmail.com for details.

    Can my organization become a sponsor?
    Yes.
     
    Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations that want to increase their visibility while supporting professional education and networking within the environmental community.

    Email Kevin Perry at kevinlperry@gmail.com for details.
    What should I wear?
    Business casual attire is appropriate for most conference activities. Meeting rooms can occasionally be cool, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is recommended.
    Is parking available?

    There is ample parking. Email Kevin Perry at kevinlperry@gmail.com if you need specific instructions for persons with limited mobility.



    Are meals available?
    Yes.
     
     
    How do I stay informed about conference updates?
    Follow our social media channels and subscribe to our email updates to receive announcements regarding speakers, educational sessions, registration deadlines, exhibitors, and special events.

    You can visit our website or contact us at https://mecconference.com/emailme
    How do I justify attending to my employer?
    Attending The Environmental Conference is an investment in your organization. Participants return with:
    • The latest regulatory updates
    • Practical compliance strategies
    • New ideas to reduce risk and improve operations
    • Valuable industry contacts
    • Solutions from leading vendors
    • Knowledge that can help avoid costly compliance issues

    Join Environmental Professionals From Across the Midwest.

     Stay informed. Strengthen your compliance program. Connect with environmental professionals from across the Midwest. 

    September 22–23, 2026

    Register today and save $100 before August 31.

    Register Now