A fixture on the industry calendar, EREF鈥檚 Fall Classic & Networking event brings people together for two days of networking, friendly competition, and supporting a cause that is shaping the future of our industry.
Mark your calendars! The Environmental Research & Education鈥檚 (EREF)聽2025 Fall Classic & Networking Event聽is set for聽September 16 and 17聽at聽Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, just outside of Chicago, IL. This annual event has become a fixture on the industry calendar, connecting leaders from across the country for two days of networking, friendly competition, and supporting a cause that鈥檚 shaping the future of our industry.
Cog Hill鈥檚聽No. 2 Ravines and No. 4 Dubsdread聽courses offer the perfect setting for this year鈥檚 tournament. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or simply enjoy the course camaraderie, you will find plenty of opportunities to network with peers, celebrate great shots (and laugh off the not-so-great ones), and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Tuesday and Wednesday Events
We will kick things off on聽Tuesday evening, September 16, with a welcome reception at the聽Westin Chicago Lombard. This relaxed gathering, complete with hors d鈥檕euvres and an open bar, sets the stage for meaningful conversations and connections. It is a chance to catch up with colleagues, meet new faces, and set the tone for the event ahead.
On聽Wednesday, September 17, the tournament begins with a shotgun start and a four-person scramble format. Following the round, attendees will gather for a luncheon and awards ceremony to recognize outstanding play and celebrate the spirit of the event.
Advancing EREF鈥檚 Mission
Of course, the Fall Classic is about more than golf. It is about advancing EREF鈥檚 mission to fund scientific research and foster education that drives innovation in sustainable materials management. Thanks to the generous support of聽Waste Connections, this year鈥檚 Overall Tournament Sponsor, and many other industry partners, the event directly supports this important work. Once again, EREF鈥檚聽Super Silent Auction allows attendees to bid on a range of unique experiences, with all proceeds directly supporting our mission.
One of the many bright examples of this impact is聽Lakshika Dissanayake, an EREF Scholar who will be attending this year鈥檚 Fall Classic. A graduate research assistant at聽Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Lakshika is tackling the critical issue of textile waste through her work in the聽Synthetic Microbiology Laboratory聽under聽Dr. Lahiru Jayakody. Her research focuses on聽hybrid chemo-bio upcycling of waste textiles鈥攂reaking down complex cotton-PET fabrics and using engineered microbes to convert these materials into high-value platform chemicals, like聽acetoin聽(a jet fuel precursor) and聽cis,cis-Muconate聽(used in sustainable plastics). Her work not only addresses a significant environmental challenge but also advances the potential for a more sustainable economy.
A Memorable Event
Between the networking, the opportunity to meet and support scholars like Lakshika, the chance to bid on exceptional auction items, and, of course, a great day on the course, this year鈥檚 Fall Classic promises to be a rewarding and memorable event. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago next month! | WA
For more information or to register, contact [email protected] or visit .