The Global ITAD Alliance (GIA) brought its mission of education, collaboration, and industry engagement to life at ITAD Summit 2026 in Las Vegas, with a series of activities designed to connect members, explore emerging industry issues, and strengthen relationships across the ITAD community.
From an in-depth discussion on artificial intelligence to member networking and the growing Women in ITAD community, GIA created multiple opportunities for attendees to learn, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections throughout the Summit.
Exploring AI’s Growing Role in ITAD
GIA sponsored the workshop “AI in ITAD: The Good, the Bad, and the Scared” on Monday, August 3, presented by Matthew Harris of illumynt.
The two-hour session focused on one of the most important emerging topics for the industry: how organizations can adopt and scale artificial intelligence responsibly. Harris outlined a practical framework for integrating AI within ITAD operations while addressing the opportunities, risks, and considerations that come with implementation.
The workshop gave participants an opportunity to look beyond the hype surrounding AI and consider how the technology can be applied safely and effectively within their organizations.
Bringing the GIA Community Together
Following the workshop, GIA members gathered at the COMO Poolside Café & Bar for the GIA Member Meeting and Happy Hour.
The relaxed poolside setting provided an opportunity to share updates from the Alliance, discuss current initiatives, and hear more about what is ahead for GIA. Just as importantly, it gave members time to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new peers from across the global ITAD ecosystem.
With conversations continuing over drinks and informal networking, the gathering reflected one of GIA’s core priorities: creating opportunities for industry professionals to collaborate, exchange perspectives, and build stronger relationships.
Women in ITAD Builds Momentum
GIA activities continued on Wednesday, August 5, with the WIITAD – Women in ITAD Networking Breakfast, sponsored by eBay and hosted by Kimberly Labanauskas and Karen Fedder.
The breakfast brought women from across the ITAD industry together for an informal morning of networking, shared experiences, and conversation about career growth and the future of the industry.
The strong turnout highlighted the growing momentum behind WIITAD – Women in ITAD and the value of creating dedicated spaces where women can build relationships, exchange perspectives, support one another, and expand their professional networks.
More Than a Summit
Together, these activities demonstrated how GIA continues to extend the ITAD Summit experience beyond the exhibit floor and conference sessions. By creating spaces for education, member engagement, and community building, the Alliance is helping foster conversations and relationships that continue long after the event concludes.
From examining the future impact of AI to strengthening the GIA member community and supporting women across the industry, ITAD Summit 2026 provided another important platform for GIA to advance collaboration and engagement across the global ITAD ecosystem.
