The 2008 Biodiesel Golf Tournament will take place at the famed ChampionsGate Golf Club, which features two premier 18-hole golf courses designed by accomplished architect and golfer Greg Norman. ChampionsGate is a central Florida golfing masterpiece located just 15 minutes from the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. The course hosts the Del Webb Father/Son Challenge each December and remains in tournament-playing condition year round. Pre-registration is required. On-site registration is not available for this event. See page 14 for more information.

This pre-conference session is designed to provide basic to intermediate level training for stakeholders who are called upon to field questions and make educational presentations on biodiesel. The course includes PowerPoint slides and other materials that will empower you to give basic biodiesel presentations like a pro. This training is offered to members at a special discounted rate. Please see registration form for fees.

Constructing a biodiesel production facility can seem like a monumental task. Issues such as economic viability, expert analysis and simply knowing which questions to ask and of whom can be confusing. This course explains to potential investors the critical elements in assessing the feasibility of biodiesel production (e.g. biodiesel demand, feedstock supply, co-product sales), technology selection criteria, feasibility studies and business plans and financing options. An additional fee is required. Please see registration form for details.

Come learn about the many benefits of membership in the National Biodiesel Board (NBB). NBB is the world’s most reliable resource for information about product development, technical support, legislative issues and biodiesel marketing. Find out how to become a part of this rapidly growing professional organization. Registration is free.

Back by popular demand! Take the opportunity to eat, meet, drink and cheer during our Super Bowl Party/ Welcome Reception. Don’t miss the chance to join your friends, colleagues and fellow football fans for the party that doesn’t stop! This year’s event will be held at the Hard Rock Live at Universal Studios Citywalk, the largest Hard Rock Cafe in the world. Belly up to the “Motorcycle Bar” or enjoy the great outdoors on the veranda.

Meet Jack Youngblood and Support the National Biodiesel Foundation
How better to spend Super Bowl Sunday than with a gridiron warrior? Jack Youngblood, who was inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in 2001, will join the festivities at the Super Bowl Party. Meet Jack and discuss the “good ol’ days” when football was played on grass in the open air. Jack will be sharing old NFL stories and has graciously agreed to help raise funds for the National Biodiesel Foundation, which supports the work of the National Biodiesel Board.  For a minimum donation of $175 and $150, you will receive an autographed football or autographed mini helmet respectively.  All donations go directly to the NBF for biodiesel research and education.  To reserve your football or mini helmet, or if you would like further information on the NBF, email info@biodieselfoundation.org.

Just how viable biodiesel proves to be over the long haul depends on how well our industry can navigate a changing landscape. National Biodiesel Board CEO Joe Jobe will open the map to see how far our industry has come in the last year, the directions we’ve taken, and what road blocks remain in our path. Despite reaching major milestones, variables in other industries have a huge impact on biodiesel. The ability to stay on course is critical. We’ll hear from Don Reynolds, who specializes in strategic planning based on long-term trend analysis and understanding of “big picture scenarios” and their impact on specific industries. He’ll share his profound real-world insight into financial markets in such key areas as energy prices and economic policy. Though a long-term optimist, he is refreshingly candid about current economic realities and short–term solutions vs. long–term wealth creation.

Producing a product that is environ– mentally friendly is good, but making sure that your biodiesel plant responsibly handles co-product and waste streams is even better for environmental stewardship. This panel of experts will discuss regulations dealing with wastewater, co-products and proper disposal of waste materials.

Presenters: John Dunn, U.S. EPA, Region VII; Peter DeRossi, Foth Infrastructure and Environment, LLC; Derek Masterson, Crown Iron Works, Co.
Moderator: Doug Smith, Baker Commodities

Great progress is underway with measuring the stability of biodiesel and biodiesel blends. This session will cover the detailed chemical pathways for reactions with the individual molecules that make up biodiesel. Presenters also will examine how stability additives work and their impact on improving biodiesel and biodiesel blend stability. What’s the latest with ASTM efforts in this arena? Activities and data being used to develop and approve the new stability specifications for B100 and B6 to B20 blends also will be reviewed.

Presenters: Jack Burgazli, Innospec, Inc.; Sharon Cline, Eastman Chemical; Bob McCormick, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Moderator: Randy Jennings, Tennessee Department of Agriculture

Quench your thirst for knowledge on proven strategies designed to enable you to procure biodiesel with the utmost confidence. Discover the key to feedstock variations and how each will perform in various biodiesel blends. Gain perspective on best practices to manage fuel quality throughout the supply chain. Prepare yourself and your company to establish a preventive defense to remedy downstream fuel quality challenges.

Presenters: Kathy Shugart, Triple S Petroleum; Edward English, FQS
Moderator: Paul Nazzaro, Advanced Fuel Solutions

Each year, state policies and regulations play a larger role in the success of the biodiesel industry. Public policies and critical regulatory actions are opening doors to expanded markets while also placing additional compliance requirements on industry participants. This past year was no exception, marking a fifth consecutive annual increase in the number of biodiesel related initiatives introduced and sent to governors around the country. Whether you manufacture, sell, or use biodiesel, get the inside track on what has been passed and what it could mean to you. Also, hear what may be in store for the industry in statehouses around the country in 2008.

Presenters: Nickola Davidson, Northwest Biofuels Association; Anne Tazewell, N.C. Clean Cities Coalition; Brian Boyle, Stepan Companies; Tim Keareney, Sprague Energy Corp.
Moderator: Scott Hughes, NBB

You’ve seen it – biodiesel continues to pop up in new markets. From utilities companies to electric generators, biodiesel is helping to generate electricity and is approved for generators. Utilities are giving consumers an opportunity to buy greener energy. Another emerging market is construction, with more and more companies wanting to help clear the air for their employees on the job site. Hear from the experts about how they have entered these new markets.

Presenters: Mary Huller, Cynergy; Tony Campbell, General Motors, Corp.; Melissa Perry, Destiny USA; Fred O’Connor, Biofuels Power
Moderator: Richard Nelson, Kansas State University

Public and private fleet managers will discuss their experience in implementing biodiesel into their fleets. Fleet managers will candidly discuss some of the challenges they’ve faced as well as some surprising benefits they’ve encountered. Topics addressed will include pricing, availability and fuel quality.

Presenters: Joe Biluck, Jr., Medford Township Board of Education; Terry Taylor, Cisco Corp.; Spiro Kattan, City of New York; Marty Mellera, San Francisco Municipal Transit
Moderator: Steven Levy, Sprague Energy Corp.

Ensuring sustainable production of biodiesel can increase the energy balance, raise consumer satisfaction and improve your bottom line. In this session, we will discuss the issues of sustainable feedstocks, efficiency in production and meeting demand. Agricultural, production and marketing experts will present sustainable options for biodiesel production.

Presenters: K. Shaine Tyson, Rocky Mountain Biodiesel Consulting; Jake Stewart, Organic Fuels, Inc.: Lyle Estill, Piedmont Biofuels
Moderator: Kent Bullard, Sustainable Options

There is unprecedented activity with biodiesel standards, both within ASTM and worldwide. This session will bring you up to date on those activities and also update participants on efforts to coordinate and harmonize standards throughout the world.

Presenters: Steve Howell, MARC-IV Consulting; Steve Westbrook, Southwest Research Institute; Dave Bradley, AST International
Moderator: Lisa Ryan, Alterra Bioenergy Resources

Hear from seasoned heating oil distributors on how to develop and nurture market share with Bioheat® fuel. Six years of extensive laboratory and field testing have been amassed and presented to ASTM for consideration to amend ASTM D 396. Learn what a 5 percent blend means to both the oil heat industry and the bio-diesel industry and how distributors might profit from this untapped market.

Presenters: Vick Turk, Beckett Engineering; Michael Devine, Devine Bioheat; Don Farrell, Oilheating Journal; Don Allen, E.T. Lawson & Sons
Moderator: Paul Nazzaro, Advanced Fuel Solutions

The National Biodiesel Board has expanded its Washington, D.C. bureau to provide a legislative and regulatory framework that will help the U.S. biodiesel industry prosper. This session will provide background and give the status of key legislative initiatives being pursued by the biodiesel industry at the federal level. The session also will provide a preview of the issues Congress is likely to consider in the upcoming legislative session.

Presenters: Larry Schafer, The Diamond Group; Tom Hance, Gordley & Associates
Moderator: Manning Feraci, NBB

Smart companies have realized the powerful role that “Green Marketing” can play in their overall communications strategies and business plans. Hear from OEMs in the on-road and off-road vehicle markets as well as from fuel companies who have carved out a unique niche in their markets by going green and are now reaping the benefits.

Presenters: Don Borgman, John Deere; Ross Good, Chrysler, U.S.; Mike McGarry, General Motors Corp. Winslow
Moderator: Kelly Jezierski, Next-Energy

This session is intended for fleet managers and others who are interested in using biodiesel in their fleet, vehicles or other applications. Attendees will get a brief overview of what biodiesel is and how it is produced. The main emphasis of the session will be on the “how-to” steps of implementing biodiesel in a fleet. In addition, the session will cover how to use contracts to help ensure you source only quality biodiesel and accurately manage biodiesel pricing.

Presenters: Graham Noyes, Imperium Renewables, Inc.; Randall Von Wedel, CytoCulture & Ecology Center; Mike Ferry, City of San Francisco
Moderator: Jim Evanhoff, Yellowstone National Park

Only you can prevent biodiesel plant fires. Understanding the hazards and risks of using methanol and following good safe-handling practices minimizes safety incidents and maximizes protection of people and the environment. In this session, you will learn about the basic characteristics of methanol and its associated hazards.

Presenters: George Wellon, Methanex Corp.; Tim Kemper, Desmet Ballestra North America, Inc.
Moderator: Chuck Neece, FUMPA

The technical experts in the group will not want to miss this dynamic session about the impact of biodiesel and biodiesel blends on the performance of engine oil. Some research indicates that using biodiesel results in reduced soot loading and wear metals while improving lubricity compared to petrodiesel. Some OEMs claim biodiesel has a negative impact on engine oil life in new engines that use in-cylinder fuel injection for PM trap re-generation. Hear the latest technical details from the industry experts and decide for yourself.

Presenters: Stuart Johnson, Volkswagen; Howard Fang, Cummins Engine Company; Alexander Sappok, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Moderator: Kevin Stork, U.S. Department of Energy

With new fuels come new operational and administrative challenges. No matter the size of your terminals, learn what operations managers have encountered when preparing physical assets to accommodate biodiesel. A sampling of topics includes storage and blending strategies, red dye policies, evaluation of terminal assets, understanding and working with the RINs program and accommodating tank and truck placard requirements while functioning within the parameters of red tape associated with the blenders tax credit.

Presenters: Bruce Heine, Magellan LP; Jim Redding, Aventine Renewable Fuels
Moderator: Dan Staebell, Hartland Fuel Products

The biodiesel tax incentive plays an important role in making biodiesel competitive with conventional diesel fuel in the marketplace. Modifications to the incentive have been made since its inception in 2004, and both Congress and the Internal Revenue Service are considering future changes that could alter the credit’s structure and how it is administered. This session will give participants background on how the current tax credit incentive was developed and provide insight on potential legislative and regulatory changes to the incentive.

Presenters: Tim Urban, Washington Council Ernst and Young; Tim Torri, Internal Revenue Service; Al Howard, Internal Revenue Service; John Love, Internal Revenue Service; Richard Little, Internal Revenue Service; Jim Conway, Griffin Industries
Moderator: Manning Feraci, NBB

The glycerine byproduct of international biodiesel production is starting to find new homes. Researchers and companies will present their findings and ventures with glycerine, from new uses, to company case studies, to how the market is shaping up.

Presenters: Noel Buolos, Solvay; Monty Kerley, University of Missouri; Ramon Gonzalez, Rice University; Mike Rath, ADM
Moderator: Kathy Stanton, Soap and Detergent Association

Federal programs are important market drivers for the biodiesel industry. In 1998, changes to EPAct regulations opened the door for widespread use of B20 in state, federal and utility fleets. Today, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is implementing new underground mine emission standards that are providing another market opportunity for the industry. And, the Environmental Protection Agency has launched a “Grow and Go” program, which encourages private fleets to commit to using renewable fuels such as biodiesel. This session will give an overview and provide updates on these important federal programs, along with the initiatives at the Department of Defense to use more alternative fuels.

Presenters: Linda Bluestein, U.S. Department of Energy; Richard Nelson, Kansas State University; Cheryl Bynum, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Moderator: Jill Hamilton, Sustainable Energy Strategies

 

The phrase “Houston, we have a problem” is now part of the American lexicon. Stoically spoken by Captain Jim Lovell, the astronaut, the weight of those words still resonates with people facing challenges that seem insurmountable. Today, many say that masterminding the return trip home for the Apollo 13 spacecraft was more miraculous than getting a man on the moon in the first place. Lovell and his crew modified the lunar module into a lifeboat to safely return to Earth. As captain, he instantly became a national hero, and received the nation’s most distinguished honors. Now Captain Lovell will share his story with the biodiesel industry, which also faces daunting challenges. His story is a testament to the essential elements of turning potential failure into success: quick and well-reasoned thinking, meticulous attention to every detail, courage and the spirit of teamwork.

Operating a growing business comes with many challenges, but improperly dealing with legal issues should not be one of them. This panel will discuss some of the top legal issues biodiesel plants must understand. Learn what these issues are and how best to prepare for them.

Presenters: Todd Taylor, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.; Nancy Flury, Linquist & Vennum, PLLP; Todd Guerrero, Linquist & Vennum, PLLP
Moderator: Mark Truesdell, Beving, Swanson & Forrest, P.C.

 

New diesel engine technologies and after-treatment devices started entering the market in 2007. Hear from diesel engine and after-treatment experts about the latest on how these new technologies work and the impact of biodiesel and biodiesel blends.

Presenters: Aaron Williams, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Yolanda Bartoli, Cummins Engine Co.; Matt Thornton, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Moderator: Roger Gault, Engine Manufacturers Association

Many say that opening the pipelines to biodiesel would move product–and the industry–forward with a rush. Visit with industry experts as they discuss this past year’s efforts to evaluate biodiesel’s impact on the nation’s most efficient mode of liquid transportation. Representatives from highly regarded pipelines and petroleum terminal organizations share their introspective viewpoints on what needs to be done to break through the barriers currently facing the biodiesel industry.

Presenters: Thomas Zeth, Buckeye Partners, LP; Mike Reed, Northville
Moderator: Gary Haer, REG, Inc.

There is bipartisan support for efforts in Washington to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by expanding the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). In addition, Congress is considering a reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill, which provides important support for both farmers and biodiesel producers. This session will focus on the impact an expanded RFS will have on the biodiesel industry and what stakeholders can expect as Congress and the Administration work to reach consensus on the Farm Bill.

Presenters: Roger Conway, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Paul Machiele, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Moderator: Larry Schafer, The Diamond Group

How do you start a marketing campaign for biodiesel, especially when you aren’t a marketing guru? One guru will show you the way, broadening your current concepts as well as teaching you how to develop new ones. This session also will tout some successful biodiesel campaigns, such as Bioheat® fuel’s rapid emergence in the Northeast, and we’ll look at just how much of a punch NBB’s quality assurance program, BQ-9000, packs in the market.

Presenters: Mike Orso, Osborn & Barr; Bob Warren, Mass Biofuel; Jon Scharingson, REG, Inc.; Alicia Clancy, REG, Inc.
Moderator: Doug Whitehead, AllThingsBiodiesel.com

While nearly all domestic automakers and engine manufacturers now support the use of at least B5, several forward thinking companies have invested in the research and resources to support higher blends of biodiesel, from B20 up to B100. Join us as our distinguished OEM panelists share the rationale behind their biodiesel position statements, their experience with the higher blends and future plans for their equipment.

Presenters: Edward Lyford-Pike, Cummins, Inc.; Ross Good, Chrysler, U.S.; Don Borgman, John Deere; Hind Abi-Akar, Caterpillar, Inc.; Paul Trella, New Holland North America; Nelson
Moderator: Jennifer Weaver, ASG Renaissance

Feedstock is the largest expense biodiesel producers have, so why should you leave your business vulnerable? Effective risk management strategies are critical in maintaining a competitive position in the marketplace. In this session, experts will discuss some of the key elements of an effective risk management program.

Presenters: David Ashbridge, Doane Advisory Services; Rahul Kale, KemOleo, Pte. Ltd.; Mike Szady, World Energy
Moderator: Leland Tong, MARC–IV Consulting

At a time of astonishing growth in the biodiesel industry, fuel quality has never been so critical. In this session, hear the latest National Renewable Energy Lab fuel survey results on biodiesel quality in the United States. Also learn from industry participants who have experienced problems in the field with filter clogging above the cloud point and the laboratory research that has been done to address this issue. We’ll hear about how this experience has helped improve the ASTM standard for B100.

Presenters: Teresa Alleman, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Charlie Selvidge, Flint Hills Resources; Rod Lawrence, Magellan Midstream Partners; Scott Fenwick, Archer Daniels Midland, Co.
Moderator: Mike Gerhart, United Soybean Board

Across the nation, petroleum supply chain participants watch and evaluate the advancement of biodiesel. These individuals can be separated into two distinct categories: those who make it happen and those who wait for something to happen. This session focuses on those who have made it happen with imagination and creativity. Learn 37 in how some have reutilized existing terminal assets formerly used for lubricant storage, kerosene and other products to become serious biodiesel distribution players. Insights into asset evaluation, engineering implementation and market development of various biodiesel blends will be discussed in detail.

Presenters: Michael Trask, Hall-Trask Equipment Co.; Chris Lane, Kerivan-Lane
Moderator: Paul Nazarro, Advanced Fuel Solutions

Both the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries feature heated contests as candidates work to secure their nomination for president. This session will feature independent political analysis on the status of these races and will provide insight on how the races might evolve through the general election. In addition, the session will feature an overview of where the candidates stand on energy policy and how these stances would impact the biodiesel industry.

Presenter: Chris Wilson, Wilson Research Strategies; Westbrook
Moderator: Manning Feraci, NBB

The debate about whether using crops for biofuels pulls food out of the food supply rages. Parties with a pulse on the economics of meal and oil will discuss how biodiesel actually helps streamline protein meal going to livestock and human consumption. They also lay out how growing costs of traditional energy may have an effect on food prices. Attendees will hear strong arguments refuting a myth that constantly grabs headlines.

Presenters: Chris Schroeder, Centrec Consulting Group, LLC; Jim Duffield, U.S. Department of Agriculture; John Urbanchuk, LECG
Moderator: J. Alan Weber, MARC-IV Consulting

St. Louis Metro and the Miami Postal Service both worked with the National Renewable Energy Lab to conduct the first long-term demonstrations of B20 and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel in their fleets. This session will review the official case studies and demonstrations of biodiesel use in several private and public fleet applications.

Presenters: Don Heck, Iowa Central Community College; Ken Proc, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Hoon Ge, MegCorp; Michael Lammert, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Moderator: Steven Levy, Sprague Energy Corp.

 

Considering commercial biodiesel production? If so, there are many issues to consider: quality control, waste disposal and other environmental considerations, cost re-education strategies and technology purchasing. This course will provide those interested in production with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. It also will make existing producers aware of new technology options now available on the market. An additional fee is required. Please see registration form for details.

Nothing drives innovation like need. As the biodiesel industry grows, honing a cost-effective and diverse feedstock supply stands out as a top challenge. What innovations in current and future feedstock development appear on the horizon? Many view algae as biodiesel’s answer to cellulosic ethanol, but just how close is it? This panel of international experts, from both the academic and private sectors, will discuss algae and several other exciting potential sources for biodiesel as the “next generation” of biodiesel enters the vast frontier.

As the industry searches for solutions to feedstock supply issues, one of the answers may lie with microalgae. The industry is making significant investments of time and money to commercialize algae feedstocks for biodiesel production. In this session, you will learn about the challenges and opportunities associated with bringing this feedstock to the market.

Presenters: Jeremy Goodfellow, Sanimax, Inc.; Roy Beckford, University of Florida; Rafael Hernandez, Mississippi State University; Jack Gallagher, University of Delaware; Dick Auld, Texas Tech University
Moderator: Graham Noyes, Imperium Renewables, Inc.

We all know that B20 and lower blends made with ASTM-grade biodiesel can work in just about any diesel application. Detailed study of biodiesel in some of these new applications, however, has not been as prevalent as that in on-road diesel engines for fleets, passenger cars, and trucks. In this session, hear the latest about biodiesel testing in new market applications such as underground mines, gas turbines, stationary electricity generation and diesel-electric hybrids.

Presenters: Don Scott, NBB; Edward Hall, GE Transportation; Tom Butcher, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Moderator: Jake Stewart, Organic Fuels

Time and time again, fuel treatment specialists tout lofty claims for which their respective products were developed, and every day, millions of gallons of fuel are treated nationwide. Rarely, however, are these fuels being adequately benchmarked to determine actual performance. This panel of experts representing the fuel additive manufacturing industry will demonstrate how cold flow and stability performance of biodiesel and biodiesel blends can be achieved with operational and cost-effectiveness in mind. Let them help you separate the facts from fiction.

Presenters: John Chandler, Infineum USA; Jerry Burton, Innospec, Inc.
Moderator: Paul Nazzaro, Advanced Fuel Solutions

Regulation of fuel standards is a function primarily left to the states. However, regulation of biodiesel and blends is not uniform across all states. NBB has undertaken an intensive effort to work with states to catalog information regarding their authority to: regulate fuels under the ASTM spec; their enforcement procedures; and to assess their capacity to analyze samples. Join us for a compelling look at how these synergies affect biodiesel support and fuel quality in various states, and the impact those activities are having on fleet sales and vehicle performance.

Presenters: Paul Hoar, AgriFuels; Barbara Goodrich, John Deere; Randy Jennings, Tennessee Department of Agriculture; Ron Hayes, Missouri Department of Agriculture; Rebecca McAferty, Washington Department of Agriculture
Moderator: Greg Zilberfarb, ASG Renaissance

 

Attendees will receive insight into overseas and other North American biodiesel markets during this always popular session. Europe, a historic leader in biodiesel production, will showcase initiatives including sustainability measures and certifications. Other nations will represent a vast range on the biodiesel climate worldwide, from infancy to developing markets.

Presenters: Doug Ward, European Biodiesel Board; Kevin McGeeney, StarSupply Renewables; T. “Tiger” Thiagarajan, Malaysian Palm Oil Board; Miguel Dabdoub, Laboratory for Development of Clean Technologies (Brazil); Pablo Adreani, Agripac (Argentina); Ward
Moderator: Grahan Noyes, Imperium Renewables

If your company is looking to reduce its carbon footprint to meet sustainability goals, implementing biodiesel in the supply chain is one of the best and easiest ways to do so. This session will give an overview of the “sustainability” movement and the role that biodiesel can play. The greenhouse gas benefits of biodiesel will be defined and discussed. Representatives from corporations with a sustainability mission will talk about their experience using biodiesel to meet their goals.

Presenters: Robert Larson, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Leland Tong, MARC-IV Consulting; Oduardo Lopez–Yanes, Pacific Gas & Electric Co.
Moderator: Richard Nelson, Kansas State University

NBB offers the country’s only biodiesel quality assurance accreditation program. Join us for this comprehensive seminar and learn what it takes to become an Accredited Producer or Certified Marketer of biodiesel, and why it should be a priority for your company. This is the full training program offered at a special discounted rate. Please see registration form for details.