2009 Biodiesel Conference & Expo

Saturday, January 31, 2009
12:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2009 BIODIESEL GOLF TOURNAMENT*

The 2009 National Biodiesel Golf Tournament will take place at the famed Harding Park Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in San Francisco. Harding Park will be the home of the 2009 U.S. President’s Cup. Participants will enjoy a rare chance to play a premier course under PGA Tour conditions. Pre-registration is required. On-site registration is not available for this event.

Sunday, February 1, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION 1: TRAIN THE TRAINER/BIODIESEL 101

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.
Moderator/Speakers: Tom Verry National Biodiesel Board; Richard Nelson, Kansas State University

PRE-CONFERENCE SESSION 2: BIODIESEL PLANT FEASIBILITY: MAKING THE RIGHT DECISIONS*

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 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.
Moderator/Speakers: Alan Weber, Independent Biodiesel Feasibility Group; Steve Howell, Independent Biodiesel Feasibility Group; Leland Tong, Independent Biodiesel Feasibility Group; Joe Harroun, Advance Trading, Inc.

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.
Moderator/Speakers: Doug Whitehead, National Biodiesel Board

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 Moscone Center, a convenient walk to the host hotel. Join the party and come and go as you please.

Monday, February 2, 2009
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION 4: Leading. Changing. Now.

An internationally recognized symbol of the City by the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge has served up inspiration for artists, writers, and others for years. Today, it is a symbol of inspiration to the biodiesel community as well. No other city of its size in the nation – perhaps the world – has shown greater leadership in its commitment to biodiesel than the city of San Francisco. From city buses, to fire trucks, to street sweepers, virtually all city diesel vehicles run on B20. What did it take to implement this program and how can it serve as a model for other wide scale use? This session is dedicated to the City by the Bay – truly leading change now.

Although the biodiesel industry has experienced tremendous growth, raw material supplies have served as a natural brake, and created a current strain on margins for biodiesel producers. So how will the industry meet targets created by federal policy? Hear from industry experts about yield-enhancing soybean technology, opportunities to leverage expansion in the ethanol industry, and acreage expansion of high oil content oilseeds.
Moderator/Speakers: Alan Weber; Jack Kiser, Sustainable Oils; Representative TBD, Pioneer

ASTM passed and published an unprecedented three specifications changes and one new specification for Biodiesel and B20 blends (and lower) in the fall of 2008. Biodiesel is now the only renewable diesel fuel to have its own separate and distinct ASTM specification. Learn how these new specs control minor compounds that can be found in vegetable oils and animal fats that are not present—or controlled—by the conventional petrodiesel specifications. International activity on biodiesel specifications has also erupted, with significant efforts in Europe, South America, and the Pacific Rim. And now that the U.S. specs are passed, how do the industry and the government make sure people are actually following them? Learn all this and more.
Moderator/Speakers: Linda Bluestein, US Department of Energy; Steve Howell, MARC-IV; Tammy Klein, Harts Energy Consulting; Teresa Alleman, National Renewable Energy Laboratory/US Department of Energy

To be considered a mainstream success, biodiesel needs to be accessible to the consumer. Truckers, general consumers, fuel wholesalers, and dealers all wrestle with the reality that biodiesel is still not widely available nationwide, (better known as chicken and egg syndrome). Biodiesel and petroleum industry strategists share their valuable perspective on how to improve market position for this unique liquid fuel, and ultimately ensure a stable business for petroleum marketers regardless of the dynamics of NYMEX and CBOT.
Moderator/Speakers: Gene Gebolys, World Energy; Rob Elam, Propel Biofuels; Jeff Hove, Iowa Petroleum Marketers Assn

Each year, state policies and regulations play a greater role in the biodiesel industry’s success. This past year was no exception as twice as many biodiesel-related bills were introduced in state legislatures than were introduced last year. Whether you manufacture, sell, or use biodiesel, get the inside track on what has been passed and what it means to you. Also, hear what is in store for next year.
Moderator/Speakers: Eric Bowen, Tellurian Biofuels, Inc. and Chair, California Biodiesel Alliance; Shelby Neal, National Biodiesel Board; Dean Simeroth, California Air Resources Board; Mike Smith, California Energy Commission; Dorothy Rice, California State Water Resources Control Board; Erik White, California Air Resources Board

As growth continues around the globe, biodiesel has very much become a global commodity. Visit with worldwide biodiesel leaders and professionals regarding the markets in their country. Discussion will touch on export and import dynamics, as well as sustainability efforts.
Moderator/Speakers: Russ Teall, Biodiesel Industries; Carlos St. James, Argentine Renewable Energies; Chamber Gordon Quaiattini, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association; Rahul Kale, Wilmar International Limited, Singapore; Phillip Riedel, LMC Biofuel Research

Of the earth’s landmass, approximately 43 percent is arid or semi-arid, and 97 percent of the earth’s water is seawater. Halophytes (salt tolerant plants) and other drought tolerant crops can provide vast resources to meet energy needs. Salicornia, seashore mallow, low-ricin castor, and jatropha represent crops that can be produced on under-utilized acres. Learn about their potential, challenges, and opportunities for integrated systems.
Moderator/Speakers: Dallas Hanks, Utah State University Freeways to Fuel Program; Dick Auld, Texas Tech University; Kirk Haney, SG Biofuels, Inc.

This session is for you serious tech-heads. To pass the blended fuel specs at ASTM, additional controls were needed for minor compounds that can be present in vegetable oil or animal fats. Controlling for these compounds allows the cold flow measurements commonly used for biodiesel blends and petrodiesel to still be accurate indicators of performance in a vehicle. These compounds are not commonly found in petrodiesel and are not controlled by the normal petrodiesel specs, so they must be controlled at the B100 level prior to blending. Get into the minute detail of the test methods newly developed to pick up this phenomenon, the vehicle testing used to set the specifications, and additives which can improve performance.
Moderator/Speakers: Bob Metz, National Biodiesel Board; Bob McCormick, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; John Chandler, Infineum; Rod Lawrence, Magellan Midstream Partners, LP

Pails, drums, trucks, barge, railroads and pipelines are all legitimate modes of transportation for biodiesel throughout the nation. Unlike diesel fuel, jet fuel, gasoline and heating oil, biodiesel has yet to receive the green light to be treated equally. This panel of distinguished pipeline experts describes how the industry is identifying and addressing issues that will ensure biodiesel flows on the pipelines near-term. Success equates to widespread availability and reduced transportation costs, both of which are paramount to successful commercialization.
Moderator/Speakers: Gary Haer, Renewable Energy Group, Inc.; Jim Lelio, Kinder Morgan; Mike Reed, Northville Industries

Nearly 30 U.S. states are in some phase of implementation or serious consideration of greenhouse gas reduction measures designed to combat global climate change. Join this comprehensive presentation, which will discuss climate change, low carbon fuel standards, and how these policies may benefit the biodiesel industry.
Moderator/Speakers: Shelby Neal, National Biodiesel Board; Jeff Stephens, Propel Biofuels; Larry Schafer, National Biodiesel Board; Jeff Petrick, Washington Council Ernst and Young; Roger Conway, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Fleets that operate in California face a challenging regulatory and operational environment. A fleet manager may have equipment that has to perform in 100 degrees to below freezing all in one day. Fleets to be featured range from utility and solid refuse trucks to municipal transit buses and emergency response vehicles. Benefits of operating fleets on B20 range from improved tail pipe emissions (reductions in PM, CO and HC) with EPACT credits to reduced carbon footprints. This results in better municipal carbon trading credits along with favorable community support for more sustainable energy use.
Moderator/Speakers: Randall von Wede, Cytoculture International, Inc.; Marty Mellera, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency; Jameson Reichert, Pacific Gas and Electric; Joe Gershen, Tellurian Biodiesel/City of Santa Monica; Tom Escher, Red & White Ferry Fleet

Energy balance is key to reducing our dependence on petroleum and maximizing potential from available resources. Biodiesel has the highest energy balance of any fuel in the U.S., and the future looks even brighter. Hear experts explain their updated analysis that shows biodiesel’s average energy balance is even better than previously calculated. Then hear actual biodiesel producers describe production methods they employ to reduce energy use, or the additional sources of renewable energy they use to increase individual energy balance beyond the norm.
Moderator/Speakers: Rachel Burton; Dev Shrestha, University of Idaho; Richard Nelson, Kansas State University; Warren Barnes

At last, diesel technology is the clean, green technology of the future. With more than a 30% improvement in fuel economy and engine efficiency compared to gasoline and ULSD, and with emissions 90% less than just a few years ago, new diesel engine technology is better than ever. Today’s clean diesels are quiet, smoke-free, fast off the line, and have more top-end speed than most gasoline-powered vehicles. Hear about the newest diesel technologies being introduced into the U.S. from engine and vehicle representatives, including some exciting light-duty diesel vehicles that will knock your socks off. Check them out for yourself at the biodiesel showcase!
Moderator/Speakers: Don Borgman, John Deere; Dawn Fenton, Diesel Technology Forum; Rodica A. Baranescu, Navistar; Jennifer Weaver, ASG Renaissance; Michael Coates, Diesel Technology Forum

SESSION 17: Establishing and Maintaining Fuel Quality Throughout the Supply Chain

Quality should never be taken for granted, but often is. For decades, liquid fuels have been produced at both domestic and foreign refineries and shipped into local markets to satisfy America’s thirst for energy. Biodiesel has added both challenges and opportunities to the supply chain and now shares many of the same quality issues that have plagued conventional fuel for years. Discover what distribution professionals learned while transitioning their terminals and tanks to biodiesel and biodiesel blends. They will describe proven “best practice” strategies, which you can implement to ensure that your fuels (no matter the blend, feedstock, or storage environment), succeed in the downstream marketplace.
Moderator/Speakers: Dennis Smith, US Department of Energy; Fred Thomas, AmeriGreen Biofuels; Ed Burke, Burke Oil; Danny Falcone, Ultra Green Energy Services; Michael Cooper, Ultra Green Energy Services

In the wake of the historic 2008 elections, both the Administration and the 111th Congress face a host of daunting policy challenges. Energy, tax, and climate change policy are certain to be prominent issues. This session will provide an overview of the issues facing the new Congress, with a particular focus on the potential impact of these issues on the biodiesel industry.
Moderator/Speakers: Manning Feraci, National Biodiesel Board; Larry Schafer, National Biodiesel Board; Tom Hance, Gordley Associates

SESSION 19: The New Guy Always Gets the Blame – Troubleshooting Biodiesel Fleets

When fleet managers implement biodiesel it seems any problems that may arise in the fleet will be blamed on biodiesel. This session will help fleet managers and mechanics separate which issues may be biodiesel related and which issues are unrelated. During this session the new biodiesel specs will be discussed, as well has how to properly source and store quality biodiesel. Speakers will also address biodiesel operational issues, such as filter plugging, cold weather operations, and on-board material compatibility, as well as on-site fuel storage ‘house keeping’ issues involving regular inspections, tank audits and cleaning, and selecting proper UL approved fuel handling work equipment.
Moderator/Speakers: Randall von Wedel, Cytoculture International, Inc.; Eric Smith, San Francisco Railroad and Green Depot; David Williamson, City of Berkley; Ryan Lamberg, Community Fuels and BioSolar Group; John Browning, Silvas Oil

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION 20: Shades of Green: Ensuring a Sustainable Future for a Sustainable Fuel

Green. Sustainable. Carbon neutral. These are the buzzwords that shape this decade. But true sustainability is more than a trend – it is a bridge to the future, to the world we leave for our grandchildren. Accusations against biofuels have raised questions about how sustainable they are, a direct challenge to biodiesel’s good name. We’ll find out which of these challenges are unfounded, which are unreal, and which are undeniable. No matter what you believe about biodiesel, there is always room to adapt and improve practices. Is our industry undergoing a change? Will those who don’t change fall by the wayside? This provocative group of experts will lead discussion on our industry rolling with the tide.

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

SESSION 21: Algae – Biodiesel’s Rubik’s Cube

When was the last time you read an internet article, a blog on energy, or even a newspaper without a story on the potential of algae? Although most agree that algae holds great promise, many diverse opinions exist on research needs, market timing, and what technology will prevail. Representatives from private industry, federal research labs, and academia will unveil their answers to master this puzzle with more twists and turns than a Rubik’s Cube. Find out what progress the market is making in meeting this challenge.
Moderator/Speakers: Jim Sears; Brad Postier, Phycal, LLC; Bryan Willson, Colorado State University and Solix Biofuels; Jonathan Wolfson, Solazyme Inc.

Diesel engine technologies and aftertreatment devices began to enter the market in 2007. Hear from diesel engine and after-treatment experts about how these new technologies work and the impact that biodiesel and biodiesel blends are having upon them.
Moderator/Speakers: Mike Erker, United Soybean Board; Matt Thornton, National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Mike Kass, Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Aaron Williams, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Bioheat is on its way to becoming the fastest growing market opportunity for the biodiesel industry. With ASTM recently amending D 396 to include up to five percent biodiesel in home heating oil, industry leaders and fuel dealers alike have begun the transition to a new improved home heating and hot water source. Visit with a distinguished panel of professional fuel dealers as they describe what Bioheat has meant to their industry, their companies, and their customers, and how they intend to take advantage of Bioheat’s unique marketing proposition.
Moderator/Speakers: Paul Nazarro, Advanced Fuel Solutions, Inc.; Donald Farrell, Oilheating Journal; Amy Elz, The Shaw Company; Michael Ferrante, Massachusetts Oil Heat Council

The European Commission, at the request of the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), has initiated both an anti-dumping (AD) and a countervailing duty (CVD) trade complaint against the U.S. and the U.S. biodiesel industry. This session will provide a status update on the trade litigation and an overview of the major issues at the heart of the dispute.
Moderator/Speakers: Manning Feraci, National Biodiesel Board; Duane Layton, Mayer Brown LLP; Arun Venkataraman, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

They say green is the new black. But long-term sustainability should be more than a trend. Biodiesel is one of the most sustainable alternatives for fueling today’s vehicles, but have you ever wondered how biodiesel proves its merit? Efforts are underway around the globe to certify that biodiesel is clean and green. Whether you are a producer, marketer, or user, learn how various organizations propose to certify that biodiesel and its feedstocks are produced in sustainable ways. It can help your business, and your karma.
Moderator/Speakers: Brian Young; Jeff Plowman, Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance; Matt Rudolf, Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels; Peter Reimers, Arisdyne Systems

In the growing biodiesel arena, producers need to be aware of all the tools in their toolbox. However, taking all the tools at once can be overwhelming. Listen to experts speak about the new wave of technologies that may change the future landscape of biodiesel production.
Moderator/Speakers: Hans Alwin, BioFuels Automation; Michael Haas, US Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service; Timothy Kemper, Desmet Ballestra; Rajiv Banavali, Rohm and Haas

SESSION 27: Life Cycle Green House Gas and Low Carbon Fuel Standards – What Are the Issues and What Technical Data is Needed?

Climate change and hurricanes, record high petroleum prices, and world instability in oil producing regions are the perfect storm for driving more production of renewable energy on home soil. But how do we make sure biodiesel remains part of the solution…and will never be part of the problem? This comprehensive session will provide an update of the various legislation either passed or under consideration on GHGs and climate change in the U.S. We will dig into the science behind lifecycle analysis and the technical data we will need to help answer these questions so policy makers can make informed decisions about national or state legislation.
Moderator/Speakers: Don Scott, National Biodiesel Board; Don O'Connor, S&T Squared Consultants Inc.; John Sheehan; Tom Timbario, Alliance Technical Services Inc.

SESSION 28: Developing, Implementing and Managing a Biofuel Business in the 21st Century

So you are a successful petroleum marketer and wish to expand your offerings to include tomorrow’s profit centers. Biodiesel is just one of those products. This session focuses on fuel marketers who initially approached biodiesel with trepidation, accepted the challenges, and are now ready to share their story on how biodiesel has repositioned their fuel marketing business for the 21st century. For them, biodiesel was the path least traveled, which made it more exciting. It was the perfect differentiating tool they needed to get to the next level.
Moderator/Speakers: Jess Hewitt, Gulf Hydrocarbon Fuels; Tony Yocum, Yocum Oil Company; Brad Douglass, Douglas Distributing

The biodiesel tax incentive plays an integral role in making biodiesel competitive and viable in the marketplace. This session will review legislative and regulatory issues pertaining to the biodiesel tax incentive, and provide an overview of the larger tax and budget policy considerations that will impact the future status of the incentive.
Moderator/Speakers: Manning Feraci, National Biodiesel Board; Tim Urban, Washington Council Ernst & Young; Rich Little, Internal Revenue Service; Michel Monconduit, Internal Revenue Service

When it comes to renewable fuels, California has had more ups and downs than a theme park. In this session, you will hear valuable discussion on California that includes fleet markets and market dynamics generated by regulation, as well as production, feedstock, retail and distribution. Learn what might be on the horizon from state leaders in California, and how California’s actions may serve as a model for markets in other states.
Moderator/Speakers: Randall von Wedel, Cytoculture International, Inc.; Karri Ving, City of San Francisco; Jennifer Radtke, Biofuels Oasis; Eric Bowen, Tellurian Biodiesel; Ryan Lamberg, Community Fuels & BioSolar Group

Considering commercial biodiesel production? If so, there are many issues to consider: quality control, waste disposal and other environmental concerns, cost re-education strategies and technology purchasing. This course will provide those interested in production with the knowledge 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.
Moderator/Speakers: Jon Van Gerpen, University of Idaho

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
GENERAL SESSION
SESSION 32: Pete and Bryan’s Excellent Adventures: Around the World on Biodiesel

Chased by pirates, imprisoned in Guatemala, a bullet to the hull…it was all in a day’s work for skipper Pete Bethune! Despite the stunning setbacks, in 2008, Earthrace smashed the world record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe by speedboat. Earthrace traveled the 24,000 nautical miles fueled by biodiesel to demonstrate the efficiency of alternative fuel sources. But he’s not the first adventurer to make such a journey around the world on biodiesel. In 1994, skipper Bryan Peterson battled a fierce storm off the southern tip of Africa, needled his way through reefs and shipwrecks, explored the wonders of Madagascar and taught thousands around the world about an unknown fuel called biodiesel. He accomplished this in Sunrider, an inflatable boat. Hear the harrowing tales from the two men who led these amazing expeditions – an inspiration to us all.

10:45 p.m. - 12:15 p.m.
EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS
SESSION 33: Sustainable Biodiesel Production Strategies

Protecting the environment is a key to sustainability. Learn how biodiesel producers can conserve water, energy, and other inputs to increase the longevity and profitability of their business. Compliance with environmental as well as health and safety practices is also key to sustainability. Get a refresher on codes and best practices that apply to biodiesel plants.
Moderator/Speakers: Doug Smith, Baker Commodities Inc.; Emily Landsburg, Philadelphia Fry-O-Diesel; Kumar Plocher, Yokayo Biofuels

The technos 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. Significant new data has become available on the impact of B20 on engine oils. This new data has provided comfort to some, while raising issues with others. Get the nitty gritty about the latest data and industry developments moving forward.
Moderator/Speakers: Jordan Thaeler, National Biodiesel Board; Joe Franklin, Intertek Automotive Research; Gary Parsons, Chevron Oronite Company LLC; Dave Stehouwer, Stehouwer Technical Services

It is no secret that fuel quality is challenged based on production, transportation and storage practices. From production to end-user, who is watching out for the consumer? Savvy fuel marketers will share “obvious and not so obvious” strategies to help you mitigate future fuel problems. It takes careful planning to establish a fuel quality management program that will reduce unexpected fuel complications that can destroy both the bottom line and consumer confidence.
Moderator/Speakers: Jon Scharingson, Reneweable Energy Group; Hoon Ge, MEG Corporation; Brian Hess, Evonik Rohmax

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the midst of the rulemaking process that will implement the Energy Independence and Security Act’s Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS-2) requirements.

For the first time, RFS-2 provides for a renewable requirement in U.S. diesel fuel, and the manner by which RFS-2 is implemented will have a significant impact on the biodiesel industry. This session will provide an update and overview of the RFS-2 rulemaking process and the key policy issues pertaining to the industry.
Moderator/Speakers: Manning Feraci, National Biodiesel Board

"Carbon Footprint" is part of the American lexicon these days. Carbon capturing, cap – and – trade…what do these terms mean for biodiesel? This session will teach you Carbon 101, while explaining how biodiesel companies and users can help the environment while capturing value for their businesses.
Moderator/Speakers: Mike Ferry, City of San Francisco Fire Department; Fred Barker, Indigenous Energy; Pete Probst, Indigenous Energy; Tom Timbario, Alliance Technical Services Inc.; Representative TBD, California Air Resources Board

(Lunch provided with ticket price) 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.
Moderator/Speakers: Chris Garth, Carolina Management System Services; Leland Tong, MARC-IV Consulting