Maximizing fermentation performance remains central to ethanol plant efficiency, yield and overall profitability. This session explores strategies for optimizing yeast health and activity, from managing feedstock variability and nutrient requirements to applying advanced microbiological techniques and real-time monitoring tools. It will also examine how deeper insight into yeast physiology and process conditions can support more proactive decision-making and improved operational stability. With a focus on improving consistency, early issue detection and process control, it highlights practical approaches to enhancing fermentation outcomes in today’s operating environment.

• Jacob Crowe, Associate Director of Technical Services, Hamilton Company
  Optimizing Yeast Management with In-line Sensor Control
• Sol Martinez, Associate Research Director, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
  Adapting Microbiological Techniques for Routine Evaluation of Yeast Performance in Ethanol Fermentation
• Joel Sirois, President & CEO, BioIntelligence Technologies Inc.
  Listening to the Yeast: Intracellular Intelligence to Maximize Yield in Fuel Ethanol Fermentation Control
• Kerry Hollands, Senior Lead Scientist, IFF
  Consistent High Yields, Fast: How a Multifaceted Innovation Strategy Delivers High-Performance Fuel Ethanol Yeast

Energy strategy and carbon management are becoming central to ethanol plant optimization, with producers seeking measurable pathways to lower carbon intensity while maintaining performance. This session will explore methods for quantifying ethanol and carbon dioxide production at the fermenter level, alongside plant-wide strategies for improving efficiency, expanding capacity and enhancing coproduct recovery. Panelists will also examine emerging technologies aimed at electrifying and decarbonizing refining processes. The discussion will highlight how data, operational control and innovation are converging to support more sustainable and competitive ethanol production.

• Yanhong Zhang, Interim Center Director/ Research Director, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
  Quantify the Production of Ethanol and Carbon Dioxide on a Fermenter Basis
• Chuck Gallop, Director of Innovation, ICM, Inc.
  Plant Expansion Considerations: Capacity Growth, Energy Strategy, and CI Reduction
• Junli Liu, Senior Research Scientist, Purdue University
  Achieving a Carbon-Neutral Bioethanol Refining Process Using a Fully Electrically Driven Ultrasonic Separation
• Richard Hasslacher, Chief Commercial Officer, Graphyte, Inc.
  Insetting Carbon Removal: A New Pathway to Lower CI and Higher 45Z Value

Evolving policy and carbon markets are reshaping how ethanol plants operate, invest and compete. This session will examine key regulatory developments, including updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard and broader federal policy shifts, alongside their implications for plant compliance and market positioning. Panelists will also explore strategies for aligning operations with carbon intensity goals, emphasizing the importance of plant-wide coordination and workforce readiness. The discussion will highlight how integrating policy awareness with operational decision-making can help producers maximize value in emerging low-carbon fuel programs.

• Jessica Karras-Bailey, Principal, RTP Environmental Associates, Inc.
  How the Trump Presidency Is Impacting Your Plant
• Robert Anderson, Managing Director, Energy Compliance Services, Weaver
  RFS Updates, SREs & Market Outlook: What’s Ahead for Ethanol
• Michael Franko, Vice President, Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC
  Leading for Profitability and Sustainability: A Comprehensive Plant Strategy
• McCord Pankonen, Strategic Initiatives, Phibro Animal Health - Phibro Ethanol
  Training the Carbon-Aware Ethanol Plant: Building Operational Capability for Measurable Carbon Intensity and Carbon Market Performance

Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape ethanol plant operations, but realizing its value depends on strong data foundations and practical implementation strategies. This session will explore how producers can move beyond the hype to identify real use cases for AI, from improving process control and detecting anomalies to enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. Panelists will also examine what it means to be “AI-ready,” including data quality, system integration and governance considerations. The discussion will provide a practical roadmap for adopting AI technologies in a way that delivers measurable value while supporting safe and reliable plant operations.

• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  AI is Everywhere and Nowhere, or Is It?
• Matthew Dickinson, Director of Analytics, CTE Global, Inc.
  Making Sense of Everything: A Framework for Focused Analytics
• Adam Cooper, Senior Application Engineer, dataPARC
  AI Readiness for Ethanol Producers: Practical Applications and Future Capabilities
• Alan Raveling, Senior Technologist, Interstates, Inc.
  AI Ready or Not, Here It Comes and How to Be Ready for It

Global momentum behind sustainable aviation fuel continues to build, but the path to scale is anything but straightforward. In this session, speakers will examine how evolving policy frameworks, fragmented regulatory systems and emerging pricing mechanisms are shaping SAF markets worldwide. From CAAFI’s long-standing public-private collaboration model to the growing complexity of global compliance programs, the discussion will explore how demand is forming—and where challenges persist. Panelists will also unpack the role of lifecycle analysis, certification systems and pricing benchmarks in enabling market access and investment decisions, while offering insight into the cost dynamics of decarbonizing aviation. This conversation will provide a comprehensive look at how policy, pricing and market forces must align to move SAF from early growth to global scale.

• Timothy Hughes, Project Director, CAAFI (Com'l Aviation Alt. Fuels Init)
  The Promise, Progress & Potential for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
• Ivan Lopez, Feedstock Price Specialist, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  Decoding SAF Pricing: The Impact of Regulatory Frameworks on Market Dynamics
• Mengying Wu, Postdoctoral Associate, Harvard University
  Policy Interactions and the Cost of Decarbonizing Aviation

Understanding subsurface conditions is critical to the successful development of carbon storage projects. This session explores key factors influencing site selection, design and risk assessment, including reservoir characterization, basin-specific drilling considerations and approaches to modeling pressure and storage boundaries. It will also examine how evolving data and analysis can shift perspectives on subsurface potential, highlighting opportunities to optimize storage capacity while managing uncertainty and regulatory requirements.

• Grace Bastianon, Geophysical Advisor, BKV Corporation
  Subsurface Design of the High West CCS Project in Louisiana
• Sylvain Riba, President and CEO, Geostock Sandía
  What a difference a Basin can make: Comparative Analysis of Drilling Operations in Illinois and Williston Basins
• Muhammad Zulqarnain, Senior Consultant, Advanced Resources International
  Why Pressure-Based AoR Models Can Overestimate Risk in CO2 Storage
• Laura Norris, Consultant, Battelle Carbon Services
  From Uncertainty to Opportunity in Iowa’s Subsurface: Reconsidering Carbon Storage While Exploring Hydrogen Potential

Maintaining strong fermentation hygiene is essential to consistent plant performance, yield and profitability. This session explores cleaning and CIP strategies designed to reduce contamination risk, from structured hygiene auditing and biofilm control to optimizing chemical programs and automated cleaning systems. It will also examine how integrated hygiene practices can improve process stability, reduce reliance on antibiotics and enhance overall plant efficiency. With a focus on practical, plant-ready solutions, it highlights approaches to strengthening contamination control and supporting more reliable fermentation outcomes.

• Rachael Baker, Technical Specialist, IFF
  The Hidden Driver of Fermentation Success: Hygiene Audit Training
• Nick LeFebvre, Sr. Technical Services Manager, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
  Balancing Acid and Caustic Cleaning: A Practical Guide to Reducing Contamination in Ethanol Plants
• Jennifer Starner, PhD, Senior Research Scientist, Kurita America
  Improving CIP Increases Plant Performance and Profitability
• Brent Ziegler, Associate Industry Tech Consultant - Water, Ecolab, Inc.
  Improving Production Outputs from Optimized Hygiene Practices

Thermal systems play a critical role in both ethanol plant performance and carbon intensity, offering significant opportunities for efficiency gains and emissions reduction. This session will explore how optimizing cooling infrastructure, improving fired equipment efficiency and deploying thermal energy storage can enhance plant operations while lowering CI scores. Panelists will highlight practical engineering strategies that reduce energy consumption, improve reliability and unlock additional value under emerging incentives such as 45Z. The discussion will provide actionable insight into how thermal system design and optimization can directly impact both profitability and sustainability.

• Bill Frede, Project Development Manager, P1 Service, LLC
  Beating the Heat: Aligning Cooling Infrastructure with High-Output Ethanol Production
• Eric Chase, President, Chase Nedrow Industries
  Thermal Efficiency Improvements in Ethanol Fired Equipment as a Pathway to CI Reduction and 45Z Value
• Faisal Braish, Vice President of Business Development, SCS Energy
  Heat-Recovery-Driven Cogeneration in Ethanol Plants

As the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit takes effect, ethanol producers are navigating a complex and evolving landscape of compliance, carbon accounting and credit monetization. This session will explore strategies for maximizing 45Z value, including optimizing carbon intensity reductions, navigating the provisional emissions value and rate process and understanding how rounding mechanisms impact credit eligibility. Panelists will also examine best practices for facility setup, documentation and verification, as well as the emerging market for credit transfers. The discussion will provide practical guidance for capturing value under 45Z while positioning operations for long-term success in low-carbon fuel markets.

• Rebecca Johnson, Tax & Research Manager, Christianson PLLP
  45Z Success Strategies: From Facility Setup to Selling Credits
• Joe Regnery, CCO, New Phase Energy
  Optimizing 45Z Tax Credits Under the Provisional Emission Value/Provisional Emission Rate Process
• Andrea Foglesong, Vice President/Sr EHS Consultant, PROtect, LLC
  Using the 45Z Rounding Bands to Your Advantage
• Faith Larson, Vice President of Business Development & Legal Counsel, Mickelson & Company, LLC
  Landscape of the 45Z Tax Credit Transfer Market

Artificial intelligence is already delivering measurable results in ethanol production, moving beyond theory into day-to-day operations. This session will highlight real-world applications of AI, from reducing fermentation variability and detecting contamination to improving feedstock forecasting and operational planning. Panelists will also explore how AI can streamline compliance, enhance traceability and support mass balance reporting, while enabling sustainability data to be translated into bankable clean fuel credits. The discussion will provide practical insight into how producers are deploying AI today to improve performance, reduce risk and capture additional value.

• Nitin Ranjan, Founder & CEO, GOLGIX
  How an Ethanol Producer’s AI Journey Is Reducing Variability, Detecting Contamination, and Protecting Fermentation Yield
• Timothy Daniel, Founder & CEO, Rimba
  AI Utilization and Implementation for Compliance, Traceability, and Mass Balance in Ethanol Production

As the sustainable aviation fuel industry matures, understanding the economics behind project development and required investments is critical. This session will explore the cost structures, policy signals and market dynamics shaping SAF deployment, with a focus on ethanol-to-jet pathways and evolving incentive frameworks. Panelists will examine how producers are navigating an ever-shifting policy landscape—including post-One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax credit structures, carbon accounting mechanisms and international regulations such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism—and what it means for capital investment and project viability. From pricing transparency to compliance-driven demand, the discussion will provide valuable insight into how economic and policy drivers are influencing the path to commercial-scale SAF. span>

• Fanny Roldan, Consulting Manager, Downstream Americas Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  Ethanol-to-Jet: Cost Structure, Pricing Signals, and Market Outlook
• Azadeh Rohani, Senior Consultant, Worley Consulting
  The Great Ethanol Pivot: Navigating CCUS, SAF, and the Post-OBBBA Incentive Landscape
• Lance Healy, Managing Director, FD Real Asset Advisors/Frazier & Deeter
  Capital Markets Update

Advancing carbon storage projects requires careful navigation of Class VI permitting and the work that follows. This session explores strategies for aligning regulatory requirements with project development goals, from refining area-of-review methodologies and coordinating testing during drilling to maintaining momentum between permit submission and first injection. With a focus on efficiency, compliance and project readiness, it highlights practical approaches to managing risk, streamlining timelines and supporting successful deployment of CO2 storage projects.

• Michael Hillix, Principal Geoscientist & Energy Advisor, University of North Dakota – Energy & Environmental Research Center
  Reducing Regulatory Burden and Expanding Market Eligibility in Ethanol-Focused CCS Projects
• Kacey Garber, Senior Project Professional, SCS Engineers
  Streamlining the Class VI Injection Well Pre-Operational Testing Process Through Early Drilling Integration and Coordinated Testing
• Charles Hostetler, Senior Project Manager, SCS Engineers
  The Pros and Cons of Geophysical Imaging Methods in Class VI Dynamic Model Calibration Workflows
• Jim Walsh, Senior Vice President, Marsh USA
  Maneuvering the Financial Assurance Process Through Optimized Solutions

Effective microbial control is critical to maintaining fermentation performance and protecting plant profitability. This session explores strategies for managing microbial risk in increasingly demanding operating environments, from understanding the fundamentals of cleaning chemistry to applying data-driven insights and targeted infection control measures. It will also examine how higher-solids fermentation conditions introduce new challenges, requiring more proactive and integrated approaches to contamination prevention. With a focus on practical tools and operational strategies, it highlights how producers can strengthen fermentation protection and maintain consistency in today’s evolving production landscape.

• Marina Tschida, Sr. Chemical Engineer, Ecolab, Inc.
  The Fundamentals of Cleaning Science
• Anne Chronic, Head of Technical Services, Strategy, Phibro Ethanol
  Microbial Control in Today’s Operations
• Lindsey Mathiesen, Regional Sales Manager, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
  Infection Control Strategies for High-Solids Fermentation
• Dave Fowlie, Product Manager, Process Aids, Phibro Ethanol
  Foulant Prevention Technology and Its Impact On Plant Operational Efficiencies

Mechanical vapor recompression and electrification are emerging as leading strategies for reducing energy demand and carbon intensity in ethanol production. This session will examine how MVR systems can optimize steam use, recover waste energy and significantly lower operating costs, while highlighting the importance of system design and configuration in determining project success. Panelists will also explore the growing role of full-plant electrification, including thermal energy storage and zero-emission steam generation. The discussion will provide real-world insight into how these technologies are being deployed to deliver meaningful CI reductions and position ethanol plants for long-term competitiveness.

• Caldwell Reed, Vice President of Sales & Project Management, Piller TSC Blower Corporation
  Profitably Decarbonizing Ethanol Production with Mechanical Vapor Recompression
• Bill Schafer, CEO, Energy Integration, Inc.
  Not All MVR Projects Are Created Equal
• Andrew Nohns, Engineering Manager, Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC
  Pioneering Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) Solutions for Efficiencies
• Jack Roback, Director of Business Development of Biofuels, Antora Energy
  The Electric Ethanol Plant: A Case Study in Whole-Plant Steam Electrification

Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape is essential for ethanol producers seeking to maximize value from federal incentives. This session will explore key compliance considerations tied to Inflation Reduction Act programs, including prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements, tax credit qualification and documentation. Panelists will share practical lessons learned from recent projects, along with strategies for managing risk, maintaining eligibility and preparing for audits. The discussion will also examine the latest developments in the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit and what they mean for credit monetization and long-term project planning.

• Stephanie Thimmesch, Project Controller, ICM, Inc.
  Navigating Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements in Ethanol Projects
• Kathryn Mueller, Manager, Christianson PLLP
  PWA Lessons Learned
• Alan Cordova, Vice President of Strategy & Partnerships, Empact Technologies
  De-Risking Tax Credit Returns: Strategic Compliance Management for Ethanol Producers in the IRA Era
• Rebecca Johnson, Tax & Research Manager, Christianson PLLP
  45Z in 2026: Navigating Regulatory Change and Credit Monetization

Digital tools are transforming how ethanol producers manage maintenance, reliability and asset performance. This session will explore strategies for breaking down data silos, integrating real-time analytics and leveraging advanced monitoring technologies to improve equipment health and operational efficiency. Panelists will highlight how non-invasive measurement tools, predictive analytics and digital service platforms can reduce downtime, optimize maintenance planning and enhance overall plant performance. The discussion will provide practical insight into how data-driven approaches are turning maintenance from a reactive function into a strategic advantage.

• Dennis Uhl, Reliability Specialist, Novaspect, Inc.
  Managing Maintenance and Reliability Data Silos
• Kelly Whittenberg, O&M Data Analytics Lead Engineer, Black and Veatch Corp
  Real-Time Data Analytics Applied to Balance of Plant Assets for Ethanol
• Matthew Nylund, Flow, Density, and Viscosity Specialist, Emerson
  Non-Invasive Technology Increases Efficiency and Reduces Maintenance
• Dave Lusignolo, Aftermarket Director - North America, Tranter, Inc.
  Unlocking Operational Excellence Through Digital Innovation in Heat Exchanger Services

Feedstock, technology innovation and plant economics will be the topics of focus in this forward-looking session examining how availability, regulation and pricing are shaping the SAF landscape. From waste oils and animal fats to agricultural residues and emerging alternatives, feedstock selection continues to drive cost structures, scalability and compliance, while evolving pricing methodologies aim to bring greater transparency to a volatile market. The discussion will also detail how new processing technologies are unlocking value from lower-quality inputs, improving project economics and accelerating deployment timelines. Rounding out the panel, insights into operational efficiency—from catalyst optimization to heat recovery—will highlight how producers can maintain margins amid ongoing policy uncertainty.

• Lingqi Lou, Consulting Manager, Agribusiness Consulting, S&P Global Commodity Insights
  SAF Feedstocks: The Influence of Availability, Regulation, and Pricing on Market Development
• Rameen Waheed, Technical Sales Engineer, Sulzer Chemtech Ltd
  Improve Profitability of Ethanol Plants by using Distillers Corn Oil to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Bill Morphew, Global VP of Sales, CPM | Crown
  Maximizing Operational Efficiency in Biodiesel Plants

Managing operational risk is essential to the safe and successful deployment of carbon capture and storage projects. This session explores best practices across project execution, on-site storage strategies and CO2 injection operations, with a focus on risk identification, mitigation and long-term monitoring. It will also examine lessons learned from existing projects, including approaches to emergency response planning, stakeholder engagement and maintaining environmental and operational integrity.

• Tim Eggeman, Chief Technology Officer, New Phase Energy
  Keys to Success Execution of CCS Projects in the US Ethanol Industry
• Sylvain Riba, President and CEO, Geostock Sandía
  On-Site CCS Insight
• Zach Freund, Consultant, Advanced Resources International
  Mitigating Risks of CO2 Injection – Best Practices and Industry Learnings
• Chad Roller, GKFF Assistant Professor, University of Oklahoma
  Safe and Secure CO2 Storage

Enzyme innovation continues to play a critical role in driving fermentation efficiency, yield and overall plant performance. This session explores how enzyme strategy influences fermentation kinetics, yeast response and sugar conversion, highlighting the importance of optimizing glucose release and process conditions. It will also examine approaches to overcoming biological bottlenecks and improving throughput through advanced enzyme systems and robust yeast strains. With a focus on performance, consistency and operational gains, it highlights practical strategies to enhance fermentation outcomes in today’s evolving production environment.

• Matthew Ban, Director of Technical Services, CTE Global, Inc.
  Kinetics are King: Linking Enzyme Strategy, Yeast Response, and Fermentation Results
• Malcolm Johal, Staff Scientist, Novonesis
  Overcoming Biological Bottlenecks: Advancing Throughput and Efficiency in the Ethanol Industry
• Sang-Kyu Lee, Scientist, IFF
  Accelerating Bioprocess Performance with Next Generation Amylases: Rapid Protein Engineering and Innovation at IFF

Distillation, dehydration and evaporation systems remain central to ethanol plant performance, offering significant opportunities for efficiency gains and capacity improvements. This session will explore strategies for revamping existing DD&E systems, optimizing column performance and implementing next-generation alcohol processing technologies. Panelists will highlight how targeted upgrades—supported by data, modeling and advanced equipment design—can improve reliability, reduce energy consumption and lower carbon intensity. The discussion will also examine how mass balance analysis can uncover hidden inefficiencies, helping producers identify bottlenecks and unlock additional throughput within existing infrastructure.

• Ken Crawford, Engineering Manager, RCM Engineering-Thermal Kinetics
  Strategies for Successful DD&E Revamps in Fuel Ethanol Plants
• Grant Romme, Process Engineer, Koch Engineered Solutions
  Beer Stripping Columns: Advanced Tower Internals Solutions Increase Profitability and Reliability at Ethanol Facilities
• Shrikant Rathi, Director, Praj Americas Inc.
  Next-Generation Alcohol Solutions for Fuel Ethanol Plants: Improving Energy Efficiency and Carbon Intensity
• Mark Binns, Technical Business Director, Hengye, Inc.
  Molecular Sieve Dehydration Mass Balance – What Can We Learn

Compliance strategies are becoming increasingly complex as ethanol producers navigate overlapping fuel programs and evolving regulatory requirements. This session will examine key updates to the Renewable Fuel Standard, including Quality Assurance Plan expectations, alongside emerging approaches to “stacking” programs such as 45Z, LCFS and other clean fuel initiatives. Panelists will also address growing requirements around feedstock traceability and farm-level carbon intensity, as well as market developments in key regions like California. The discussion will provide practical guidance for building flexible, audit-ready systems that support compliance across multiple programs while preserving long-term market access.

• Joseph Ulfig, Senior Manager, Weaver
  EPA QAP Overview: What Fuel Ethanol Producers Should Expect in 2026
• Preston Brown, President & Founder, incite.ag
  Stacking Programs: Evolving 45Z Preparedness into Multi-Program Compliance
• Danielle Anderson, Senior Government Policy & Advocacy Manager, Christianson PLLP
  Farm CI and Plant-Level Readiness for State Clean Fuel Programs
• Caroline Peters, Vice President, Tax Insurance, Lockton Companies, Inc.
  Compliance Strategies for Evolving Fuel Programs

Digital tools and automation are reshaping how ethanol plants operate, train and optimize performance. This session will explore how improved data visibility, digital platforms and advanced modeling technologies are enabling faster decision-making and more consistent operations. Panelists will highlight real-world applications of digital twins, virtual commissioning and operator training, alongside broader strategies for integrating data across the plant. The discussion will also examine the path toward increasingly autonomous operations, offering insight into how digitalization can enhance efficiency, reliability and long-term competitiveness.

• Adam Cooper, Senior Application Engineer, dataPARC
  Improving Ethanol Plant Performance Through Operational Data Visibility
• Jack Jenks, Account Executive, Voovio
  Successfully Digitalizing Operations, Training, and Maintenance in an Ethanol Facility
• Meera Mahadevan, Technical Account Manager, Siemens Industry, Inc.
  Commission Faster, Train Smarter: Digital Twin Applications for the Next Generation of Bioethanol Facilities
• Peter Francino, Software Business Development, Schneider Electric
  A Path Toward Autonomous Operations

Lipid-based pathways persist as the major gateway to SAF production, which places an increased emphasis on feedstock quality and pretreatment strategies as key drivers of plant performance and economics. This panel will explore how producers are navigating tightening specifications and rising impurity challenges across a growing mix of feedstocks—from used cooking oil and distillers corn oil to animal fats and other low-carbon-intensity inputs. Discussions will highlight advancements in pretreatment technologies designed to remove contaminants, protect catalysts and avoid down time, as well as innovations in catalyst activation and process monitoring that improve safety and operational control. The session will also include an examination of opportunities to unlock additional value from existing ethanol infrastructure, offering new pathways to integrate SAF production and enhance plant profitability.

• Bryan Yeh, Vice President of Engineering & US Operations, Canary Renewables Corp.
  Pretreatment Considerations and Options for the HEFA Process
• Fahmi Kresmagus, Senior Business Development Manager, Clariant Corporation
  Beyond Bleaching: Optimized Pretreatment of Low CI Feedstocks for RNF via High Performance Adsorbents
• Randy Alexander, Chief Operating Officer, Reactor Resources LLC
  Safer and Smarter Catalyst Sulfiding for HEFA Renewable Fuels Units

Monitoring, measurement and verification are fundamental to ensuring the safety, performance and credibility of carbon storage projects. This session explores a range of technologies and approaches used to assess site suitability, track CO2 behavior and confirm long-term containment, from injectivity testing and remote sensing to advanced subsurface monitoring and biogenic carbon analysis. With a focus on compliance, data accuracy and risk reduction, it highlights how effective monitoring strategies support both regulatory requirements and project success.

• Shirley Indriati, Program Manager CCS Development, Battelle
  Test before you invest: Using Step Rate and Injectivity Testing to Ensure Ethanol Plants’ CCS Success
• James Aiken, Vice President, Barr Engineering Co.
  Monitoring Vegetative Stress at a CO2 Injection Well Using Vegetation Indices and Prediction Limit Statistical Methodologies
• Jason Vanderkooi, Division Manager – Carbon Services, Battelle
  An Overview of Compliance Monitoring for CO2 Sequestration
• Alex Henson, Account Manager, SGS Beta
  Quantifying CO2 Capture, Utilization, and Removals (CCU) via Carbon-14 Biogenic Content Measurement

As interest grows in diversifying ethanol feedstocks, grain sorghum is gaining attention as a strategic option for improving plant margins, lowering carbon intensity scores and unlocking potential D3 RIN value. This session will examine how producers can integrate sorghum—either as a primary feedstock or in blends—through targeted process adjustments, optimized enzyme and yeast strategies, and a clearer understanding of cellulosic pathways. Panelists will also explore the economic impacts, including effects on coproduct quality and overall plant profitability in a volatile grain market.

• Amie Mass, Technical Expert, IFF
  
• Johann Venter, CTO, Edeniq
  
• Matt Durler, Director of Biofuels, National Sorghum Producers
  

Advancements in distillation and separation technologies are creating new opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce energy use and lower carbon intensity in ethanol production. This session will examine common operational challenges within distillation systems alongside emerging solutions, including low-energy evaporation, advanced heat transfer technologies and membrane-based dehydration. Panelists will highlight how these innovations can enhance throughput, reduce waste and support net-zero strategies. The discussion will provide practical insight into how next-generation separation technologies are reshaping the performance and sustainability of ethanol plants.

• Andrew Cancilla, Process Engineer, RCM Engineering-Thermal Kinetics
  Common Operating Issues in DD&E – Distillation Towers
• Andrew Nohns, Engineering Manager, Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC
  Low Energy Distillation and Evaporation: Reducing Plant Energy Consumption
• Sheldon Young, Optimization and Sustainability Specialist, Alfa Laval, Inc.
  Make More, Waste Less: High-Impact Technology in Heat Transfer, Separation & Water
• Takuro Onuki, Manager, Product Engineering & Development Group, Plant Engineering Department, Plants & Infrastructure Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
  High-Efficiency Membrane Dehydration System
• Thiago Righi, Engineering Solutions Manager, Whitefox Technologies USA Inc.
  Merge into the Fast Lane with Membranes on the Pathway to Net Zero

Maximizing value from the corn kernel remains a central priority for ethanol producers seeking to improve yields and expand revenue streams. This session will explore how advanced enzyme strategies can enhance fiber conversion, unlock additional starch and increase corn oil recovery, driving higher coproduct value. Panelists will also examine how these improvements connect to broader opportunities in advanced biofuels, including the role of corn kernel fiber in meeting growing demand for low-carbon fuels. The discussion will highlight practical approaches for extracting more value from existing feedstocks while positioning plants for evolving market opportunities.

• Riley Williamson, Scientist, Application Development, Phibro Ethanol
  Unlocking the Value in Every Part of the Corn Kernel
• Matthew Watts, Senior Scientist, Novonesis
  Improving Coproduct Yield in Dry Grind Ethanol Plants with Targeted Fiber Degrading Enzyme Strategies
• Matthew McBain, Sales and Business Director, Edeniq, Inc.
  Scaling Advanced Biofuels Through New Markets and Feedstocks
• Jaclyn DeMartini, Applications Research Group Leader, IFF
  Increasing Corn Oil Yields Through Biotechnology

Preparing for inspections and enforcement is becoming increasingly important as oversight intensifies across fuel programs. This session will explore how ethanol producers can navigate agency inspections, manage compliance risk and respond effectively to enforcement actions. Panelists will examine trends in D3 RIN scrutiny, evolving sustainability requirements under programs like California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard and broader policy developments shaping market access. The discussion will provide actionable strategies for building inspection-ready operations, reducing liability and positioning plants to succeed in a more rigorous regulatory environment.

• Jessica Karras-Bailey, Principal, RTP Environmental Associates, Inc.
  Knock, Knock! Surviving Agency Inspections
• Tony Miller, Principal, Weaver
  D3 RINs & EPA Enforcement: Navigating Heightened Scrutiny
• Danielle Anderson, Senior Government Policy & Advocacy Manager, Christianson PLLP
  New Sustainability Requirements in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard
• Burl Haigwood, Director, Business Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Sustainable Energy Strategies, Inc.
  From Exclusion to Action: The Maryland Biofuels Task Force Model for Securing a Clean Fuel Standard
• Robert White, Sr. Vice President of Industry Relations & Market Development, Renewable Fuels Association
  California's Ethanol Market

As ethanol plants become more connected and data-driven, cybersecurity and network reliability are critical to maintaining safe and continuous operations. This session will explore strategies for protecting both business and production networks, including real-time monitoring, resilient network architectures and evolving industry standards. Panelists will highlight approaches such as redundant network design, risk-based electrical maintenance and integrated automation strategies that enhance both security and uptime. The discussion will provide practical insight into how strengthening digital infrastructure can reduce operational risk and support reliable, long-term plant performance.

• Carson Merkwan, Director of Business Development, Direct Companies
  Cybersecurity on Business and Production Networks with Real Time Monitoring
• Alan Raveling, Senior Technologist, Interstates, Inc.
  Always On: Building Resilient EtherNet/IP Networks with Parallel Redundant Protocol, or PRP, in Biofuel Facilities

Ethanol is emerging as a key bridge to scalable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, positioning alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) pathways as a critical next step in aviation decarbonization. This session will be of particular interest to ethanol producers, exploring how they can prepare for future SAF markets, with a focus on plant design, operational consistency and carbon intensity reduction. Discussions will examine how integrating carbon capture and storage can push ATJ pathways toward carbon-negative outcomes, while also highlighting innovations in conversion technologies, reactor systems and thermal integration that improve efficiency and flexibility. From feedstock readiness to process optimization, the conversation will break down how ethanol facilities can evolve into strategic SAF suppliers in an increasingly carbon-constrained energy landscape.

• Shantanu Jalgaonkar, Joint General Manager – Business Development, PRAJ Industries Limited
  SAF-Ready Ethanol Plants: Preparing Today’s Fuel Ethanol Facilities for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Markets
• Denis Pchelintsev, Vice President of Engineering, Universal Fuel Technologies
  Flexible Ethanol-to-SAF (ETJ-CKA) via Flexiforming: Cost Advantage with Enhanced Blend Flexibility

Maximizing the value of carbon capture and storage projects requires a clear understanding of evolving incentives and carbon market opportunities. This session explores strategies for leveraging programs such as the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit alongside carbon markets to improve project economics and accelerate returns. It will also examine approaches to carbon accounting, data validation and integration across the value chain, highlighting how producers can position projects to capture the full financial and environmental benefits of CCS.

• Evan Zeller, Director, Battelle Carbon Services
  45Z and CCS – Putting the “Z” in Accelerated Monetization
• Martin Baker, Senior Director, Origination, Anew Climate
  Integrating CCS, RECs, RNG, and Climate Smart Agriculture to Maximize 45Z Value for Ethanol Producers
• Faizal Hassan, VP, Low Carbon Fuels, Anew Climate
  Evaluating RNG and Low-Carbon Fuel Supply Pathways for Ethanol Producers Under 45Z
• Siva Avvaru, Managing Director, Enterprise Growth, Corvian (previously Farmers Edge)
  From Acre to Audit: Making Field-Level CI Data Work for 45Z

Corn kernel fiber is gaining traction as a practical pathway to increase cellulosic ethanol production and capture D3 RIN value from existing operations. This session will examine recent advancements in measurement and verification, including newly approved ASTM methodologies that improve the quantification of fiber conversion. Panelists will connect evolving analytical tools with real-world plant performance, highlighting best practices for optimizing conversion, improving yields and ensuring accurate qualification under Renewable Fuel Standard pathways. The discussion will also explore how continued testing innovation and process refinement are helping move corn kernel fiber from opportunity to scalable production strategy.

• Shon Van Hulzen, Chief Operating Officer, Soliton
  Improvements in the Quantification of Cellulosic Ethanol from Corn Kernel Fiber
• Juan Vargas Ramirez, Business and Sales Director, Edeniq, Inc.
  Best Practices in Corn Kernel Fiber: From RFS Pathway Progress to Plant-Scale Performance
• Matt Nichols, Biofuels Director of Strategic Accounts, Neogen Corporation
  Cellulosic Testing Updates for D3 RIN Generation with ASTM 3417, etc.

Safety and risk management remain critical priorities in ethanol plant operations, particularly when it comes to preventing rare but high-impact incidents. This session will examine strategies for identifying and mitigating low-probability, high-consequence events, alongside evolving approaches to fire suppression and storage tank safety. Panelists will address the transition to PFAS-free systems, key considerations in fire protection design and the fundamentals of tank integrity and operation. The discussion will provide actionable insight into strengthening safety programs, improving compliance and reducing operational risk across ethanol facilities.

• Justin Schultz, Director, Environment, Health and Safety, Renewable Fuels Association
  Low-Probability, High-Consequence Events in Ethanol Plants and How to Actually Prevent Them
• Bryon Dahlgren, Senior Program Manager, Battelle
  AFFF Fire Suppression to PFAS Free – Roadmap, Obstacles, and Considerations
• John McBride, Product Sales Engineer, HMT Tank
  The Basics of Floating Roofs and Seals
• Adam Dittbenner, Instrumentation Manager, Interstates, Inc.
  What’s New in NFPA 70B and Why It Matters to You

Corn oil recovery continues to be a key driver of ethanol plant profitability, with significant opportunities to improve yield through better process control and technology integration. This session will explore real-world strategies for optimizing oil recovery, from tracking distillers corn oil through the process to enhancing separation efficiency with advanced equipment designs. Panelists will share case study insights and practical approaches for identifying losses, improving oil liberation and increasing overall recovery within existing systems. The discussion will highlight how incremental improvements and better visibility can translate into meaningful gains in coproduct value and plant performance.

• Christopher Gerken, Principal Scientist, ICM, Inc.
  A Practical Case Study of Corn Oil Recovery at an Ethanol Facility
• Shelby Baker, Sales Engineer, Fluid Quip Technologies, LLC
  Tracking Distillers Corn Oil: Know Where Your DCO Is Going
• Michael Sistowicz, Field Service Sales III, Alfa Laval, Inc.
  Alfa Laval Rotating Assembling Zone
• Birger Horns, Deputy Head of Business Line Renewables, GEA Mechanical Group
  Flexibility That Pays Off: Adapting Separation Technology to Your Corn Oil Process

Capital Stewardship in Ethanol Production: A Financial Modeling Perspective Financial performance in ethanol production is increasingly shaped by how well producers manage risk, allocate capital and plan for long-term value. This session will explore key considerations in project financing, business valuation and capital investment decision-making, alongside the critical role of process safety in protecting assets and ensuring operational continuity. Panelists will highlight how financial modeling, risk assessment and proactive planning can support more informed decisions in a volatile market environment. The discussion will provide practical insight into strengthening both the financial and operational resilience of ethanol plants.

• Kierra McDougall, Process Safety Consultant, BakerRisk
  Building a Safer Ethanol Industry – Understanding the Hazard
• Bill Schafer, CEO, Energy Integration, Inc.
  Optimizing Project Financing
• Donna Funk, Principal, Pinion
  Why Should I Get a Calculation of Value When I Don’t Intend to Sell?
• Kaila Armendariz, Senior Business Analyst, ICM
  Capital Stewardship in Ethanol Production: A Financial Modeling Perspective

Advanced process control and data analytics are becoming essential tools for optimizing ethanol plant performance. This session will explore how modern control strategies—from enhanced regulatory control within the DCS to adaptive algorithms and predictive analytics—can improve stability, reduce energy use and increase throughput. Panelists will also examine the role of data quality, statistical analysis and visualization in identifying key performance drivers and uncovering hidden inefficiencies. The discussion will highlight how integrating advanced controls with smarter data interpretation can deliver more consistent, cost-effective and optimized plant operations.

• Hank Brittain, Director of Optimization & Advanced Control, OpX Control, Inc.
  Advanced Process Control for Ethanol Producers in Your DCS
• Doug McCallum, Senior Advisor for Advanced Process Control, Novaspect, Inc.
  Increasing Stability with Adaptive Parabolic Control Algorithm

Scaling sustainable aviation fuel from biomass and waste streams hinges on both technological innovation and real-world deployment strategies. This session explores emerging pathways for converting agricultural residues, perennial grasses and municipal solid waste into low-carbon fuels, highlighting advances in pretreatment, conversion efficiency and reactor design. It will also examine system-level considerations such as feedstock logistics, process integration and resource constraints—including water use—associated with large-scale bioenergy expansion. Together, these perspectives provide a clearer view of how next-generation biomass solutions can move from pilot to commercial scale while meeting cost, carbon intensity and sustainability targets.

• Nitin Kolhapure, Director of Engineering, SAFFiRE Renewables
  Advancing Next-Generation Biomass Conversion: SAFFiRE’s Pathway to Low CI Cellulosic Fuels
• Robert Kozak, President, Atlantic Biomass LLC
  Building a Future with Affordable Renewable SAF and Other Fuels Based on Perennial Grasses
• Jayant Khambekar, Senior Consultant, Jenike & Johanson, Inc.
  SAF Production from Biomass and MSW - Importance of High Pressure Reactor Infeed
• May Wu, Principal Environmental System Scientist, Argonne National Laboratory
  U.S. Bioenergy Scale-Up: Water Resource Implications of Billion-Ton Feedstocks

Positioning for success in the evolving carbon market requires strategic alignment across policy, technology and partnerships. This session explores how ethanol producers can navigate incentives such as 45Z, avoid common compliance pitfalls and evaluate pathways for diversification through CCS, SAF and other low-carbon fuels. It will also examine the role of partnerships and integrated business models in managing risk and unlocking new revenue streams, highlighting approaches to remain competitive in a rapidly changing market landscape.

• Anna Ringsred, Senior Manager, Weaver
  45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit: Ethanol Inputs & Common Pitfalls
• Larry Tree, CEO, Proteum Energy, LLC
  Proteum Energy: Unlocking Negative-Carbon Fuels and Enhanced Profitability for Ethanol Producers
• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  Arithmetic? Algebra? Calculus? – The Math for Strategic Partnerships in CCUS
• Steven Lowenthal, Co-CEO, Frontier Infrastructure
  CO2-by-Rail Supporting Carbon Markets and Ethanol Decarbonization

Biological innovation continues to unlock new value streams within ethanol production, particularly through improved fiber conversion and coproduct optimization. This session will explore how advanced enzyme and yeast technologies are being deployed to enhance fermentation performance, increase ethanol yields and reduce operational challenges such as fouling. Panelists will share practical insights on implementing and evaluating fiber-degrading enzyme trials, as well as strategies for improving corn oil recovery through biotechnology. The discussion will focus on real-world application, helping producers better capture value from both starch and fiber while optimizing overall plant performance.

• Rachel Campbell, Antimicrobial and Cellulosic Yeast Category Manager, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
  Industrial Application of Fiber-Degrading Enzymes in Ethanol Fermentation: Exploring the Use of Advanced Yeast in Fouling Mitigation and Yield Enhancement

Effective cleaning and sanitation are essential to maintaining ethanol plant performance, influencing everything from yield and product quality to downtime and operational risk. This session will explore integrated strategies for optimizing clean-in-place systems, improving tank cleaning efficiency and advancing cleaning chemistry. Panelists will highlight solutions to common challenges such as contamination, fouling and ineffective CIP performance, while sharing real-world case studies and best practices. The discussion will provide actionable insight into how improved hygiene strategies can enhance reliability, reduce risk and ultimately drive better plant economics.

• Bandish Patel, Industrial Solutions Team Leader, Spraying Systems Co.
  Integrated Tank Cleaning Strategies
• Jason Hugie, North American Sales Manager, Trucent
  Cleaner Caustic, Better CIP
• Michael Raab, Senior Researcher, Veolia
  Novel Acid CIP Cleaner
• Michael Vander Vorste, Operation Service and Support Manager, CTE Global, Inc.
  Navigating Hygiene Challenges and Finding Solutions That Reduce Risk and Increase Yield

Maximizing distillers corn oil value requires a combination of accurate measurement, data-driven decision-making and optimized process control. This session will explore how advanced analytical methods and rapid testing technologies can improve visibility into oil content and recovery performance across ethanol operations. Panelists will also examine the role of enzymes, operating strategies and front-end process conditions in influencing oil yield and quality. The discussion will highlight how better data and coordinated plant-wide practices can drive more consistent recovery, enhance coproduct value and improve overall plant profitability.

• Andrew Hawkins, Director of Laboratory Services, Phibro Ethanol
  Maximizing Corn Oil Value Through Innovative Measurement
• Nicholas Moryn, Territory Sales Manager, CEM Corporation
  Advancing Analytical Methods for Oil Determination in DDGS to Support Ethanol Process Efficiency
• Chuck Gallop, Director of Innovation, ICM, Inc.
  Corn Oil Recovery: Operating and Control Considerations
• Chris Grandy, Business and Market Analyst, Trucent
  Front End Best Practices for Corn Oil Optimization: How to Monitor and Influence Yield and Quality
• Bent Madsen, Senior Global Technology Business Developer, Alfa Laval, Inc.
  How to Minimize the Oil Content in the Solids Leaving the Plant

Volatile markets and shifting demand dynamics are forcing ethanol producers to rethink long-term strategy and risk management. This session will explore how factors such as E15 adoption, evolving fuel demand and emerging markets will shape the future of ethanol over the coming decades. Panelists will also examine practical approaches to executing strategy, managing financial and legal risk and building organizational resilience. The discussion will provide a forward-looking perspective on how producers can protect profitability while positioning for new opportunities in an uncertain market landscape.

• Jeff Oestmann, President - Agri Business Practice, G37 Ventures
  Disciplined Execution. Turning Strategy into Measurable Performance
• David Miller, Consulting Chief Economist, Decision Innovation Solutions
  E15 and the Demand Gap for Corn
• Dean Drake, President, Defour Group, LLC
  The Next 25 Years of Ethanol Fuel

Process analytics are becoming a powerful tool for improving ethanol plant performance, helping producers uncover hidden opportunities to boost yield, uptime and efficiency. This session will explore how advanced analytical techniques and modeling tools can translate routine data into actionable insight, from optimizing fermentation and reducing energy use to improving oil recovery. Panelists will also examine emerging technologies that enhance separation efficiency and process intensification. The discussion will highlight how integrating analytics across the plant can drive more informed decisions, reduce variability and unlock additional margin in a competitive operating environment.

• Tyler Roberts, Market Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
  Finding Hidden Margin in Ethanol Plants: How Process Analytics Drive Yield, Uptime, and CI Reduction
• Dan Wood, CEO, Keit Industrial Analytics
  Delivering AI-Driven Process Optimization Enabled by Continuous Data
• Alex Sexton, Technical Team Manager, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
  Filtering the Noise Without Losing the Story
• Matthew Ruttley, Founder, MRC Ventures LLC
  What Your Fermentation Data Knows That You Don't: Unlocking Operational Insights Hiding in Plain Sight

Breaking beyond lipid-based pathways is essential to unlocking the next wave of sustainable aviation fuel growth. This session explores emerging feedstock strategies—including recycled carbon, biogenic CO2-derived intermediates and lignocellulosic biomass—that aim to expand supply while improving scalability and carbon performance. It will examine how novel conversion technologies, hybrid process integration and infrastructure-compatible intermediates are reshaping the SAF landscape, with a focus on cost, flexibility and deployment risk. Together, these approaches highlight a growing shift toward feedstock diversification and more resilient, scalable production models.

• Hamed Heidari, CEO & Co-founder, C+UP
  Renewable Propane from Biogenic CO2 as a Scalable Intermediate Feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel
• Eric Seck, COO, Mercurius Biorefining
  Scaling SAF Beyond HEFA: Economic and Process Comparisons of Cellulosic Conversion Pathways Using REACH™ Technology

Expanding beyond traditional carbon capture and storage, utilization pathways and advanced capture technologies are creating new opportunities to reduce carbon intensity and generate value. This session explores approaches to converting CO2 into marketable products, integrating additional capture systems at existing facilities and advancing next-generation capture technologies through modeling and simulation. With a focus on performance, flexibility and economics, it highlights how these solutions can complement or provide alternatives to conventional storage strategies.

• Jeff Bonar, CEO, CapCO2 Solutions
  CO2 utilization – an exciting solution critical for next generation biofuels
• Nick Cioll, CEO, Progressive Energy
  Carbon Utilization Alternatives to Lower CI Scores
• Devin ter Braak, Director of Technology, Bright Renewables
  Enhancing Existing Fermentation CCS with Post Combustion Carbon Capture at Ethanol Sites
• Roman Petersen, Sales Engineer, ANDRITZ Separation, Inc.
  Industrial Applications and Future Potential of Rotating Packed Bed (RPB) Technology in Carbon Capture Processes: The ANDRITZ Perspective

Ethanol producers are increasingly focused on extracting maximum value from process byproducts and waste streams, turning operational challenges into economic opportunities. This session will examine strategies for managing fermentation byproducts to improve yields and coproduct quality, alongside technologies designed to reduce fouling and enhance overall plant efficiency. Panelists will also explore advanced treatment approaches for high-strength wastewater and the growing potential to monetize biogas through anaerobic digestion. The discussion will highlight practical pathways for improving performance, reducing costs and transforming waste streams into new sources of revenue.

• Elizabeth LaCasse, Lab Technician – Application Development, Phibro Ethanol
  How to Level Up: Management of Ethanol Process Byproducts to Maximize Ethanol and Co-product Value
• Kristina Gerber, Domain Leader – Anaerobic Digestion, Veolia
  Monetizing Biogas from Ethanol Wastewater Streams: Transforming Waste into Renewable Revenue

Maintenance and reliability strategies are essential to minimizing downtime and protecting ethanol plant profitability. This session will explore best practices for maintaining critical equipment, from fans and bucket elevators to heat tracing systems and instrumentation. Panelists will highlight the importance of proactive maintenance, improved diagnostics and data utilization to identify issues before they impact operations. The discussion will also examine how automation in areas such as grain receiving can enhance throughput, reduce risk and support more consistent plant performance. Together, these insights offer practical approaches to strengthening reliability and avoiding costly disruptions.

• David Maletich, National Sales Manager, The New York Blower Company
  Fan Maintenance: How Your Application Determines Potential Failure Modes and Maintenance Requirements
• Dean Wedekind, Technical Sales Specialist, Maxi-Lift Inc.
  Bucket Elevator Performance Is Vital to Your Operations
• Randeep Dosanjh, Marketing Manager, Chemelex
  Save Your Ethanol Plant from Costly Downtime – Be Proactive About Regular Maintenance
• Dennis Uhl, Reliability Specialist, Novaspect, Inc.
  Instrumentation May Be a Missing Component of Your Maintenance and Reliability Strategy
• Steve Tippery, CEO, RealmFive, Inc.
  Automating Grain Receiving to Accelerate Throughput and Protect Ethanol Plant Margins

Protecting the quality and marketability of distillers grains is critical to maintaining coproduct value in ethanol production. This session will examine strategies for managing mycotoxin risk, improving testing accuracy and enhancing processing approaches to ensure consistent DDGS quality. Panelists will explore integrated, data-driven testing systems, enzymatic solutions for toxin mitigation and the importance of standardized analytical methods in supporting global market access. The discussion will also touch on emerging drying technologies aimed at reducing energy use and carbon intensity while preserving product integrity. Together, these insights highlight practical approaches for safeguarding DDGS value in an increasingly demanding market.

• Mark Enninga, Key Account Manager, EnviroLogix, Inc.
  Keeping Mycotoxins In-Check to Maximize Co-Product Value
• Nicolas Hardt, Innovation Development Manager, DSM-Firmenich
  Breaking the Fumonisin Barrier in DDGS Production with FUMzyme®
• Ursula Hofstetter, Head of Global Product Management, DSM Austria GmbH
  Mycotoxin Occurrence and Co Contamination Patterns in Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), 2024–2026
• Joseph Ward, Executive Director, Distillers Technology Council
  From Lab Bench to Global Markets: Why ASTM / DTC Proficiency Testing Program Is Critical for Distillers Grains
• Kasper Larsen, CEO, EnerDry/AS
  Steam Drying of Distillers Grain – Eliminate Gas Consumption and CO2 Emissions from Drying Process

Building and retaining a high-performing workforce is essential to sustaining ethanol plant performance and long-term success. This session will explore key workforce and leadership trends, strategies for attracting and developing top talent and practical approaches to managing teams in a challenging labor market. Panelists will also examine the role of communication, leadership style and organizational culture in driving employee engagement and retention. The discussion will provide actionable insight into how strong teams and effective leadership directly contribute to improved operational and financial outcomes.

• Connie Lindstrom, Director of Benchmarking, Benchmark Insights, LLC
  Strong Team, Strong Results: Ethanol Workforce and Leadership Trends in 2026
• Gary Weihs, Managing Partner, Kincannon & Reed Executive Search
  Identifying and Attracting Top Talent for a Profitable Future
• Jessica Stimmel, President, TalentPro, a Pinion, LLC Company
  Enhancing Workplace Communication
• Becky Ringenberg, Growth and Development, TalentPro, a Pinion, LLC Company
  Managing Employees: Influencing Teams and Handling Challenges
• Jeff Oestmann, President - Agri Business Practice, G37 Ventures
  Succession Planning as a Value Strategy. Leadership Depth in an Increasingly Complex Ethanol Business

Fermentation performance remains one of the most critical drivers of ethanol plant efficiency, yet it is highly sensitive to stress and variability. This session will explore how producers can better manage high-solids fermentation, control biological stress responses and minimize carbon diversion that impacts both yield and carbon intensity. Panelists will also examine the role of thermal management and emerging AI-driven tools in stabilizing fermentation, detecting early-stage issues and improving consistency across operations. The discussion will highlight practical strategies for maintaining optimal fermentation conditions while maximizing both production and sustainability outcomes.

• Shelly Siemonsma, Senior Technical Services Manager, Lallemand Biofuels & Distilled Spirits
  When Sugar Becomes Stress: Managing Carbon Diversion and CI Risk in High-Solids Ethanol Fermentation
• Felipe Magazoni, Regional Manager, Absorption Cooling & Heating Division, Thermax
  Integrating Absorption Chillers into Ethanol Fermentation: Biological and Energy Efficiency Impacts
• Jessica Morrison, VP, Strategic Partnerships & Growth, GOLGIX
  Stabilizing Fermentation with AI: Reducing Variability, Preventing Contamination, and Protecting Yield
• Carson Merkwan, Director of Business Development, Direct Companies
  AI and Data Management

Bringing next-generation aviation fuels to market requires more than production—it demands rigorous testing, validation and qualification. This session explores advanced analytical techniques and emerging conversion approaches that are shaping fuel certification and performance, from biogenic carbon measurement and multidimensional fuel analysis to novel pathways for upgrading biodiesel and integrating lower-risk intermediates. With a focus on compliance, cost and real-world applicability, it highlights the critical role of testing in accelerating innovation while ensuring fuel quality, safety and regulatory alignment.

• Alex Henson, Account Manager, SGS Beta
  ASTM D6866 Biogenic Carbon Content Measurement of Biomass-Derived Fuels
• Nicole M. Lock, Group Product Leader – Molecular and Atomic Analysis, PAC LP
  Advanced Fuel Analysis with Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (Flow-Modulated GC×GC-FID)
• Junli Liu, Senior Research Scientist, Purdue University
  Transforming Biodiesel into Biokerosene as Jet Fuel and Winter-Season Diesel Fuel Using Fully Electrified Ozone-Cracking
• Zachary Schmidt, Chemical Process Engineer, Universal Fuel Technologies
  Cost-Competitive, Semi-Renewable Gasoline as a Low-Risk, Intermediate Step Toward $4/Gallon SAF Production

Integrating carbon utilization technologies into ethanol production offers new pathways to reduce carbon intensity and unlock additional value. This session explores approaches for converting fermentation CO2 into fuels and intermediates, incorporating biogas systems and optimizing existing process streams to improve efficiency and returns. It will also examine how these integrations can enhance plant flexibility, increase output without additional feedstock and support evolving policy and market demands. With a focus on integration, scalability and economics, it highlights how ethanol producers can leverage emerging technologies to enhance performance and remain competitive in a carbon-constrained market.

• Hamed Heidari, CEO & Co-founder, C+UP
  Beyond CCS: Converting Fermentation CO2 into Renewable Propane at Ethanol Plants
• David Ortega, Founder, Phase Biolabs, Inc.
  Ethanol from CO2
• Juan Martiren, Partner and Business Developer, DTA Tech
  The Backset Multiplier: One Integration, Lower CI, New Energy, Higher Returns
• Graham Hartlett, Chief Sales Officer – North America, HoSt Bioenergy Solutions
  HoSt Bioenergy – Elevating Your Ethanol CI Score with Distillers Grain Digestion

Biological decision-making is playing an increasingly central role in shaping ethanol plant performance and profitability. This session will explore how choices around feedstocks, enzymes and biocatalysts directly influence fermentation efficiency, yield and overall plant economics. Panelists will examine the operational considerations of incorporating alternative or variable-quality feedstocks, alongside the economic implications of emerging biocatalyst technologies. The discussion will also address strategies for lowering carbon intensity and maximizing the value of sustainability-driven incentives, highlighting the trade-offs producers must navigate to balance performance, cost and compliance.

• Stephanie Gleason, Director of Global Technology, Phibro Ethanol
  Process Considerations for Changing Feedstocks
• Henry Markarian, CEO, Integrated Dynamics, Inc.
  TRY(+) Impact of Biocatalyst Choice on Plant Economics
• Dawn Overby, North America Marketing Director – Grain Processing, IFF
  Maximizing Sustainability Credits in Ethanol Production: Strategies and Trade-Offs
• Martin Gross, CEO, Gross-Wen Technologies
  Increasing Profitability and Resiliency Through Integration of Anaerobic Digesters + Algae at Ethanol Plants

Improving equipment reliability and longevity is critical to maintaining consistent ethanol plant performance and avoiding costly disruptions. This session will explore strategies to mitigate common challenges such as fouling, corrosion and thermal degradation across key process equipment. Panelists will highlight advanced technologies and materials—from heat exchanger design and corrosion-resistant coatings to vapor corrosion inhibitors and next-generation refractory systems—that enhance durability and reduce maintenance requirements. The discussion will provide practical insight into how targeted reliability improvements can extend asset life, lower operating costs and support more stable plant operations.

• Mohan Dhas, Director – BD, Lummus Technology, Inc.
  Fouling Mitigation Using Helical Baffle Technology
• Johnny Smatana, Business Development Manager, Integrated Global Services
  Mitigating Sulfur Corrosion with High Velocity Thermal Spray in Ethanol Production
• Mark Sullivan, Refractory Sales Director & New Business Manager, Refractory Service, Inc.
  Quantification of Energy Savings, Maintenance Cost Reductions and ROI Related to New Refractory Lining System

Ethanol producers are increasingly exploring new pathways to diversify beyond fuel markets and capture higher-value opportunities. This session will examine how ethanol can serve as a platform feedstock for a range of chemicals and materials, including acrylic acid, ethyl acetate and other specialty products. Panelists will highlight emerging catalytic technologies, market drivers and integration strategies that enable producers to expand into new value chains. The discussion will also explore how process innovations and thermal management can support broader coproduct portfolios, helping ethanol plants improve margins, reduce risk and position themselves for long-term growth in evolving energy and chemical markets.

• Kiana Manoo, PDP Technology Support Engineer, BASF Corporation
  Bioethanol as a Renewable and Value-Added Feedstock – Novelty and Challenges in BASF Industrial Catalysis
• Emma Murray, Commercial Licensing Associate, Johnson Matthey
  Ethanol to Bio-ethyl Acetate: A Diversification Pathway into Sustainable Chemical Production
• Jess Hewitt, President, Hyperfuels
  High Value Products from Ethanol Increase Sales and Revenue
• Omar Hamid, Group Manager - Low Carbon Fuels, Worley Consulting
  Beyond the Blend Wall: Strategic Product Diversification through CCUS and SAF Conversion for Ethanol Industry

As ethanol plants mature, managing aging infrastructure has become a critical priority for maintaining reliability and controlling long-term costs. This session will explore strategies for proactive asset lifecycle management, including how to assess equipment condition, prioritize replacements and plan for extended lead times. Panelists will also examine best practices for maintaining process internals, improving capital cost estimating and making informed decisions around automation investments. The discussion will provide practical insight into how forward-looking planning can reduce risk, minimize downtime and support continued, efficient plant operation.

• Adam Anderson, Director of Sales, ICM, Inc.
  Staying Ahead of Aging Assets in Ethanol Facilities
• Russell Hillenburg, President/CEO, Woven Metal Products
  Maximizing Plant Reliability: Strategic Planning for Process Internals Maintenance
• Mark Curtis, Senior Vice President, ADF Engineering, Inc.
  From Concept to Construction: Modernizing Capital Cost Estimating for Ethanol Facilities
• Eduardo Munhoz, Sugar & Ethanol Director, Nova Smar Corporation
  Long-Term Planning for an Automation Investment

Transportation and logistics introduce unique risks that can significantly impact ethanol plant safety, compliance and profitability. This session will explore key challenges across rail and truck operations, including switching safety, loadout procedures and cleaning protocols for tanker trucks. Panelists will also examine strategies for preventing low-probability, high-consequence events and improving overall risk awareness at the plant–transportation interface. The discussion will provide actionable insight into how stronger safety practices and operational discipline can reduce incidents, protect product integrity and support more reliable ethanol logistics.

• Russell York, Director of Program Development, Rail Safe Training, Inc.
  Behind the Gates: The Reality of Railroad Safety
• Thomas Hadel, Solutions Architect, RailPros Inc.
  Transportation—Rail Switching Operations
• Justin Schultz, Director, Environment, Health and Safety, Renewable Fuels Association
  Loadout and Shipping: Reducing Non-Accidental Release Risk at the Ethanol–Rail Interface
• Dominic DeMaria, Business Development of Tank Cleaning, Spraying Systems Co.
  CIP Best Practices – Over the Road Tanker Trucks

Delivering sustainable aviation fuel projects at scale requires thoughtful engineering, efficient construction strategies and strong risk management from the outset. This session explores approaches to improving project execution, including modular construction techniques, early-stage process safety analysis and the integration of digital tools to support operations and decision-making. With a focus on cost, schedule and reliability, it highlights practical considerations that can help developers move SAF projects from concept to completion more effectively.

• Shrirang Vaze, Joint General Manager, PRAJ Industries Limited
  Modularization: Constructing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Projects with Advanced Proprietary Modular Methodology
• Cami Snow, Senior Project Engineer, Pinnacle Engineering, Inc.
  Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) for Emerging Bioenergy Technologies: Practical Tools and Pitfalls
• John Oyen, Director of Business Development, ABB, Inc.
  The Jigsaw Puzzle of SAF Projects

Developing successful low-carbon ethanol and CCS projects requires strategic planning across infrastructure, contracts and plant design. This session explores practical pathways for advancing projects, including alternative CO2 transport options, integrated facility design and considerations for structuring effective engineering, procurement and construction agreements. It will also examine how project integration decisions can influence permitting requirements, timelines and overall project viability. With a focus on flexibility, risk management and long-term performance, it highlights approaches to help producers navigate constraints while positioning for growth in a low-carbon market.

• Sylvain Riba, President and CEO, Geostock Sandía
  Alternate CO2 Transport and Dedicated Class VI Storage: A Practical Path Forward for Stranded Ethanol Producers
• Andrew Parker, Senior Associate, Husch Blackwell LLP
  Crafting Effective EPC Agreements for Biofuels, Carbon Capture, and Sustainable Fuel Infrastructure Projects
• Rohan Pingale, Senior Manager – Business Development (Americas), PRAJ Industries Limited
  Designing the Ethanol Plant: Integrated Alcohol and Bio-methanation Solutions for Reliable, Low-CI Operations
• Andrea Foglesong, Vice President / Senior EHS Consultant, PROtect, LLC
  Single vs. Separate Source Determinations – How Project Integration Matters