Don't miss fourth annual National Biodiesel Conference and Expo

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The National Biodiesel Conference and Expo is soon approaching, and in case you haven't registered yet, here is what's in store for the 2007 event. The event will take place Feb. 4-7 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) expects 3,500 people to attend.

All-star lineup mixes Congress, country-western
A blend of entertainment and education will keep everyone interested during the general sessions and other activities. Highlights include:

--The Congressional rock band The Second Amendments performing at the opening night reception and serving on a panel during Monday's general session

--Merle Haggard starting off the first-ever biodiesel political action committee (PAC) meeting at the conference

--Political pundit-couple James Carville and Mary Matalin closing the conference with their unique style of communicating how to make politics work in your favor

--Biodiesel supporter Larry Hagman of television show "Dallas" fame

--Bill Mack, the XM Satellite Cowboy

--Dr. John G. Stoessinger, internationally recognized political analyst and prize-winning author of 10 world politics books, including The Might of Nations: World Politics in Our Time. Stoessinger escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria and went on to serve with the United Nations and Council on Foreign Relations.


Methanol safety and more make up important sessions
New to the rich educational program for 2007 will be an additional track on production. Past tracks-Users, Markets, Technical, Regulatory and OEM-will also be included in the 2007 agenda. Session topics include uses for glycerin, emerging markets and methanol handling, which mirror what the NBB has been offering as Web teleseminars.

In 2006, the NBB began working with Methanex, the world's largest producer of methanol, to set up a series of Web-based teleseminars on safety. This will be repeated at the conference and will help to raise awareness about the existing legal, environmental and safety requirements of methanol use. It is critical that biodiesel producers are fully aware of any risks and regulations.

NBB offers several events
Attendees can enjoy the golf tournament at the Quarry Golf Club (www.quarrygolf.com), as well as receptions that the conference agenda offers. An expo hall reception and a Super Bowl Welcome Reception are on the schedule so far. Also on Super Bowl Sunday, preconference sessions are offered, including details of the BQ-9000 program. Other meals are included with registration, as well.

Conference offers growing expo
The 2007 expo will showcase the foremost service and technology providers for the industry. With exhibitors vastly increasing from the previous trade shows, conference planners expect 225 booths. Plus, expo hall hours are expanded for 2007.

Accommodations
The Marriott RiverWalk and Marriott RiverCenter are the conference hotels, but rooms were limited at press time. Check out the Hilton Palacio del Rio and the historic Menger Hotel. Both are located either across the street or within a few blocks from the convention center. Book quickly to ensure availability. More information is at www.biodieselconference.org/2007/pre/area/lodging.asp.


NBB thanks sponsors
The NBB and sponsors host the National Biodiesel Conference and Expo. Some of the sponsors at press time included World Energy Alternatives LLC, a Platinum sponsor; and Core Ventures, the exclusive Super Bowl party sponsor. Gold sponsors are:
• Bioenergy of America
• Crown Iron Works Company
• Degussa Building Blocks
• Renewable Energy Group Inc.

Registration
The discounted preregistration time period ends Jan. 26. After that, attendees must register on-site. The registration desk opens at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3. For more details on the conference and to register, visit www.biodieselconference.org/2007.