September 7, 2016
BY Ron Kotrba
In case you haven’t heard, the biofuels event to attend this fall is Christianson & Associates’ Biofuels Financial Conference Oct. 17-18 in Minneapolis. The event, produced by Christianson & Associates and organized by BBI International—the publisher of Biodiesel Magazine and Ethanol Producer Magazine—is tailored for both ethanol and biodiesel producers and is focused on the best ways to explore new options in today’s changing ethanol and biodiesel industries. By understanding risks associated with various technology and marketing initiatives, and by exploring various options for making the best use of capital and resources, attendees will learn how to create a well-managed plan for growth and change—a plan that maximizes profitability while ensuring future stability.
Biodiesel-related content at the Biofuels Financial Conference includes an opening keynote panel, moderated by John Christianson of Christianson & Associates, featuring Larry Schafer, the senior government affairs consultant for the National Biodiesel Board, along with Brian Jennings from the American Coalition for Ethanol.
Later that day, a breakout session will focus on mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures in the biodiesel space—a hot topic today as we’ve seen a lot of this activity recently. Confirmed speakers on this panel include John Campbell with Ocean Park Advisors and Jess Kistner with Flag Leaf Financial Management.
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Afterwards, the event features a unique “Consultant Speed Dating” session in which attendees have the opportunity to interact with experts in a wide variety of compliance and consulting topics. Consider it an hour of free consulting to get answers to your most important questions. This session begins with a brief introduction from each of the experts, after which you are free to wander the room and engage the experts or listen in on conversations in progress. Experts will be available to discuss the Food Safety Modernization Act, the LCFS verification regulations and GREET modeling, the RFS, grant availability and the application process, biofuels industry benchmarking, and more.
In the evening will be a social hour, followed by a seated dinner and entertainment.
On Oct. 18, the half-day starts out with concurrent breakout sessions, one on strategic planning for biofuel board directors, and the other focusing on meaningful reports for financial leaders. Afterwards, attendees gather together again for a panel on fraud and internal controls—lessons learned. Finally, the last session of the conference will feature a technical update on taxes, accounting and compliance reporting.
Registrants can save $100 through early bird pricing if they sign up by Sept. 14. Also, producers of biodiesel and ethanol get a significant discount on the cost of registration—$400 off.
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The venue is the Hyatt Regency in downtown Minneapolis. With fall in full swing, mid-October is sure to be a beautiful time to visit Minnesota.
Finally, there are still sponsorship and exhibit opportunities as well.
For more information on sponsoring, exhibiting, registering, or to view the agenda, click here.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration maintained its forecast for 2025 and 2026 biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, released July 8.
XCF Global Inc. on July 10 shared its strategic plan to invest close to $1 billion in developing a network of SAF production facilities, expanding its U.S. footprint, and advancing its international growth strategy.
U.S. fuel ethanol capacity fell slightly in April, while biodiesel and renewable diesel capacity held steady, according to data released by the U.S. EIA on June 30. Feedstock consumption was down when compared to the previous month.
XCF Global Inc. on July 8 provided a production update on its flagship New Rise Reno facility, underscoring that the plant has successfully produced SAF, renewable diesel, and renewable naphtha during its initial ramp-up.
The U.S. EPA on July 8 hosted virtual public hearing to gather input on the agency’s recently released proposed rule to set 2026 and 2027 RFS RVOs. Members of the biofuel industry were among those to offer testimony during the event.