NAFTC Attends Sixth Annual National Biodiesel Board Conference

The NAFTC exhibited at the National Biodiesel Board's (NBB) sixth annual conference, themed Leading Change Now, in San Francisco, California, February 1-4, 2009. Executive Director, Al Ebron, and Assistant Director – Communications, Judy Moore, were in attendance to represent the Consortium at the event. The conference offered a mix of educational and networking opportunities that informed and educated attendees on the latest advancements in the biodiesel industry and shared best practices.

NAFTC Executive Director, Al Ebron, discusses NAFTC training opportunities with NBB staff. Photo Credit: NAFTC.

Educational sessions focused on sustainability, fuel production, technical updates, fuel distribution, policy/regulations, markets and users. A vehicle showcase and NBB member ride-and-drive showed off the latest in diesel vehicle technology. Featured conference speakers included Pete Bethune and Bryan Peterson, two world adventurers who riveted the audience with tales from their biodiesel-fueled expeditions around the globe. Grammy and Academy Award winning musician Melissa Etheridge also headlined the event, performing two songs and speaking to the audience about her strong support for biodiesel. Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell also performed at the closing reception.

New this year, the conference featured a "public day," designed to give a new audience access to the latest information and innovation in the biodiesel industry free of charge.

A biodiesel support campaign - "Scientists for Biodiesel" - launched at the conference. The initiative offers a platform for scientists to share their support for the renewable, sustainable fuel by signing a declaration.

Attendees had the opportunity to take a close look at hundreds of exhibits with biodiesel information and displays, including production equipment, testing equipment, and vehicles that can use biodiesel fuel. Photo Credit: NAFTC.