alt







2015 Conference Agenda

Sunday, July 19

8:00am - 12:30pm

PFI Annual Golf Tournament

2:00pm - 6:00pm

2014-2015 PFI Board Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Registration & Welcome Reception

Supplier Exhibits
Light Hors d’oeuvres and Cash Bar

Monday, July 20

7:30am – 8:30am

Breakfast and Supplier Exhibits

8:30am – 12:00pm

GENERAL SESSION I

8:30am - 9:00am

Welcome
Darryl Rose, Chairman, Pellet Fuels Institute
, 2014-2015
Jennifer Hedrick, PFI Executive Director

9:00am – 10:30am

Global Pellet Market Overview and Analysis
United States, Canadian, European and Asian markets will be overviewed in this in-depth discussion on the global pellet industry scope and performance. Policy and regulations influencing the market will also be highlighted. 


John Arsenault, Wood Pellet Association of Canada  
Johan Granath, Ekman
Seth Walker, RISI
Cora Dickson, International Trade Administration, U.S.

Stan Elliot, Pacific Coast Fiber Fuels (Moderator)

10:30 – 11:00am

Networking Break
Supplier Exhibits

11:00am – 12:15pm

Enhancing Pellet Operations
Learn how to maximize your pellet operations by understanding key fire suppression techniques and strategies, bearings performance, and new key requirements instituted by OSHA.

Chuck Coffin, Timken
Eric Conn, Conn, Maciel, Carey

Ryan Morrow, Firefly
Harold Lawson, Kidde-Fenwal
Darryl Rose, Chairman, Pellet Fuels Institute, 2014-2015 (Moderator)

12:30 - 1:30pm   

Networking Lunch

1:45pm – 5:15pm

GENERAL SESSION II

1:45pm – 2:45pm

Policy Update: State, Regional and National Initiatives
This session will focus on federal, regional and state activity across the pellet industry. Highlights will include updates on the Biomass Thermal Utilization Act, pellet data collection by the Energy Information Administration, EPA's NSPS Rule, federal funding opportunities, and industry checkoff program developments. 

Anthony Crooks, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development
Rob Davis, Forest Energy Corporation
Pat Rita, Orion Advocates 

Bruce Lisle, Energex (Moderator)

2:45pm – 3:15pm

Tools to Optimize Pellet Manufacturing
Learn more about tools and technologies available to streamline pellet operations and enhance productivity from the office to the plant. 

Justin Price, Evergreen Engineering

David Waechter, Verdante Bioenergy
Kenny Lisle, Energex (Moderator)

3:15pm – 3:45pm

Networking Break
Supplier Exhibits

3:45 – 5:15pm

Standards Compliance:  Overview and Impact
Fuel, appliance and operations standards impact all components of the pellet industry. This panel will give an overview of several key standards, including practical information for implementation. 

Guy Colonna, National Fire Protection Association
John Crouch, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association
John Shimek, Hearth & Home Technologies
Chris Wiberg, Timber Products Inspection

5:30pm – 6:30pm

Cocktail Reception
Supplier Exhibits

6:30pm – 9:30pm

PFI Dinner Event

Tuesday, July 21

7:00am – 7:30am

2015-2016 PFI Board Meeting

7:30am – 8:30am

Breakfast and Supplier Exhibits

8:30am – 12:15pm

GENERAL SESSION III

8:30am – 8:45am

Pellet Fuels Institute Annual Membership Meeting

8:45am – 9:15am

Waste to Wisdom:  Utilizing Forest Residues for Energy
An introduction and status report on the Waste to Wisdom Initiative, an effort underway to convert forest residues into viable feedstocks for three biomass conversion technologies. 

John Crouch, Pellet Fuels Institute
Aaron Norris, Norris Thermal Technologies

9:15am – 10:15am

Exploring New Markets for Pellets
New market opportunities abound for pellet manufacturers in small and large scale heat and utility markets. Learn about potential opportunities nationally and internationally. 

Annalisa Paniz, AIEL
William Strauss, FutureMetrics
Damali Rhett, Enviva

10:15am – 10:45am

Networking Break
Supplier Exhibits

10:45am – 12:00pm

Sustainability and Carbon:  Their Impact on Market Opportunity and Growth
Understanding carbon accounting and sustainability requirements and practices and their effect on the global wood products market. 

Thomas Buchholz, Spatial Informatics Group

Michael Snow, American Hardwood Export Council

12:00pm - 12:15pm

Closing Remarks
Stephen Faehner, Chairman, Pellet Fuels Institute, 2015-2016

12:15pm

Adjournment
Exhibit Hall Closes