TODAY is your last chance to register for Summit 24 next week in St. Louis.
Here’s what you need to know and why you need to attend:
Wednesday, August 7 | CGB Enterprises Welcome Reception
6-7:30pm at St. Louis’ famous Broadway Oyster Bar
Join speakers, sponsors and fellow attendees for light bites and cocktails in the Beer Garden
Cajun wings, oysters, shrimp voodoo, alligator cheesecake and more!
Thursday, August 8 | Summit 24 at Ballpark Village
All-day event featuring industry-leading speakers and panelists tackling today’s biggest topics in seven can’t-miss sessions, plus food & drinks
Tired of boring ballrooms? Me too - that’s why this event is held at St. Louis’ premier entertainment venue directly across the street from Busch Stadium. The place is ours for the day!
Doors open at 8am with a full breakfast sponsored by LanzaJet. Sessions begin at 9am
Speakers & sessions:
Han Chen and his team at ZeaKal’s are addressing the age-old food vs. fuel debate with technology that allows growers to produce more pounds of veg oil per acre without altering their farming practices. The resulting lower CI crop-based feedstocks and higher protein meal are a win-win for all parties involved, including their partners - industry giants Perdue and Nutrien.
I can’t wait to discuss LanzaJet’s pioneering role in decarbonizing air travel with Meg Whitty. And yes, we will hit on the 800 lb gorilla in the room including policy that gives Brazilian ethanol an advantage over US-produced corn ethanol.
Jennifer Aurdandt-Pilgrim of Marquis (operator of largest dry-mill ethanol plant in the world) will give us a look at the ethanol market of tomorrow and their commitment to innovation.
Southwest Airlines’ Anthony Gregory will be on hand to discuss the industry’s approach to meeting its low carbon objectives, the odds of reaching the 3-billion-gallon goal by 2030 (set forth by the SAF Grand Challenge), plus fill us in on SAFFiRE - Southwest’s corn stover ethanol project in Kansas.
I am thrilled to welcome Summit Agricultural Group’s Justin Kirchhoff to the stage to give an update on the company’s CO2 pipeline and the pivotal role it plays in the future of US ethanol demand. Plus, we are going to talk about the ways they are adding value to commodities and finding new growth markets - both here and abroad.
After a fantastic taco & fajita bar lunch (including a margarita station) sponsored by Plus500 Financial Services, it’s a one-on-one with Todd Becker to discuss the transformation underway at Green Plains as one of the country’s largest ethanol producers leads the way to a low-carbon future.
When we think ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ we tend to think corn ethanol, but Iowa Soy’s Matt Herman will be on stage to tell us why it might be an even bigger opportunity for soybeans.
It’s policy, policy and more policy with RFA CEO Geoff Cooper. I think I just heard a large collective sigh from the crowd but (the future of) policy has never been more important nor more impactful on markets. Period.
Everyone will need a drink after half-an-hour of policy discussion, so the CoBank Happy Hour kicks off next, plus we bring out snacks because why not?!
Lastly, Will Faulkner of Carbon Acumen will join me on stage to bring it all home. Will is THE MAN when it comes to low carbon fuel market and policy intel, breaking complex topics down into digestible nuggets.
We will be joined by Mac Marshall during this last session for an open discussion that wraps up an incredibly insightful day.
Thursday, August 8 | All-Inclusive Cardinals Baseball Experience at UMB Champions Club inside Busch Stadium
After the Summit, attendees will have a short break to check in, change, catch up on emails, etc. before stadium gates open at 4:45pm
First pitch is at 6:15pm as the St. Louis Cardinals take on the Tampa Bay Rays
Enjoy an upscale buffet, carving stations and full-service, open bar in the plush UMB Champions Club
Unwind and connect with speakers, sponsors and attendees in this climate-controlled club where spacious open areas and versatile seating are designed to spark insightful conversations and networking opportunities
All-Inclusive Cardinals Baseball Experience tickets must be purchased separately. Additional tickets are also available to purchase for guests.
Already registered for the Summit but need a ticket to the game? I still have a handful of tickets available but you better get them ASAP.
Plus, registration includes a Summit 24 t-shirt!
Why attend?
If you are thinking this topic is far too specific to be worthwhile or it will be over your head - don’t.
Just as a scroll through a No Bull update is an insightful educational journey that always comes with a few twists and turns (and plenty of sarcasm), Summit 24 is about taking a complex topic and breaking it into digestible nuggets in a format that won’t lull you to sleep.
Candid and real conversations with the industry’s biggest movers and shakers.
Why would I want to tackle this topic?
Because I need to learn more about what is set to be the biggest driver of change in agriculture since the original biofuel boom more than 15 years ago - and YOU DO TOO!
Plus - policy, policy, policy! I hate it - you hate it - but it is a market mover and has never been a bigger factor in where we go from here.
Change is the only constant - and it is here.
Richard Dawkins said it best:
Lastly, special thanks to the generous sponsors below. This event would not be possible without their support.
Thanks again and I will see you next week!
