Workshop Sessions
AFCC Conference Workshop Sessions
​
Workshop Session Details​
​
The Workshops will be on Sunday, November 16 and Tuesday, November 18
​
The AFCC Workshop sessions will offer a hands-on approach to learning in addition to skills-building. These sessions will offer a moderated, in-depth discussion among a group of experts offering diverse viewpoints around a particular topic.
The Workshop sessions are for those who seek to grow their industrial biotechnology knowledge, investment opportunities, government funding and for those seeking capital and sustainable solutions to real-world problems. These workshops will be packed with high energy and a must-attend event.
The AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference & Exhibit organizes these workshops in order to connect you, the attendee, to industry leaders’ suppliers, investors, government agencies, engineering and construction organizations, technology insurance solutions, and peers. AFCC workshops are sponsored events from both public and private organizations.
​
Workshop sessions will be focused on the following five subject areas:
​
​
1. The 2025 National Energy Dominance Workshop for Advancing Bioindustrial Manufacturing
Sunday, November 16 - 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Sponsored by:
%2010_21_25.png)
Moderator: Valerie Reed, Director of Bioenergy, DOE EERE, BETO
Panelists:
Todd Anderson
Director of Biological Systems Science Division
DOE
The workshop is set up to build relationships and business partnerships between the public and private sectors to advance the production and availability of critical materials and biofuels, and provide investment solutions to create jobs, grow local economies, and advance national energy dominance.
​
2. Federal Tax Policy, Perspectives for Investors – What’s Next?
Sunday, November 16 - 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Sponsored by:
Moderator: Timothy J. Urban, Senior Principal, Bracewell
Panelists:
Former Deputy Assistant Secretary, Legislative Affairs, Tax & Budget, Department of Treasury
You are welcome to attend an informative session on Federal tax incentives for clean fuels, hydrogen production, carbon capture and sequestration, and more. Panelists will discuss the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) including the many tax implementation issues that have arisen. They will also reflect upon whether there will be another Reconciliation Bill, or a Bipartisan tax extenders bill, this year or next. They will also look into their crystal balls to determine what should investors expect going forward – shall we expect more of OBBBA cutbacks, or shall we expect rollbacks for some of the early credit terminations?
​
3. Cutting Edge Debt, Equity and Contract Structures for Successful Bioeconomy Project Financings
Tuesday, November 18 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Sponsored by:
Moderator: Mark J. Riedy, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
Panelists:
This panel will be an expert moderated Q&A discussion of the most unique, challenging and cutting-edge funding and contractual structures currently available for bioeconomy projects and/or technology companies from the perspective of investment banks, institutional investors, developers, vendors and other major players in bioeconomy industries.
​
4. Biofuels Role in the Maritime Sector
Tuesday, November 18 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Sponsored by:
Moderator: Josh Messner, PMP, Technology Manager, DOE, BETO
Panelists:
TBD, Cummins or CAT
The tides of the global maritime industry are shifting. Propelled by urgent demands for efficiency and deep cuts in life-cycle emissions, the sector is entering a new era of energy innovation. At the helm of this transformation lies the search for cleaner, scalable fuels — and biofuels are emerging as a key part of the solution. This panel will chart the possibilities: how a spectrum of biofuel technologies can power the industry’s ambitions today and redefine its horizons tomorrow. Hear directly from leading voices shaping the future of maritime energy, and discover where the next wave of innovation will take us.
​
5. USDA Biofuel, Renewable Chemical and Biobased Product Programs Building the Bioeconomy
Tuesday, November 18 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Sponsored by:
Moderator: Victoria Collin, USDA Deputy Administrator, Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS)
Panelists:
Deb Yocum
Supervisor
USDA Rural Development
The USDA Program Managers will provide information regarding programs which are in Energy Title IX of the Farm Bill. These programs include the BioPreferred Program, Biorefinary Assistance Program/Loan Guarantee Program, Business & Industry Loan Guarantees, The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), and others. We will hear the process for applying for these programs and the incentives it provides for the development of biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biobased products. The importance of these programs will demonstrate the national energy dominance.