Back by popular demand, the fifth Process Optimization Seminar is heading to Houston on April 27-29, 2011. The event is designed for plant managers, operations managers, technical Managers, lab Managers and general managers who are ready to get more out of their ethanol plant. The three-day course is taught by leading industry technical leaders from Phibro Ethanol Performance Group, Fermentis, Novozymes, and Fremont Industries. This session, presenters will focus on topics ranging from overviews of new process technologies to help lower carbon output, to technical reviews of new products in development to strategies for better human resource management.

Tom Slunecka of Phibro says the seminars have been very popular with ethanol plant operators and managers. “There just can’t be enough education, there’s always things changing and new technologies available,” Slunecka said. “We keep the class sizes very small so about 60 people are invited each time.”

Slunecka says this seminar will be a little different than the previous four. “This seminar is going to give managers some really tactical advantages to advance small, incremental changes in their plant,” he said. “It’s going to give management at the plant some new ideas and new ways to help their team get the absolute maximum out of the plant’s fermentation.”

Listen to Tom talk about what this seminar has to offer here: Tom Slunecka Interview

Guest speakers at the Houston event include:

Randall Sigle – Renewable Fuels Ethanol Instructor, Northeast Community College, who will provide insight into people management.

Doug Durante – Executive Director, Clean Fuels Development Coalition, who will provide an overview of the issues the ethanol industry is facing in Washington, DC and discuss the opportunities that may be available through carbon credits.
Bill Roddy – Corporate Environmental Manager, ICM who will share insights on carbon modeling and life cycle assessments for shipments of ethanol to California.
Dave Vander Griend, CEO, ICM who will discuss insights on next generation plants and other insights on an ever evolving industry.

In addition to the eduational sessions, participants can also engage in a Valero refinery tour, a tour of the SGS labs that includes a reception and dinner, and a chance to see the Houston Astros play the St. Louis Cardinals on April 28th.

Space is extremely limited. Register by April 15 to receive the early registration rate of $200 and includes all sessions, tours, meals and entertainment. Click here to register.