2026 Southern New England Energy Conference Schedule
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Monday, Sep 14, 2026
9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast and MEMA board meeting 10:00 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Breakout Sessions 11:30 am - 12:30 pm General Session for all Attendees 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon with Keynote 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Reception Then dinner on own in Newport Tuesday, Sep 15, 2026 9:00 am - 10:00 am Breakfast 10:00 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Breakout Sessions 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Concurrent Breakout Sessions 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Luncheon Schedule and presenters subject to change |
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2026 Education Sessions
The Southern New England Energy Conference is first and foremost an education conference, not a tradeshow or expo (though we do have vendors and sponsors who support our conference). The hallmark of our conference is our education offering consisting of 20 management breakout sessions, a general session, and three keynotes. Featured are tracks from NEFI and NORA. An outline of the program is shown below
2026 Session Schedule Details
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
9:00 am - 10:00 am
MEMA Board Meeting
ENTERPRISE ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
NEFI TRACK: Energy Choice Update. The National Landscape
- Renée Lani, General Counsel, APGA; Mark Valentini, VP of Legislative Affairs, PHCC National Association; Bob Wolfer, Bradford White; Jim Collura and Liam Dotson, NEFI
A panel of experts from Washington, DC will discuss coalition efforts to protect energy choice and ongoing legislative and legal battles at the federal and state levels regarding fuel bans, electrification mandates and subsidies, and building energy codes, and what to expect moving forward.
WEATHERLY ROOM
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
9:00 am - 10:00 am
MEMA Board Meeting
ENTERPRISE ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
NEFI TRACK: Energy Choice Update. The National Landscape
- Renée Lani, General Counsel, APGA; Mark Valentini, VP of Legislative Affairs, PHCC National Association; Bob Wolfer, Bradford White; Jim Collura and Liam Dotson, NEFI
A panel of experts from Washington, DC will discuss coalition efforts to protect energy choice and ongoing legislative and legal battles at the federal and state levels regarding fuel bans, electrification mandates and subsidies, and building energy codes, and what to expect moving forward.
WEATHERLY ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
NORA TRACK: Outdoor Tanks in Cold Weather. Effective Practices for Reliability
- Bob O'Brien, NORA
This presentation addresses the critical challenges of storing and maintaining liquid heating fuel in cold winter conditions, with special emphasis on the outdoor aboveground storage tanks that represent roughly 10% of the U.S. home heating oil market. Learn how to prevent fuel gelling, filter plugging, microbial growth, and related failures that commonly occur when the temperatures hopefully drop this season.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
NORA TRACK: Outdoor Tanks in Cold Weather. Effective Practices for Reliability
- Bob O'Brien, NORA
This presentation addresses the critical challenges of storing and maintaining liquid heating fuel in cold winter conditions, with special emphasis on the outdoor aboveground storage tanks that represent roughly 10% of the U.S. home heating oil market. Learn how to prevent fuel gelling, filter plugging, microbial growth, and related failures that commonly occur when the temperatures hopefully drop this season.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Don't Make These Marketing Mistakes
- Rich Carrione, Ashley Campbell, and Susan Janett, Warm Thoughts Communications
This session helps owners and leaders identify the hidden gaps in sales, marketing, operations, and customer service that quietly limit growth. Your brand is speaking long before a technician arrives—and every call, campaign, and automated interaction shapes how customers perceive your company. Attendees will learn why misalignment between your marketing, CSR and AI voice agent teams leads to confusion, lost opportunities, and wasted marketing spend. From missed revenue opportunities to weak messaging and outdated processes, attendees will learn how to spot and close the gaps that are holding their business back and that “leave money on the table.” We’ll also discuss practical ways to ensure AI tools support—not replace—the human voice, while reinforcing brand values, tone, and messaging. The session also highlights how empowered CSRs act as brand ambassadors, turning scripted interactions into authentic conversations.
FREEDOM ROOM
Don't Make These Marketing Mistakes
- Rich Carrione, Ashley Campbell, and Susan Janett, Warm Thoughts Communications
This session helps owners and leaders identify the hidden gaps in sales, marketing, operations, and customer service that quietly limit growth. Your brand is speaking long before a technician arrives—and every call, campaign, and automated interaction shapes how customers perceive your company. Attendees will learn why misalignment between your marketing, CSR and AI voice agent teams leads to confusion, lost opportunities, and wasted marketing spend. From missed revenue opportunities to weak messaging and outdated processes, attendees will learn how to spot and close the gaps that are holding their business back and that “leave money on the table.” We’ll also discuss practical ways to ensure AI tools support—not replace—the human voice, while reinforcing brand values, tone, and messaging. The session also highlights how empowered CSRs act as brand ambassadors, turning scripted interactions into authentic conversations.
FREEDOM ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
How to Work with Third-Party Consultants
- Fred Lord and Pam Giordano, Cetane Associates
Retail heating companies often bring in outside consultants and advisors, including tax and financial advisors, environmental engineers, M&A brokers, and regulatory specialists, for work outside day-to-day expertise. This session focuses on what makes a consultant relationship productive rather than wasted: clear scoping, realistic timelines, and defined ownership of deliverables. Attendees will learn to set expectations upfront, manage the relationship through the engagement, and evaluate whether the work actually solved the problem. Real examples from heating oil companies' transactions illustrate what works and what doesn't.
COLUMBIA ROOM
How to Work with Third-Party Consultants
- Fred Lord and Pam Giordano, Cetane Associates
Retail heating companies often bring in outside consultants and advisors, including tax and financial advisors, environmental engineers, M&A brokers, and regulatory specialists, for work outside day-to-day expertise. This session focuses on what makes a consultant relationship productive rather than wasted: clear scoping, realistic timelines, and defined ownership of deliverables. Attendees will learn to set expectations upfront, manage the relationship through the engagement, and evaluate whether the work actually solved the problem. Real examples from heating oil companies' transactions illustrate what works and what doesn't.
COLUMBIA ROOM
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
GENERAL SESSION: 100% Liquid Renewable Heating Fuels - Ready for Prime Time
- Michael Devine NORA President; Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA; Charlie Uglietto, Cubby Oil; Ted Noonan, Noonan Energy; Bobby Brown, Broco Energy; Jason Lawrence, Chevron
The National Oilheat Research Alliance has just completed a 2-year field study in the commonwealths of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. 121 sites in this field study used 100% renewable fuels utilizing renewable diesel and biodiesel blends through these back to back heating seasons. We would like to invite the SNEEC attendees to hear from the distributor participants who facilitated delivery of these fuels to the sites of the study, as well as Chevron who supplied the renewable fuels blends and Dr. Thomas Butcher, Technical Director of NORA who oversaw the field study and co-authored the research report. This panel discussion will be the first discussion following the publishing of the results of this unique and groundbreaking research report.
SALON III-IV
GENERAL SESSION: 100% Liquid Renewable Heating Fuels - Ready for Prime Time
- Michael Devine NORA President; Dr. Thomas Butcher, NORA; Charlie Uglietto, Cubby Oil; Ted Noonan, Noonan Energy; Bobby Brown, Broco Energy; Jason Lawrence, Chevron
The National Oilheat Research Alliance has just completed a 2-year field study in the commonwealths of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. 121 sites in this field study used 100% renewable fuels utilizing renewable diesel and biodiesel blends through these back to back heating seasons. We would like to invite the SNEEC attendees to hear from the distributor participants who facilitated delivery of these fuels to the sites of the study, as well as Chevron who supplied the renewable fuels blends and Dr. Thomas Butcher, Technical Director of NORA who oversaw the field study and co-authored the research report. This panel discussion will be the first discussion following the publishing of the results of this unique and groundbreaking research report.
SALON III-IV
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
LUNCHEON
SALON III-IV
1:00 pm - 1:05 pm
CEMA Annual Meeting
SALON III-IV
1:05 pm - 1:50 pm
KEYNOTE: Jones Act Waivers, Energy Security, and the Case for Reform
- Colin Grabow, Cato Institute
Colin Grabow is the nation’s leading Jones Act expert. Given a volatile geopolitical landscape and continued pressure on global fuel supplies, Colin will walk the room through what the Jones Act is, the market data collected while the waiver has been in place, address misinformation being spread by Jones Act supporters, and comment on what it means for regional energy security and reliability and the need for permanent reform.
SALON III-IV
1:50 pm - 2:30 pm
KEYNOTE: Navigating the Next Era of Energy: Building Stronger Partnerships in a Changing Market
- Karl Schmidt, Sprague Operating Resources
The energy industry is evolving rapidly as market volatility, shifting regulations, geopolitical events, and changing customer demands reshape the landscape. In this keynote, Karl Schmidt, Co-President of Sprague Operating Resources, will share insights on the trends driving the industry, the critical role independent fuel dealers continue to play, and how strong supplier partnerships can help businesses manage risk, adapt to change, and identify new opportunities for growth. Drawing on his experience in global energy markets, Karl will offer practical perspectives on navigating today's challenges while preparing for the future.
SALON III-IV
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
When Basis Wakes Up. Managing the Last Mile of Price Risk
- Danny Silverman, Angus Energy
Over the past several months, basis in parts of the Northeast has moved fast enough to have an effect on dealers, even the ones that hedged NYMEX exposure correctly. This session will explain what actually happened, why it happens, and what dealers can do about it without chasing noise. The focus is practical risk management: how price programs (cap, fixed, budget) stay credible for customers and still protect dealer profitability when local differentials blow out. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating basis exposure, stress-testing program margins, and understanding the menu of solutions available.
WEATHERLY ROOM
When Basis Wakes Up. Managing the Last Mile of Price Risk
- Danny Silverman, Angus Energy
Over the past several months, basis in parts of the Northeast has moved fast enough to have an effect on dealers, even the ones that hedged NYMEX exposure correctly. This session will explain what actually happened, why it happens, and what dealers can do about it without chasing noise. The focus is practical risk management: how price programs (cap, fixed, budget) stay credible for customers and still protect dealer profitability when local differentials blow out. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for evaluating basis exposure, stress-testing program margins, and understanding the menu of solutions available.
WEATHERLY ROOM
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
NORA TRACK: 100% Renewable Liquid Heating Fuels. A Technical Success
- Michael Devine, NORA President; and Dr. Tom Butcher, NORA
A seminal collaboration of the liquid heating industry came together to initiate a two-year intensive field study which included 121 participants, all of which heated their homes, businesses and universities with 100% renewable liquid fuels, comprised of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends. The field study concluded in April of 2026 and the results and conclusions are now official. Please come and hear the results of the NORA RD-BD field study from the NORA technical team that oversaw, conducted the testing and wrote the technical report that is groundbreaking for the liquid fuels industry. The SNEEC will be the first time that these results are shared with the liquid heating industry!
FREEDOM ROOM
NORA TRACK: 100% Renewable Liquid Heating Fuels. A Technical Success
- Michael Devine, NORA President; and Dr. Tom Butcher, NORA
A seminal collaboration of the liquid heating industry came together to initiate a two-year intensive field study which included 121 participants, all of which heated their homes, businesses and universities with 100% renewable liquid fuels, comprised of renewable diesel and biodiesel blends. The field study concluded in April of 2026 and the results and conclusions are now official. Please come and hear the results of the NORA RD-BD field study from the NORA technical team that oversaw, conducted the testing and wrote the technical report that is groundbreaking for the liquid fuels industry. The SNEEC will be the first time that these results are shared with the liquid heating industry!
FREEDOM ROOM
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
NEFI TRACK: EVs, Truck Emissions, Drivers, and Other Regulations Affecting Your Operations
– Rick Schweitzer, NEFI Regulatory Counsel
NEFI's expert Regulatory Counsel will provide updates on proposed NOx engine standards and derate concerns, the rescission of the 2009 GHG endangerment finding and withdrawal of the Phase 1 through 3 truck GHG rules, PHMSA's study on dangers of electric vehicles carrying hazmat, and FMCSA issues such as the non-domicile CDL rule, driver-training and ELD provider self-certification, and English-only CDL testing, and the status of efforts to reform the Jones Act.
COLUMBIA ROOM
NEFI TRACK: EVs, Truck Emissions, Drivers, and Other Regulations Affecting Your Operations
– Rick Schweitzer, NEFI Regulatory Counsel
NEFI's expert Regulatory Counsel will provide updates on proposed NOx engine standards and derate concerns, the rescission of the 2009 GHG endangerment finding and withdrawal of the Phase 1 through 3 truck GHG rules, PHMSA's study on dangers of electric vehicles carrying hazmat, and FMCSA issues such as the non-domicile CDL rule, driver-training and ELD provider self-certification, and English-only CDL testing, and the status of efforts to reform the Jones Act.
COLUMBIA ROOM
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
Stop Reacting, Start Anticipating: Building a More Profitable Service Organization Before Problems Occur
– Leo Verruso, Barry Aruda, Advanced Fuel Solutions
Energy marketers face no shortage of challenges, technician shortages, rising labor costs, evolving fuel chemistry, changing customer expectations, and increasing pressure to improve profitability. This session will demonstrate how successful energy companies can identify predictable trends, anticipate operational challenges before they occur, and build systems that reduce emergency service calls while creating more capacity for profitable work.
Participants will learn how leading organizations are shifting from a reactive mindset to an anticipatory business model by recognizing Hard Trends that cannot be stopped and developing proactive strategies to improve service productivity, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Using real-world examples from the heating fuel industry, attendees will see how anticipating fuel quality issues, technician utilization, maintenance practices, and customer needs can dramatically reduce unnecessary service calls and free technicians to perform higher-value revenue-generating work.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
Stop Reacting, Start Anticipating: Building a More Profitable Service Organization Before Problems Occur
– Leo Verruso, Barry Aruda, Advanced Fuel Solutions
Energy marketers face no shortage of challenges, technician shortages, rising labor costs, evolving fuel chemistry, changing customer expectations, and increasing pressure to improve profitability. This session will demonstrate how successful energy companies can identify predictable trends, anticipate operational challenges before they occur, and build systems that reduce emergency service calls while creating more capacity for profitable work.
Participants will learn how leading organizations are shifting from a reactive mindset to an anticipatory business model by recognizing Hard Trends that cannot be stopped and developing proactive strategies to improve service productivity, customer satisfaction, and financial performance. Using real-world examples from the heating fuel industry, attendees will see how anticipating fuel quality issues, technician utilization, maintenance practices, and customer needs can dramatically reduce unnecessary service calls and free technicians to perform higher-value revenue-generating work.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The New Normal Isn't Normal. Energy Outlook and Price Risk Strategies
- Elaine Levin, Powerhouse
The energy outlook continues to be defined by a new unpredictability. As we navigate the supply aftermath of major global disruptions, we're also seeing real structural change. Your local price is being impacted by evolving trade routes, changes within OPEC itself, and a realignment of who's buying and selling on the global stage.
Join Elaine Levin, President and CEO of Powerhouse, as she breaks down what these forces mean for heating oil, propane, biofuel, and gasoline marketers alike. With winter top of mind for much of the room, Elaine will dig into the supply and pricing outlook for the season ahead, along with practical risk-management strategies to protect your margins, whatever fuel you're moving.
WEATHERLY ROOM
The New Normal Isn't Normal. Energy Outlook and Price Risk Strategies
- Elaine Levin, Powerhouse
The energy outlook continues to be defined by a new unpredictability. As we navigate the supply aftermath of major global disruptions, we're also seeing real structural change. Your local price is being impacted by evolving trade routes, changes within OPEC itself, and a realignment of who's buying and selling on the global stage.
Join Elaine Levin, President and CEO of Powerhouse, as she breaks down what these forces mean for heating oil, propane, biofuel, and gasoline marketers alike. With winter top of mind for much of the room, Elaine will dig into the supply and pricing outlook for the season ahead, along with practical risk-management strategies to protect your margins, whatever fuel you're moving.
WEATHERLY ROOM
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NORA TRACK: Building the Future Workforce: Strategies for Effective Training
- Don Farrell and Robert O'Brien, NORA plus Panel
Finding and keeping skilled technicians is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today. As veteran employees retire, and equipment, controls, and fuels continue to evolve, investing in workforce development is no longer optional—it is essential to business continuity and growth. Companies that invest in training and career development are better positioned to attract new talent, retain skilled employees, adapt to changing technologies, and remain competitive in today’s evolving heating market.
This panel discussion will explore successful strategies deployed by hiring companies, tech schools and industry groups to keep the pathway to new technicians wide open.
FREEDOM ROOM
NORA TRACK: Building the Future Workforce: Strategies for Effective Training
- Don Farrell and Robert O'Brien, NORA plus Panel
Finding and keeping skilled technicians is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today. As veteran employees retire, and equipment, controls, and fuels continue to evolve, investing in workforce development is no longer optional—it is essential to business continuity and growth. Companies that invest in training and career development are better positioned to attract new talent, retain skilled employees, adapt to changing technologies, and remain competitive in today’s evolving heating market.
This panel discussion will explore successful strategies deployed by hiring companies, tech schools and industry groups to keep the pathway to new technicians wide open.
FREEDOM ROOM
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
NEFI TRACK: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Home Comfort Businesses
- Kendal Maughan, Adminify
Discover how AI can work for you, not replace you. This seminar introduces practical AI tools that help heating fuel businesses save time on admin, streamline scheduling and dispatch, and free your team to focus on customers. Learn how AI can improve lead accuracy, strengthen customer retention, and support smarter decision-making for sustainable growth. No tech background needed — just an open mind about how these tools can lighten the load for you and your employees. Walk away with a clear, practical understanding of where to start.
COLUMBIA ROOM
NEFI TRACK: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide for Home Comfort Businesses
- Kendal Maughan, Adminify
Discover how AI can work for you, not replace you. This seminar introduces practical AI tools that help heating fuel businesses save time on admin, streamline scheduling and dispatch, and free your team to focus on customers. Learn how AI can improve lead accuracy, strengthen customer retention, and support smarter decision-making for sustainable growth. No tech background needed — just an open mind about how these tools can lighten the load for you and your employees. Walk away with a clear, practical understanding of where to start.
COLUMBIA ROOM
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator Program
– Andy Frank, CT DEEP Deputy Commissioner
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator is a multi-state effort to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps and heat pump water heaters across New England (CT, MA, RI, ME, and NH). The Accelerator coalition was awarded a $450 million grant from the U.S. EPA. The coalition is led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with the other states in the coalition. In this informative session, you will learn what the current status is of the Accelerator, what are its policy goals, what its timeline is, and what incentives are available to contractors and consumers.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator Program
– Andy Frank, CT DEEP Deputy Commissioner
The New England Heat Pump Accelerator is a multi-state effort to accelerate the adoption of heat pumps and heat pump water heaters across New England (CT, MA, RI, ME, and NH). The Accelerator coalition was awarded a $450 million grant from the U.S. EPA. The coalition is led by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with the other states in the coalition. In this informative session, you will learn what the current status is of the Accelerator, what are its policy goals, what its timeline is, and what incentives are available to contractors and consumers.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Rise and Fall of Clean Heat Standards
- Michael Ferrante, MEMA; Rocco Lacertosa, NYSEC; Matt Cota, VFDA; Leslie Anderson, PGANE
In their efforts to electrify their economies, at the expense of fuel oil and propane, a number of states in the Northeast developed so-called “Clean Heat Standards” that, to varying degrees, would affect the sale of our products, while increasing regulatory burdens on retail and wholesale marketers. In this session you’ll learn what these programs were in Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, how they developed, and their current status. Even though these programs may now have been suspended or delayed, they are still highly relevant, and serve as models that other states in the region are closely watching to implement their own versions. Association executives who’ve been on the front lines confronting these Clean Heat Standards will give you their insights and projections of what happened to these programs and where they’re going.
WEATHERLY ROOM
The Rise and Fall of Clean Heat Standards
- Michael Ferrante, MEMA; Rocco Lacertosa, NYSEC; Matt Cota, VFDA; Leslie Anderson, PGANE
In their efforts to electrify their economies, at the expense of fuel oil and propane, a number of states in the Northeast developed so-called “Clean Heat Standards” that, to varying degrees, would affect the sale of our products, while increasing regulatory burdens on retail and wholesale marketers. In this session you’ll learn what these programs were in Massachusetts, Vermont and New York, how they developed, and their current status. Even though these programs may now have been suspended or delayed, they are still highly relevant, and serve as models that other states in the region are closely watching to implement their own versions. Association executives who’ve been on the front lines confronting these Clean Heat Standards will give you their insights and projections of what happened to these programs and where they’re going.
WEATHERLY ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
NEFI TRACK: Washington and Your Workforce: Apprenticeships, Workforce Pell, and Funding Streams
– Ben Brubeck , Government Affairs Solutions
The skilled workforce shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy and HVAC industries. This session will examine the rapidly changing federal workforce development landscape—including apprenticeship policy, Workforce Pell and emerging public and private-sector funding opportunities—and how the outcomes of the 2026 elections could shape workforce development and apprenticeship policy in the next Congress.
FREEDOM ROOM
NEFI TRACK: Washington and Your Workforce: Apprenticeships, Workforce Pell, and Funding Streams
– Ben Brubeck , Government Affairs Solutions
The skilled workforce shortage is one of the biggest challenges facing the energy and HVAC industries. This session will examine the rapidly changing federal workforce development landscape—including apprenticeship policy, Workforce Pell and emerging public and private-sector funding opportunities—and how the outcomes of the 2026 elections could shape workforce development and apprenticeship policy in the next Congress.
FREEDOM ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
NORA Track: The Future of Energy Codes and the Transition to Liquid Renewable Fuels
- Robert O'Brien, NORA
Liquid Fuels & Building Codes- Building codes have been in the forefront of the decarbonization effort and the 2027 code cycle has been particularly busy. Educating code committees on the rapid, economical decarbonization through the use of renewable liquid fuels is vital in ensuring the industry has a seat at the table in the future. This presentation will provide an overview of where we are and where we are going with building codes.
COLUMBIA ROOM
NORA Track: The Future of Energy Codes and the Transition to Liquid Renewable Fuels
- Robert O'Brien, NORA
Liquid Fuels & Building Codes- Building codes have been in the forefront of the decarbonization effort and the 2027 code cycle has been particularly busy. Educating code committees on the rapid, economical decarbonization through the use of renewable liquid fuels is vital in ensuring the industry has a seat at the table in the future. This presentation will provide an overview of where we are and where we are going with building codes.
COLUMBIA ROOM
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Managing Your Cyber Risk
- Bob Butkus, Federated Insurance
Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic exposures in business today. Hardly a day
goes by that we don’t hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to
hackers. We will discuss several layers of risk management that will help reduce a business’s exposure
as well as coverage options available to transfer the risk to an insurance carrier.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
Managing Your Cyber Risk
- Bob Butkus, Federated Insurance
Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic exposures in business today. Hardly a day
goes by that we don’t hear about a security breach or incident involving the loss of sensitive data to
hackers. We will discuss several layers of risk management that will help reduce a business’s exposure
as well as coverage options available to transfer the risk to an insurance carrier.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
NEFI TRACK: State of the Biofuels Market: Will the Product Be There, and What Comes Next?
– Moderator Anne Steckel, NEFI Policy Advisor, plus panel
With federal policy now supporting biofuel production, increased blending requirements in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, and other Northeast states looking at clean fuel standards, what does this mean for biofuel markets, and what is the one-to-two-year outlook for biofuels policies and supplies?
FREEDOM ROOM
NEFI TRACK: State of the Biofuels Market: Will the Product Be There, and What Comes Next?
– Moderator Anne Steckel, NEFI Policy Advisor, plus panel
With federal policy now supporting biofuel production, increased blending requirements in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York, and other Northeast states looking at clean fuel standards, what does this mean for biofuel markets, and what is the one-to-two-year outlook for biofuels policies and supplies?
FREEDOM ROOM
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Branding Technology and Customer Experience
– Andrew Maderia, Navara Marketing; Saul Cohen, Cargas
Most propane and heating oil dealers are sitting on customer data they barely use. In this session, Andrew Maderia (Navara Marketing) and Saul Cohen (Cargas) show how to turn what's already in your back-office software into marketing that drives real revenue. See how deBoer Propane used it to generate 100+ website form submissions in under a year, and walk out with three actionable steps you can implement today.
WEATHERLY ROOM
Branding Technology and Customer Experience
– Andrew Maderia, Navara Marketing; Saul Cohen, Cargas
Most propane and heating oil dealers are sitting on customer data they barely use. In this session, Andrew Maderia (Navara Marketing) and Saul Cohen (Cargas) show how to turn what's already in your back-office software into marketing that drives real revenue. See how deBoer Propane used it to generate 100+ website form submissions in under a year, and walk out with three actionable steps you can implement today.
WEATHERLY ROOM
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
What Energy Marketers Can "Steal" from Top Consumer Brands
– Michael Dobson and Gerry Brien, Consumer Focus
In today’s competitive energy marketplace, standing out requires more than reliable service and competitive pricing — it requires meaningful customer connections. This session explores what energy marketers can learn from top consumer brands that excel at storytelling, personalization, and experience-driven engagement. Attendees will see how leading brands build trust, create emotional resonance, and turn customers into loyal advocates. We’ll break down practical strategies energy companies can apply across digital, social, and in-person touchpoints. Through real-world examples and actionable takeaways, this presentation will help energy marketers modernize their approach and strengthen customer relationships. Join Michael Dobson, Marketing & SEO Manager from Consumer Focus Marketing, for this 1-hour presentation packed with ideas you can apply immediately.
COLUMBIA ROOM
What Energy Marketers Can "Steal" from Top Consumer Brands
– Michael Dobson and Gerry Brien, Consumer Focus
In today’s competitive energy marketplace, standing out requires more than reliable service and competitive pricing — it requires meaningful customer connections. This session explores what energy marketers can learn from top consumer brands that excel at storytelling, personalization, and experience-driven engagement. Attendees will see how leading brands build trust, create emotional resonance, and turn customers into loyal advocates. We’ll break down practical strategies energy companies can apply across digital, social, and in-person touchpoints. Through real-world examples and actionable takeaways, this presentation will help energy marketers modernize their approach and strengthen customer relationships. Join Michael Dobson, Marketing & SEO Manager from Consumer Focus Marketing, for this 1-hour presentation packed with ideas you can apply immediately.
COLUMBIA ROOM
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Who's Interested in Financing Your Business
– Jeff Simpson, Notch Capital; Paul Black, Senior Managing Director, Webster Bank; Dan Quesnel, Senior Business Banking Officer, LIberty Bank
This panel session brings together traditional bank lenders and private capital providers to demystify today's financing environment for fuel distributors, covering the metrics and criteria that determine whether a deal gets funded and how to position your ask for the best outcome. Panelists will address how elevated interest rates and persistently high fuel commodity costs are reshaping lender risk appetite and underwriting decisions, with a practical focus on preparing your business and your balance sheet for the financing pressures of peak winter season. Moderated by Jeff Simpson of Notch Capital, a private investment and financial advisory firm with special focus on the fuels and HVAC industry, the discussion will offer distributors actionable insight into building lender relationships and securing capital in a tightening market.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
Who's Interested in Financing Your Business
– Jeff Simpson, Notch Capital; Paul Black, Senior Managing Director, Webster Bank; Dan Quesnel, Senior Business Banking Officer, LIberty Bank
This panel session brings together traditional bank lenders and private capital providers to demystify today's financing environment for fuel distributors, covering the metrics and criteria that determine whether a deal gets funded and how to position your ask for the best outcome. Panelists will address how elevated interest rates and persistently high fuel commodity costs are reshaping lender risk appetite and underwriting decisions, with a practical focus on preparing your business and your balance sheet for the financing pressures of peak winter season. Moderated by Jeff Simpson of Notch Capital, a private investment and financial advisory firm with special focus on the fuels and HVAC industry, the discussion will offer distributors actionable insight into building lender relationships and securing capital in a tightening market.
ENTERPRISE ROOM
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Luncheon
KEYNOTES: Policy Updates from EMA, NEFI, PGANE
Glenn Hasken, EMA; Jim Collura, NEFI; Leslie Anderson, PGANE
+ Raffle
SALON III/IV
Luncheon
KEYNOTES: Policy Updates from EMA, NEFI, PGANE
Glenn Hasken, EMA; Jim Collura, NEFI; Leslie Anderson, PGANE
+ Raffle
SALON III/IV