Export Exchange 2024 – Day 3

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 3 was filled with more networking, presentations, panel discussions, and final group photos. Keynote speakers included Joe Ward from the Dried Distillers Council, Carlos Suarez from the U.S. Grains Council and Vijay Singh from University of Illinois. Plus Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the US Grains Council, brought the conference to an end with his closing remarks.

Export Exchange 2024 – Reception

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

At the end of Day 2, a fantastic western-themed reception was held at the famous Billy Bob’s Texas near the Stock Yard. We had everything from photo ops on a Texas Longhorn Bull and a trick rope performance, to a live bull riding show and line-dancing classes. It was fun to see everyone relax and unwind after a long day of presentations!

Export Exchange 2024 – Day 2

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 2 was all about education and networking. The day began with comments from Ryan LeGrand, President and CEO of the US Grains Council, as well as a warm welcome by Dan Hunter from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Dan was followed by keynote presentations by Chris Bliley of Growth Energy, Norma Ritz Johnson of the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, Scott Richmanof the Renewable Fuels Association, and Alejandra Castillo of NAEGA, among others.  Plus there were several networking breaks in between so attendees could visit booths and make connections.

Export Exchange 2024 – Day 1

It was an absolute pleasure to be invited back as the official photographer for Export Exchange 2024 last week. The event was held at the Omni Fort Worth in Texas, with over 500 attendies from over 35 countries.

Export Exchange is an international conference that allows overseas attendees the opportunity to build relationships with U.S. suppliers of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), corn, sorghum, barley and other commodities, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in grain sales. Export Exchange is a biennial event, sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy, to offer an opportunity for education of and introductions to members of the U.S. grains production and export industries.

Day 1 started off with everyone registering for the meeting, mingling, and networking while vendors set up their tradeshow booths.  I also photographed all the team group shots from the various countries.  Then everyone met up for a fun Welcome Reception.

Ethanol Summit of the Americas in Houston

Photographing the inaugural Ethanol Summit of the Americas at The Westin Oaks in Houston, TX, was a real honor for me. I owe a HUGE Thank You to the US Grains Council for this assignment!

Industry and government officials from more than 15 countries in the Western Hemisphere met a few weeks ago at the Ethanol Summit of the Americas to discuss current and future opportunities for ethanol in the region.

The event was sponsored by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) and the Iowa Corn Promotion Board. These organizations and others in the U.S. agriculture and renewable fuels industries work together to promote the global use of ethanol and U.S. ethanol exports.

This Summit brought together recognized scientists and ethanol experts to engage with policymakers and provide information on the economic and environmental benefits of ethanol-blended fuel. The Summit also served as a launching point for expanded regional engagement markets in the Caribbean, Central America and South America.

“Increasing cooperation between ethanol industries supports economic growth for all countries involved,” said Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer. “Collaborative efforts like the meetings this week enable a greater understanding of the policy climate surrounding ethanol and help pave the way for expanded ethanol use throughout the region.”

The Summit highlighted the use of ethanol in transportation fuels to help meet a number of economic and environmental challenges, including improving air quality, extending the current fuel supply and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The U.S. ethanol industry’s efforts, including conferences like the Ethanol Summit of the Americas, are helping successfully establish the United States as a reliable and affordable source of fuel.

Here are a few of my favorite images from this fantastic 2-day conference!!!