Global Ethanol Summit Reception in Washington D.C.

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The final closing reception at the National Building Museum was the crown highlight of the event!!! Since it was created in 1980 through an act of Congress, the National Building Museum has transformed the public’s understanding of the impact of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, construction, planning, and design. Through exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, they welcome visitors of all ages to experience stories about the built world and its power to shape our lives, our communities, and our future. For this special high-class evening, everyone arrived dressed to the nines. The great hall was decked out to match, with beautiful uplighting and delightful decorations. The evening included amazing acrobatic performances, a rousing speach from USGBC president Ryan LeGrand, and a scrumptous meal!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 3

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 2

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C. – Day 1

This past week, I had the opportunity to capture the vibrant energy and key moments of the Global Ethanol Summit in Washington D.C.

The conference was hosted by the US Grains & BioProducts Council at the Capital Hilton from October 19-22. As a destination event photographer, it was inspiring to document such a pivotal gathering of industry leaders, experts, and innovators in the renewable energy sector. From engaging keynote speeches to insightful panel discussions, every shot aimed to tell the story of this important trade program!

The GES brought together stakeholders from around the globe to discuss advancements, policies, and collaborations in ethanol production and use. Attendees from over 40 countries, including policymakers, researchers, and business leaders, shared strategies for expanding renewable fuel markets and reducing environmental impact. The dynamic atmosphere was marked by purposeful conversations and forward-thinking ideas, all captured through my lens to highlight the significance of this industry-driving event.

Photographing the Global Ethanol Summit was a rewarding experience, offering a chance to document the future of sustainable energy and industry collaboration. Many thanks to my friends and colleagues at the US Grains & BioProducts Council for trusting me to capture the story of this engaging event!

Peaceful Washington D.C.

With an upcoming assignment in D.C., I took an early morning flight to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

Arriving at the Capital Hotel, where the conference would take place, it was way too early to check in. So I left my luggage with the bell hop, grabbed my trusty Nikon Zf, and headed out for a peaceful stroll around our nation’s capital. Following the light, I meandered over to Farragut Square, down to Lafayette Square (pausing briefly in front of the White House where a few other tourists were quietly snapping selfies), up to McPherson Square, and back to the hotel.

It was a pleasant morning. And the light was beautiful. All images shot with Nikon Zf and Nikkor Z 24-120 f4…which is my favorite “walk-around” setup.

USGC International Marketing Conference in Austin – Day 3

It was such a pleasure to be back again this year, photographing the US Grains Council’s annual International Marketing Conference! This year’s event took place in Austin, TX.

Day 3 was was brimming with excitement and energy. President and CEO, Ryan LeGrand, had a big announcement about the future of the USGC. Major awards were handed out in recognition of service to the council. A-Team and Sector leaders presented their recommendations to the board. Other speakers and panels rounded out the day. The meeting concluded with high hopes for a bright future ahead!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.

USGC International Marketing Conference in Austin – Day 2

It was such a pleasure to be back again this year, photographing the US Grains Council’s annual International Marketing Conference!  This year’s event was held in Austin, TX.

Day 2 was a long 12-hour day of constantly shooting, editing, and uploading. I bounced around from Sector Meetings to Advisory Team Meetings, and from Headshots to networking shots.  Plus since all the international staff members were all here, we did a big group shot! Every few hours I would run to my workstation, download a batch of photos, cull, edit, and export a few selects to upload for the team to use in newsletters and social media posts. The day ended in grand fashion with an off-site event at the famous Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden on historic Rainey Street!

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.

USGC International Marketing Conference in Austin – Day 1

It was such a pleasure to be back again this year, photographing the US Grains Council’s annual International Marketing Conference!  This year’s event was held in Austin, TX.

After several “working” breakfast meetings, the conference kicked off with keynote presentations during the general session. The afternoon was filled with Advisory Team meetings. A warm Welcome Reception wrapped up the first day.

The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability.

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.