T
his year's NEFI Expo moved to the DCU Center in
Worcester, Mass. With any such change, the results
have to be experienced to gauge success and subjec-
tively the halls saw solid traffic and the educational
sessions matched or exceeded similar events in the
industry in attendance and quality. The cost to attendees and
exhibitors and general accessibility were certainly favorable com-
pared to past locations, such as Boston.
Overall, there were over 2,200 registrants for the event. The
trade show featured over 175 vendors, of which 40 were first-
time exhibitors. A wide range of educational opportunities saw
roughly 240 attended the general educational sessions and 250
the technician-focused sessions. Where networking is concerned,
the Wednesday night (June 10) reception at the Worcester Art
Museum was attended by almost 300 people.
"It was a tremendous success," said NEFI Chief Operating
Officer Martha Leshine. "This was my first time putting on a trade
show so I am pleased with the comments I have heard post show.
The layout and location of the DCU Center worked well for the
flow of the events on site and then for the city at night. I believe
people thoroughly enjoyed the Art Museum and networking in
a different environment. It was nice to see business still being
conducted while others were breaking down their booths on
Thursday."
On the education front, while sessions were offered in a range
of operational areas FON staff focused on the more fuels-related
topics.
For example, the session Declining Distillate Values and the
Impact on Bioheat Fuel highlighted that biodiesel has proven to be
directly cost competitive with petroleum diesel most of the time,
with no small degree of assistance from RINs. The session was pre-
sented by Gene Gebolys of World Energy. However, Gebolys did
note that when the margin situation is not in favor of producers
and suppliers relative to petroleum diesel in the market, produc-
tion will be curtailed. Blenders need "to have supply contracts in
place" as buying on the spot market will be uncertain.
36 AUGUST 2015 | FUEL OIL NEWS | www.fueloilnews.com
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Recap: NEFI Expo 2015
A successful change in venue produces a fine show
BY KEITH REID
