Source of microorganisms, conditions needed for microorganisms to grow and move through the fuel system, detections systems and remediation strategies.

ROOM: Matisse

Ed English is Vice President & Technical Director for FQS, LLC., Mr. English oversees all aspects directly related to the research, development, and deployment of chemicals for use in the various stages of production of crude oil and product quality through the various stages of distribution from the oil field to end user. Before joining Fuel Quality Services, Inc., Mr. English worked in the nuclear power industry. The focus of his work was the implementation of various corrosion control programs for primary radioactive systems, secondary non-radioactive systems, auxiliary component systems, emergency systems, and fuel storage systems. Mr. English has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida, with an additional two years post baccalaureate work from the University of Miami.

With the increasing mandated use of biofuels, its important to understand the different combustion characteristics you may encounter with different fuels. With updated burner designs and control technology we’ll take you through the best practices to help you optimize combustion at any blend level.

ROOM: Renoir 1 & 2

John Dunleavey bio coming soon!

Lance Marino bio coming soon!

Fuel tanks have been a topic for discussion lately and not always for good reasons. This presentation will deal with the critical need for tank inspections, what to look for and what to do about it. As well as the proper methods and codes for tank replacement and installations. Failure to plan is planning to fail.

ROOM: Van Gogh

Bob O’Brien is a 45-year veteran of the HVAC industry, Bob is the Education Director of NORA, serves on the NFPA31 committee and is chair of the BPI Standards Technical Committee. Bob is also National President of OESP.

In this session, we will explain what Safe House Training is and why it is so important. We will discuss how professionals in the heating oil industry are uniquely positioned to make a difference, given their regular access inside homes. To support this, we have created 10 comprehensive training videos that cover key aspects of recognizing and responding to situations that may need intervention. During the session, we’ll watch all ten videos together, and at the end, attendees will have the opportunity to take a quiz. Completing the quiz successfully will earn them a Safe House Training Certificate, validating their understanding and commitment to this critical cause.

ROOM: Matisse

Pam Giordano before joining Cetane Associates full-time in 2023, Pam most recently served as General Manager of Lake Region Energy in Maine. Prior to her time at Lake Region Energy, Pam was Director of Operations for M. L. Halle (Townsend Energy) where she served for 15 years. Pam’s industry involvement has supported various organizations and has been recognized at state and national levels. For many years Pam was involved with Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire (EMANH) and became its first female Chair in 2016. She also served as the secretary of NEFI (National Energy & Fuels Institute) for three years and as well as a member of its Executive Committee. Today she is Vice President of Women in Energy. Her honors include being named Member of the Year by EMANH in 2019, and in 2021, Pam was named a NEFI Legend.

Pam’s deep and long experience with various companies in management roles, along with her exceptional industry volunteer work creates strong relationships with Cetane clients. She’s a people person with a true hands-on background in operations and business valuations.

Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University.

Accurate troubleshooting is a key skill for technicians and probably the hardest to develop. This presentation will cover the basics of approaching diagnosis in a logical and methodical manner that will reduce callbacks, increase customer satisfaction and make life easier for everyone in the customer service world.

ROOM: Van Gogh

Bob O’Brien is a 45-year veteran of the HVAC industry, Bob is the Education Director of NORA, serves on the NFPA31 committee and is chair of the BPI Standards Technical Committee. Bob is also National President of OESP.

Join industry experts Ashley Campbell, Sales Manager at Warm Thoughts Communications, and Greg Burns from Watercress Financial for a lively panel discussion, “Attracting Customers and Keeping Them: Leverage Powerful Marketing, Communication and Financing Strategies to Grow Your Business.” Ashley, a seasoned digital marketing expert with extensive agency and media experience, will share practical tips for maximizing marketing ROI, strengthening your brand, and driving growth. Greg, with nearly 30 years of experience, will explain how offering monthly financing during the quoting process can boost sales and secure lasting customer loyalty.

Don't miss your chance to unlock breakthrough strategies that will elevate your business and give you a lasting competitive edge.

Presented by Ashley Campbell – Warm Thoughts Communications and Greg Burns – Watercress Financial

ROOM: Cezanne 1 & 2

Ashley Campbell is the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager at Warm Thoughts Communication. Ashley has been in digital marketing her entire career and is an expert in the consumer buying cycle. Her expertise has helped fuel marketers and home services business connect the dots and acquire more customers, sell more equipment and strengthen their brand.

Greg Burns has served the energy industry for almost 30 years. During that time, Greg has led several national and regional sales teams successfully growing their service and install businesses.

The winter of 2025 gave us valuable insights into operational efficiency, customer profitability, best practices in customer retention and the power of data. It is time to apply these lessons to prepare for an even more efficient and profitable winter in 2026. In this session, industry leaders will demonstrate how businesses can leverage customer data to improve delivery efficiency, service profitability, and cash flow.

You will learn:

• How to identify and act on problematic data patterns and geographic white space to increase profitability
• Ways to use reports and analytics of operational data to refine service offerings and reduce costs
• Methods for optimizing revenue and cash flow through data-driven decisions
• Best practices for using data to enhance customer retention and market share

The key to profitability is not just more customers. It is knowing how to optimize your existing customer base. This session will provide real-world strategies for dealers to make smarter business decisions, leading to better financial outcomes and operational efficiency.

ROOM: Monet 1,2 & 3

Coming Soon!

Owners of residential service companies who have successfully expanded their operations to include other significantly different services will participate in an informative discussion. They will provide practical advice on how to get started, including tips on overcoming common obstacles and identifying resources for those considering a similar expansion. This discussion is designed to help owners explore the potential of adding different services to their business and how to navigate the process with knowledge of the lessons these individuals have learned.

ROOM: Degas

Bob Williamson, Pest and Lawn Director of Cetane Associates, has handled over 40 acquisitions during his 30+ year career and has visited many diverse service companies across the country, sharing ideas that can help companies grow and prosper. The list of services Bob has managed includes Heating Oil, Propane, HVAC, Plumbing, Home Security, Swimming Pool, Lawn & Tree Care, and Pest Control.

Barrett Conway, Managing Director of Cetane Associates, engages in M&A advisory, business value estimates, and transaction analysis, leading the firm’s deal execution team. He has over nine years' experience in the professional financial advisory space and has worked on over 100 M&A transactions with Cetane Associates. As a member of the National Propane Gas Association, Barrett currently sits on the Audit Committee and was named to the propane industry’s inaugural class of 30 Under 30 in 2020. Barrett received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Texas A&M University with a concentration in Finance.

After a relatively calm 2024 in the oil markets, the potential for renewed volatility is looming large. Tariffs, tweets, and geopolitical tensions could quickly reignite unpredictability in petroleum prices. Elaine Levin, President of POWERHOUSE will explore the factors that could impact diesel and gasoline prices: a) The impact of potential trade wars and tariffs: How these policies could impact energy trade flows and global demand. b) Geopolitical flashpoints: From the Middle East to Ukraine to the next hotspot, how will global conflicts impact supply and market sentiment? c) The evolving energy landscape: We'll delve into the uncertainties surrounding the new administration's policies on renewables. d) Winter 2025-26 Outlook: Elaine will discuss the outlook for heating oil and propane prices. She will present actionable ideas to protect profit margins and build your business. Join us as we discuss the risks and opportunities presented by new uncertainties. The Force is strong in this one; equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies to navigate what could be a turbulent energy market ahead.

ROOM: Cezanne 1 & 2

Elaine Levin has over 30 years of experience in working worth with energy producers, refiners, marketers, and consumers executing hedging strategies. Elaine is the President to Powerhouse, and before that Elaine was Vice President, Futures Specialist at Morgan Stanley.

Clean Heat Standards are just a few months from being implemented in certain New England states. Other market-based decarbonization programs are on the horizon elsewhere. Fuel companies are at a critical juncture as they face perhaps the most transformative and onerous requirements they’ve ever had to grapple with. And while there are significant opportunities within these programs, there is little margin for error. The businesses that don’t prepare properly will be left behind.

In this can’t-miss presentation, Joe Uglietto of Diversified Energy Specialists will dive deep into the impending programs and map out for attendees how they can ensure profitability and success. He’ll lay out the strategy required for companies operating in states with impending Clean Heat Standards, and he’ll also provide an overview of the programs in other states that are in various stages of development.

Conference attendees hailing from Clean Heat Standard states CANNOT afford to miss this session.

ROOM: Monet 1,2 & 3

Joe Uglietto is the President of Diversified Energy Specialists (DES), a renewable energy consulting and environmental markets trading company. At DES, Joe trades in thermal energy portfolio standards in the northeast and is an aggregation in the Massachusetts Alternative Portfolio Standard, representing clients across renewable thermal technologies. Joe has been monitoring the efforts of States in the northeast to implement Cap-and-Invest programs, building ordinances and Clean Heat Standards for the thermal sector. Joe's recent work has focused on the design of market-based decarbonization programs for the thermal sector.

NEFI Regulatory Counsel Rick Schweitzer will discuss efforts by the White House and Congress to withdraw regulations from EPA, DOE, and other agencies that stifle business opportunities and consumer choice, and the role of the courts in resolving the disputes.

ROOM: Degas

Richard P. Schweitzer is the regulatory counsel for NEFI. He is an attorney in Washington, D.C. with more than 20 years of experience in handling regulatory, legislative and litigation matters for transportation companies and their trade associations. The practice includes a broad base of administrative, tax, corporate and international issues, involving the executive, legislative and judicial branches of the federal and state governments.

Proper tool, techniques and setups for with today’s fuels.

ROOM: Renoir 1 & 2

Alan Wornham is one of two technical trainers for Beckett Corp. He has over 35 years experience as an oil technician. He is NORA Gold Certified, a NORA accredited instructor and the President of his local OESP Chapter.

While renewable fuels are very similar to the fossil fuels they are replacing, there are some differences technicians need to be aware of as we move to higher blends of renewable fuels. This presentation will encompass those differences, these include, combustion, flame proving, viscosity, storage and more.

ROOM: Van Gogh

Bob O’Brien is a 45-year veteran of the HVAC industry, Bob is the Education Director of NORA, serves on the NFPA31 committee and is chair of the BPI Standards Technical Committee. Bob is also National President of OESP.

With publication of the NFPA 715, the installation of fuel gas detectors in every new building with fuel gas service may be required in a jurisdiction near you. States and cities now have the necessary “tools” to write new code, ordinances or regulations mandating the use of these devices in both new and existing buildings. The presentation will summarize the current state-of-the-art of sensor technologies, how and where detectors need to be installed, current efforts to update codes and standards, and where the fuel supplier’s responsibility starts and ends.

ROOM: Renoir 1 & 2

Bob Torbin earned BS in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and a MS in Mechanical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA. He is registered professional engineer and a life-time member of ASMA. Mr. Torbin serves as a voting member of national codes and standards committees including the NFPA 54 Technical Committee, the NFPA 715 Technical Committee, the CSA LC-1 Technical Sub-Committee, the NPGA TS&S Committee. He is the author/co-author of over 100 technical reports, journal articles and conference papers, and is an accomplished speaker at industry events.

Accurate troubleshooting is a key skill for technicians and probably the hardest to develop. This presentation will cover the basics of approaching diagnosis in a logical and methodical manner that will reduce callbacks, increase customer satisfaction and make life easier for everyone in the customer service world.

ROOM: Van Gogh

Bob O’Brien is a 45-year veteran of the HVAC industry, Bob is the Education Director of NORA, serves on the NFPA31 committee and is chair of the BPI Standards Technical Committee. Bob is also National President of OESP.

High performing organizations thrive on strong culture, clear vision, and empowered teams. This session explores real-world strategies and tools any organization can use to boost engagement, align teams, and drive results—fostering transparency, accountability, and a meaningful voice for team members in the decisions that shape daily operations and future success.

ROOM: Cezanne 1 & 2

Eileen O'Brien bio coming soon!

James Berner bio coming soon!

With all the buzz around AI, experts are failing to consider one crucial wrench in the “tech takeover”—human intelligence. This session breaks down the importance of human and artificial intelligence in the future of fuel delivery and business, celebrating some triumphs of human intelligence and addressing some of the fears and realities around AI. Then, with the help of a panel of expert guest speakers, we will learn how they can be used together.

During this session, you will:

• Learn how AI fits with customer-centric values
• Understand AI trends and applications across all critical areas of your business, including finance, sales & marketing, HR, and customer service
• Address common AI fears, and gain a realistic understanding of how customer-centric organizations can—and will—use AI

ROOM: Monet 1, 2 & 3

David Heiser is the Regional Sales and Marketing Coordinator for PriMedia, Inc. He has represented PriMedia for over 20 years: Working with marketers of all sizes across the home comfort industry as well as local, state and national associations. Consulting on all facets of their marketing programs, as well as providing sales, customer service and other industry training. In addition to his other responsibilities, David is also head of advertising services for Oil & Energy Magazine.

Dennis bio coming soon!

Marty Kirshner bio coming soon!

Most owners choose between two options when exiting their business: either selling to a third party or transitioning to family members. This presentation will talk about steps that should be put in place and decision that should be made prior to exiting your business to ensure the transaction goes smoothly as well as how to get the most after-tax income.

ROOM: Degas

Fred Lord brings over 40 years of experience in the delivered fuels industry in various operational and financial management roles. Currently serves as a director at Cetane Associates. Previously, Fred had been with HOP Energy and its predecessor as its corporate treasurer for over 25 years where he worked on over 50 acquisitions and multiple refinancings. He has been active in industry trade associations and is currently on the executive committee of the Connecticut Energy Marketers Association.

Fred holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Furman University, an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a law degree from Western New England University School of Law.

Pam Giordano works for Cetane Associates since 2023, before that Pam served as General Manager of Lake Region Energy in Maine. Prior to her time at Lake Region Energy, Pam was Director of Operations for M. L. Halle (Townsend Energy) where she served for 15 years. Pam’s deep and long experience with various companies in management roles, along with her exceptional industry volunteer work creates strong relationships with Cetane clients. She’s a people person with a true hands-on background in operations and business valuations. Pam holds a Bachelor’s degree from Franklin Pierce University.

Description coming soon!

ROOM: Matisse

Kendall Rawls is the Director of Development for The Rawls Group. Since officially joining the firm in 2004, she has navigated issues that many business owners face, including working effectively with family, building rapport with key management and outside strategic partners, influencing teamwork, and implementing strategic initiatives to drive growth and increase organizational performance. Kendall knows and understands the challenges that impact entrepreneurial-owned businesses’ success and offers a unique perspective derived from her background and experience as a second-generation, family-member-employee of The Rawls Group. Kendall is a frequent contributor to national industry publications in automotive retail, multi-unit franchise, marine, and energy. In her spare time, Kendall enjoys spending time with her dog, practicing yoga, playing beach volleyball, and volunteering for her local neighborhood association.

Michael McGrann bio coming soon!

As fuel quality and delivery efficiency remain critical to operational success, this session “Optimizing Your Fleet: Because You Have One will provide actionable insights into mitigating common issues faced by fuel delivery and service trucks. Attendees will gain a better understanding of: reducing exhaust system regenerations to improve truck uptime, addressing diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockages that lead to costly maintenance, preventing injector fouling and maintaining fuel systems integrity, and extending fuel filter life to minimize unplanned downtime.

ROOM: Cezanne 1 & 2

Leo Verruso is the General Manager of Advanced Fuel Solutions (AFS) since 2011 and has been an active member of our industry for over 30 years. AFS manufactures fuel additives to enhance the performance of all liquid fuels. Leo is an active Board Member of the newly rebranded National Energy & Fuels Institute (NEFI), as well as on the Board of Hudson Valley Oil & Energy Council and Upstate New York Energy Association. In addition to his position at AFS, Leo is the co-founder of Vets2Techs, a 501(c)(3) organization to help connect United States Military Veterans with the workforce development needs of the energy industry.

Description coming soon!

ROOM: Monet 1, 2 & 3

Anne Steckel bio coming soon!

Propane marketers are named as Defendants in lawsuits all the time. If you are an owner, executive or manager, OVERSIGHT is often the only thing protecting you and your company from a devastating verdict and award or a substantial settlement as a means to get the suit behind you. Many gas and petroleum product lawsuits end up in nuclear verdicts.

What can you do to shield your company from ?-figure settlements or "nuclear verdicts", commonly in the tens of millions of dollars?

ROOM: Degas

Mike Digiorgio - co-founder of propaneadvisorygroup and propaneandoiltraining.com, is a 50-year veteran of the propane industry and is among the country's most respected and well known consultants, Subject Matter Experts, and Educators. Mike spends considerable time working with attorneys who are representing fuel companies from plaintiffs suing fuel companies after the companies are involved in incidents or accidents.

A one-hour moderated panel discussion on creating a vision and defining a pathway toward sustained growth and resiliency for propane and heating oil marketers. The objective is to provide clear and manageable steps for developing a multi-year plan of action that will build an organization with capability of continuing growth and profitability, with the flexibility to adapt to rapidly shifting market conditions. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for creating or refining their strategic plans, tailored to the unique challenges of the fuel delivery industry.

ROOM: Matisse

Marty Kirshner, CPA, MSA, is the Partner leading the Energy Practice Group at Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP. He serves fuel oil and propane clients as a strategic advisor and consultant on all aspects of financial and business operations. Marty also currently serves as Treasurer of the National Fuel and Energy Institute (NEFI).

Bryan Pearce bio coming soon!

Robert Levene bio coming soon!