Clarence H. "Bud" Albright, Jr., Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is scheduled to kick off the day-long Hybrid Truck & Alternative Fuels Summit at The Work Truck Show 2008 and 44th Annual National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) Convention.
Albright, who oversees the DOE's energy and environment programs, will present a keynote address at the start of the Summit, which runs from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, 2008.
The addition of a prominent keynote speaker is one of many enhancements the NTEA has made to its hybrid and alternative fuel-related events for 2008. The Summit, which is sponsored by International Truck and Engine Corporation, will start an hour earlier than in 2007 to accommodate the dramatically expanded curriculum, which includes general sessions, product demonstrations, breakouts and a reception.
The Work Truck Show 2008 runs Feb. 26-28, 2008, at the Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta, GA), with the Convention and educational sessions starting Feb. 25.
"Although it is part of The Work Truck Show and Annual NTEA Convention, the Summit has grown into a major industry event," said Jim Carney, NTEA executive director.
"We are bringing together many of the leaders in the industry to provide attendees with the latest information about how they can harness new technology for their customers and in their fleets. From the policymaker's perspective offered by Under Secretary Albright, through real-world examples and product-specific breakout sessions led by equipment manufacturers, this is a must-attend event for anyone interested in reducing fuel costs, meeting emissions regulations and 'greening' their fleets."
An extensive line-up of industry and academic experts will cover the hottest topics in hybrid and alternative fuel technology during six general sessions following Albright's keynote. Daniel Kratz, truck operations manager for GE Capital Solutions, will present the "Future of Hybrid & Alternative Fuel Work Trucks." Dr. Richard Nelson, Kansas State University professor and representative of the National BioDiesel Board, will discuss "Implications for Bio-diesel Expansion." Greg Loew, market manager - hybrid vehicles for Altec Industries, will present "Overview of Hybrid Truck Upfitter Integration Issues." Rachel Beckhardt, project analyst - corporate partnerships for Environmental Defense, will cover "Public and Private Sector Incentives for Hybrid and Alternative Fuel Truck Development."
A "Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUF)" update will be provided by Bill VanAmburg, senior vice president of Weststart-CALSTART. Tony Bizjak, transportation engineer for the Fairfax County Department of Vehicle Services in Virginia, will conduct a "Light-duty Hybrid Work Truck Action Group Update." The Action Group is facilitated by the NTEA.
During lunch (which is included with Summit registration), International Truck and Engine Corporation will conduct a demonstration of its hybrid aerial service truck. Attendees will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Hybrid Truck & Alternative Fuels Ride-and-Drive taking place during Work Truck Show hours on Tuesday, Feb. 26, and Wednesday, Feb. 27. The Ride-and-Drive is sponsored by EATON Hybrid Power Systems.
In the afternoon, attendees can choose from three tracks of breakout sessions. Some sessions are conducted by manufacturer representatives discussing their current hybrid/alternative fuel technology, as well as ongoing research and development. Other breakouts are led by representatives of fleets who will discuss their use of existing hybrid/alternative fuel trucks and equipment.
At the conclusion of the day, attendees are invited to network with their peers and talk with the presenters during a reception sponsored by International Truck and Engine Corporation. Over the following three days, attendees can check out the latest hybrid and alternative fuel technology initiatives up close in the Advanced Truck Technology Pavilion on the Work Truck Show floor. This special area, sponsored by EATON Hybrid Power Systems, features displays from hybrid truck manufacturers, chassis manufacturers, system integrators, electrical component suppliers, telematics system integrators, hydraulic component suppliers, alternative fuel producers and related industry organizations.