Great Lakes
Sustainable Fuels
Symposium
September 2 - 3, 2026
The Henry, Dearborn
Join growers, innovators, and policymakers from across the region for the Great Lakes Sustainable Fuels Symposium.
This two-day event is hosted by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and partners. This gathering will focus on positioning Michigan as a leader in sustainable fuel production, providing strategic fueling options for international transportation companies, and keeping the region competitive and connected on a global scale.
Together, we’ll explore how Michigan can lead the way in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — creating new demand for Michigan’s corn and soybeans, strengthening farm profitability, and supporting the economic resurgence of Southeast Michigan.
Whether you’re a business leader looking to invest, an innovator shaping the technology, or a policymaker guiding the path forward, this symposium is your opportunity to help build the future of sustainable fuels in the Great Lakes region.
There will be speakers from Michigan and across the nation, including Juan Sacoto from S&P Global highlighting the role sustainable fuel will have the in the future growth of the energy sector
Registration is open for the full event or single days.
Event Overview
Day One features expert perspectives and educational sessions for a wide audience. Day Two transitions to focused workgroups for participants ready to help address key questions and move big ideas toward ready-to-implement steps.
Day One: Laying the Groundwork for Investment
An educational day designed for a broad audience — growers, business leaders, and policymakers alike. Hear from experts on feedstock supply, transportation and logistics, the current policy landscape shaping SAF production and the partnerships needed to be successful in this work. The day concludes with a networking reception at The Henry, celebrating Michigan’s legacy of innovation.
Day Two: Cultivating the Path Forward
Roll up your sleeves and get ready to dig into the details. Participants will break into workgroups to document the assets, barriers, and current landscape informing SAF feasibility in the Great Lakes region, leaving with a clear understanding of next steps and how to stay involved.
Sponsors and Partners
Register Today!
Register for the full event or single days.
September 2-3
The Henry, Autograph Collection
-
Fairlane Plaza, 300 Town Center Dr,
Dearborn, MI 48126
If you have questions about registration or the multi-day schedule, please reach out to [email protected], we’re happy to help you sort out the right fit.
Fill out the form below to reserve your spot. Once you’ve submitted your own registration, you’ll have the option to add additional attendees from your organization.
The full agenda is still being finalized, check back closer to the event for complete session details.
- 1:00 p.m.
Welcome & Opening
Scott Piggott of Michigan Corn kicks off the symposium, setting the stage for two days of collaboration on sustainable fuels.
Speaker: Scott Piggott, Corn Marketing Program of Michigan
- 1:15 p.m.
Special Message
A special welcome message from Senator Elissa Slotkin
- 1:30 p.m.
Opening Keynote: Fueling Agriculture — Biofuels as the Catalyst
From global markets to the Great Lakes region, this keynote defines sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), maritime fuel, and sustainable fuels broadly. It explores the critical roles of water, energy, carbon, manufacturing, and agriculture — and frames the opportunity ahead for partnership and mutual benefit in both producing and using sustainable fuels.
- 2:20 p.m.
- Moderator: Growth Energy | Panelists: Representatives from Growth, Delta, the Port of Detroit, and Maersk (invited)
Panel Discussion: Demand for Biofuels
Industry leaders discuss the carbon benefits driving demand, EU mandates shaping the market, and where the industry is headed. This panel makes the case loud and clear: the market wants, and needs, this product.
- 3:15 p.m.
Break
- 3:35 p.m.
- Panelists: Doug Bergin, POET and regional biofuel producer
Panel Discussion: The Supply Right Here
Scott Piggott and Ben Steyer will partner with Doug Bergen of Poet to provide the farm commodity supply context and Doug is a regional biofuel producer.
- 4:15 p.m.
- Moderator: Kevin Guskiewicz, MSU President (invited) | Speakers: Rick Snyder, Former Governor; Debbie Stabenow, Former U.S. Senator (all invited)
Fireside Chat: Agriculture, Innovation & Removing Barriers
A candid conversation on the collaboration needed to move this opportunity forward and a preview of the day two’s hands-on workshops.
- 4:55 p.m.
Closing Remarks: What's Next
A look ahead at the opportunity in front of us and how attendees can help shape it.
- 5:00 p.m.
Day One Wraps
- 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Networking Reception at The Henry
Cap off Day One with an evening of connection and inspiration, celebrating Michigan's legacy of innovation while building relationships with fellow growers, innovators, and policymakers.
- 8:00 a.m.
Networking Breakfast
Start the morning with coffee and conversation as attendees reconnect ahead of a day of collaborative work.
- 8:30 a.m.
- Speakers: Scott Piggott, Michigan Corn Growers Association and Maggie Pallone, Public Sector Consultants
Welcome & Reflections from Day One
The Great Lakes Sustainable Fuels Partnership Workshop kicks off Day Two with a clear goal: work alongside partners to define a roadmap for moving this opportunity forward. We will recap key takeaways and momentum from Day One, setting the tone for action-oriented dialogue.
- 9:00 a.m.
Understanding the Issue and Opportunity: Catalyst Paper Discussion
- 9:40 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Facilitated Breakout Sessions
Participants join two 45-minute breakout sessions covering critical topics shaping the region's path forward. Each session explores what's known, what opportunities exist, key barriers, next steps, and who the main players are.
• Transportation & Logistics Planning
• Policy Barriers & Opportunities
• Supply Side
• Partnerships
- 11:15 a.m.
- Speakers: Session Facilitators
Report-Outs
Facilitators share key insights and recommendations from each breakout group, synthesizing the morning's work for the full audience.
- 12:00 p.m.
Where Do We Go from Here?
A closing group discussion on the feasibility of this opportunity for Michigan and the region, recommended next steps, and how attendees can stay involved — including a potential advisory group announcement.
- 12:30 p.m.