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Algal Biomass Organization Teams Up With Arizona State University

Will Offer a Pre-Conference "Algae 101" Educational Workshop and Tour of Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus Algae Research Facilities

The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO), the leading trade association for the algae industry, today announced that it has partnered with Arizona State University to offer a unique workshop and tour for attendees at the 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit, which will be held September 28th - 30th at Phoenix's JW Marriott Desert Ridge.

The day-long workshop, taking place on Monday, September 27th, will feature a comprehensive educational seminar titled "Algae 101: An introduction to one of nature's most efficient energy conversion systems" designed to help those interested in the algae industry better understand the potential for algae. The workshop will also feature an afternoon tour of ASU's Laboratory for Algae Research & Biotechnology located at the university's Polytechnic Campus in Mesa, Arizona as well as presentations from representatives of the algae industry. More information on the workshop, including a link to registration and the full agenda, is available at: http://www.algalbiomass.org/events/.

"This one-of-a-kind workshop will provide participants the opportunity to learn about key developments and trends in the emerging algae industry as well as provide a first-hand look at a leading algae research facility," said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the ABO. "Attendees can expect to come away from the workshop with a greatly enhanced understanding of this promising industry and what's needed to take this technology from the lab to the commercial markets."

ABO chose to hold its 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit in the Phoenix area given the fast-emerging algae industry and leading algae-focused programs at leading academic and research institutions in Arizona and the greater Southwest.

"As a leading center for algae research, we look forward to providing attendees insight into the promise of algae as a renewable and sustainable source for bio-based products," said Gary Dirks, Director, LightWorks at Arizona State University. "We look forward to working with the Algal Biomass Organization to make this workshop and tour a great addition to a great event."

The pre-conference workshop will take place a day prior to the opening of the 4th annual Algae Biomass Summit, which will include national and international technologists, producers, scientists, investors, and policymakers. During the course of the event, leaders and attendees will discuss issues of critical importance to the emerging algae industry, including the commercial viability of algae production, current government and private initiatives, evolving technologies, processing concepts, life cycle analysis and venture/project finance. Last year's Algae Biomass Summit, held in San Diego, California, was attended by more than 700 stakeholders across the algae industry.

About the ABO
The Algal Biomass Organization (ABO) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algalbiomass.org.

About Arizona State University's Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology
Arizona State University's Laboratory for Algae Research and Biotechnology is at the forefront of ASU green technology research. Its primary focus is on the use of algae as a renewable and sustainable source for biodiesel and other bioproducts. The researchers have collected more than 1,500 algae strains and have identified 40 more that are hardy and show potential for various uses, from producing algal oils for biodiesels to removing carbon dioxide from power plant emissions and removing nutrients from various wastewaters. More information is available at the website: http://larb.asu.edu/.