The Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) and NATSO Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Conference has concluded with goal-shattering attendance levels, demonstrating the commitment of the petroleum equipment and truck stop industry to meet the pending need for DEF. The conferee was held June 4-5 in Nashville, Tennessee.

NATSO, the trade association representing American truckstops and travel plazas, joined PEI, the trade association for petroleum and energy equipment, in organizing the conference that drew more than 375 participants representing chemical manufacturers and distributors, equipment suppliers, fleets, truckstops and other fuel retailers.

“Attendance levels quickly outstripped our initial goal of reaching 150 people,” said NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings. “Clearly, companies and professionals across the supply chain recognize that DEF is coming, and they are eager to seize opportunities to prepare.”

In the coming months, trucks with 2010 diesel engines will be unveiled. Unlike their predecessors, most exhaust systems on new trucks will use selective catalytic reduction to meet emissions standards. These trucks will require DEF to operate, and distributors, suppliers, fuel retailers and trucking companies are preparing for this product.

“What was most exciting about the conference was the range of interests represented in the room,” noted PEI Executive Vice President and General Counsel Bob Renkes. “Not only did we see the DEF manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, but also the regulators, retailers and end users. Every element of the DEF equation was here, with key participants sharing information, making connections, and putting the pieces in place.”

“In every way,” Renkes said, “the conference was a great success.”

To help business owners formulating plans and identifying needed investments, the session featured several experts who provided keen insight on the factors that will drive DEF demand. David Siler of Detroit Diesel (Daimler) and Rich Moskowitz of the American Trucking Associations explored the outlook for DEF from the trucking industry’s perspective. In a special education session sponsored by the NATSO Foundation, Transport Fundamentals economist Noël Perry presented a detailed forecast for DEF demand in the U.S. and Canada.

Experts also spoke on such important topics as DEF quality concerns, label requirements, storage and dispensing requirements, fire codes and marketing at the truckstop.

The roster of speakers included: Jodi Crawford, Airgas Specialty Products; Kevin Ferrick, API; Tom Heinz, Coffee Cup Fuel Stops; Jim Spooner, Colonial Chemical; Mark Barolo and Cliff Dean of EPA; Dave Polak, EZ Fuel; Richard Browne, Gilbarco Veeder-Root; Terry Ross, Love’s Travel Stops and Country Stores; Don Onwiler, National Conference on Weights and Measures; Bob Benedetti, National Fire Protection Association; Steve Childers, SPATCO; John Lounsbury, Terra Environmental Technologies; Chad Dombrowski and Rolf Isberg, Yara Industrial North America; and NATSO consultant Bill Bartkus.

Founded in 1951, PEI is comprised of more than 1,500 companies engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of equipment used in petroleum marketing and related operations. Members are located in 50 states and 81 countries. PEI is the international trade association for distributors, manufacturers and installers of equipment used in petroleum-marketing and liquid-handling operations. Users of the equipment include service station and convenience-store owners, terminals, bulk plants and airport refueling operations. The Institute's headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

NATSO is the professional association of America’s $65 billion travel plaza and truckstop industry. Founded in 1960, NATSO represents the industry on legislative and regulatory matters; serves as the official source of information on the diverse travel plaza and truckstop industry; provides education to its members; conducts an annual convention and trade show; and supports efforts to generally improve the business climate in which its members operate.