ABS and AlgalBBB to Stay Virtual for 2021

With the ability to travel safely and gather comfortably currently in limbo, many events have rebuilt themselves as virtual versions of their predecessors, at least for now. The U.S.-based algae industry’s two major annual gatherings, the International Conference on Algal Biomass, Biofuels and Bioproducts (AlgalBBB) and the Algae Biomass Summit (ABS) have likewise faced the challenge and chosen to remain virtual for 2021.

AlgalBBB 2021: June 14–16

AlgalBBB 2021 will be an online, fully interactive community allowing attendees to connect with other attendees, speakers and poster presenters. The event’s online platform and mobile app will allow participants to stream live talks and poster sessions, ask questions, and participate in online chats and polls during presentations. AlgalBBB’s platform will also allow networking with speakers and other delegates, as well as provide access to the ePosters and abstracts of all presentations.

Topics will cover: Emerging technologies in algal research, including microalgae, macroalgae biology, biotechnology, biomass production, cultivation, harvesting, feedstock extraction, conversion into fuels, high value products and sustainability analyses. Presentations are expected to include the new emphasis on seaweed-based systems, engineering advances, molecular characterization technologies (e.g., genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), strain engineering technologies for biofuels and high value products, pharmaceuticals, design and control systems, and new technologies in characterization and analysis, among others.

Virtual exhibitor booths will be a feature of the Elsevier-produced conference, where attendees will be able to chat with exhibitors. Recorded talks, poster sessions and ePosters will be available for review for 30 days after the conference.

Abstracts are invited for oral and poster presentations and must be submitted online by 26 February 2021.

2021 Algae Biomass Summit: September 27—October 27

Produced by the Algae Biomass Organization, the Algae Biomass Summit has been the go-to conference for commercial algae producers, the scientific community and algae product developers for over 10 years. Recent attention has focused on unlocking the potential of algae agriculture to provide a more sustainable source of food, feed, biofuel, nutritional supplements, water treatment, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials like plastics and foams.

ABS’ Virtual Summit programming will be spread over several weeks this Fall.

WEEK 1: MAIN STAGE CONFERENCE
September 27-October 1 — keynote speakers, plenary panels, and intensive networking on the global potential of algae across all disciplines. Each session will be followed by live Q&A and networking events.

WEEK 2: MEET THE INDUSTRY
October 4-8 — commercial activity in the industry with presentations from companies, industrial partners, national labs and others, offering insight into new product development, market opportunities and more. Q&A and networking opportunities will be included in each day’s programming.

WEEK 3 AND 4: TECHNICAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS
October 11-22 — technical and breakout programming, with sessions from ABS’ Topical Tracks. Included in these weeks is their annual Poster Session judging, continued networking opportunities plus the Young Innovators Lounge for those looking to advance a career in algae. Breakout tracks will explore the full range of algae technology applications, including: Food, Nutrition, Health & Beauty, Animal Feed & Animal Health, Water & Nutrient Management, Soil & Sustainable Agriculture, Carbon Capture & Use, Fuels & Energy, Chemicals, Materials & Plastics, Resource Extraction & Bioremediation.

WEEK 5: SPECIAL MEETINGS AND FINAL BUSINESS
October 25-27 will be when ABO’s Future of Algae in Food and Feed group, macroalgae group, and others convene to plan for future initiatives.