Alberta Rural Organic Waste to Resources Network Conference

Inaugural AROWRN Conference
April 30 and May 1, 2012
Edmonton, Alberta

If you are interested in the production of wood and other biomass, in innovative waste treatment solutions, and/or in opportunities in Alberta’s emerging bio-economy, we invite you to learn more at the inaugural conference and establishment meeting of the Alberta Rural Organic Waste to Resources Network (AROWRN).  AROWRN is being established to link communities, businesses and researchers interested in developing systems and technologies to convert liquid and solid organic waste into local resources, like biomass, and sharing their knowledge with others interested in the concept.

Five Alberta research sites have been established over the past five years to investigate the application of municipal wastewater and biosolids to willow and poplar crops under Alberta climate conditions.  This work was led by the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada, Grande Prairie Regional College - Centre for Research & Innovation and the University of Alberta.  Funding for these projects was provided by Alberta Innovates - Bio Solutions, and businesses and municipalities interested in sustainable rural development, community cost savings and green business opportunities.  Over time, site specific expertise and knowledge has evolved that could be shared among the existing participants, as well as benefit those interested in the establishment of new installations. To facilitate this exchange of information, the AROWRN concept was born.

AROWRN’s long term goal is to become the primary resource for community-based liquid and solid organic waste management projects.  It will be a robust support network that shares information and best practices, transfers knowledge, shares resources and expertise with others, links researchers with communities, and provides input to Provincial government standards.

What will happen at the conference?
•    Hear about a real-world commercial operation treating liquid and organic wastes, producing biomass and operating boilers from Keynote Speaker Dr. John Gilliland, OBE
•    Presentations from researchers and participants in the program so far, with opportunities to pose questions and network
•    Take part in the discussions on the role and future of AROWRN

How will you benefit?
•    Learn about what has been happening
•    Meet like-minded people
•    Build linkages with other communities, businesses and organizations
                                                                                                                                                                                  
When and Where?
The AROWRN Conference is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 30th and Tuesday May 1, 2012. The following is a condensed schedule:

April 30, 2012
4:30 – 6:00: Welcome and Keynote Address
6:00 – 8:00: Wine and Cheese Reception

May 1, 2012
8:30 – 10:30: Site Characteristics and Selection Session
10:30 – 3:20: Woody Biomass Production System Characteristics and Management (lunch and coffee breaks)
3:20 – 5:00: AROWRN Organization and Mandate

Auditorium and networking space for the Conference has kindly been provided by Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures (AI-TF), 250 Karl Clark Drive in Edmonton Alberta.

A map showing the AI-TF location, the detailed agenda and a list of local hotels for those coming from out of town will be sent out closer to the conference.

How to Register?
To register, please email Melissa Day (mday@gprc.ab.ca).  Seating is limited to approx. 125, so please register for the conference by April 14, 2012.  There is no cost to attend, and food will be provided.