2026 North American Biochar Conference
November 15-16, 2026 | New Orleans, Louisiana
SETTING THE STANDARD FOR BIOCHAR
Trust. Scale. Adoption.
The North American Biochar Conference is the leading gathering of the global biochar industry and the flagship event for advancing biochar innovation, collaboration, and deployment.
Hosted by the American Biochar Institute (ABI), the conference has served as the central meeting point for the biochar industry since the first event in 2009—where research meets commercialization and collaboration drives real-world deployment.
As the industry continues to grow, the conference remains the place where leaders across the field come together to share knowledge, build partnerships, and shape the future of biochar.
The full details will be released in the coming months. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, along with the Call for Abstracts, will open soon.
We invite you to sign up for updates,
Start planning now and mark your calendar!
We look forward to welcoming the biochar community to New Orleans in 2026
A United Industry
In 2026, the U.S. Biochar Initiative officially rebranded as the American Biochar Institute (ABI)—reflecting its expanded role as a central resource for the rapidly scaling biochar ecosystem.
The new identity reflects growing demand for trusted standards, reliable information, and coordinated leadership across the industry.
To further strengthen collaboration across North America, ABI is proud to partner with the U.S. Biochar Coalition (USBC) to present the North American Biochar Conference—bringing together organizations, companies, researchers, and policymakers working to advance biochar solutions.
Networking – Where the Industry Connects
The North American Biochar Conference is the premier place for the biochar community to come together, build relationships, and drive the industry forward.
More than just a conference, it has become a hub for collaboration—where new ideas evolve into partnerships, research connects with real-world implementation, and conversations spark the next generation of projects and solutions.
Here, the entire biochar value chain is in the room.
Whether you are new to biochar or a long-time industry leader, the North American Biochar Conference offers unparalleled opportunities to learn, exchange ideas, and build the connections that move the field forward.
If biochar is part of your work—or part of your future—this is where you need to be.
Venue Spotlight
Discover New Orleans, where comfort, functionality, and atmosphere come together to create the perfect setting for our event.
Why Attend
The 2026 North American Biochar Conference in New Orleans will bring together producers, researchers, investors, policymakers, buyers, technology providers, land managers, and end users to address the opportunities and challenges shaping the next phase of the industry.
Who Should Attend
Producers
Project Developers
Investors
Policy Leaders
Researchers
End Users
Call for Abstracts Opening Soon
The Call for Abstracts for the 2026 North American Biochar Conference will open soon. Researchers, industry leaders, practitioners, and policymakers are invited to submit proposals and share innovations, research findings, and real-world biochar applications with the global biochar community.
Abstract submissions open: April 13, 2026
Registration Opens
Registration for the 2026 North American Biochar Conference will open soon. Secure your spot to join biochar leaders from across the value chain for technical sessions, networking, and the industry’s largest gathering.
Registration opens: May 25, 2026
Until then make sure you mark your calendars and make plans to attend
Save the Date – Mark your calendar for the 2026 North American Biochar Conference on November 16–18, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana – USA
Conference Location
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is located in Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Address
900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Exhibit Hall F
Nearest Airport
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
Conference Center distance from Airport:
The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is approximately 13 miles (about a 20–30 minute drive) from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Taxis, ride-sharing services, and airport shuttles are available, with typical taxi fares around $35–$50.
New Orleans: A City Like No Other
Experience the unmatched beauty of New Orleans—where history, music, food, and celebration come together like nowhere else in the United States. From the lively sounds of jazz in the French Quarter to stunning Creole architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and world-famous festivals, this city captivates at every turn. Whether you’re strolling under the oak trees, savoring beignets, or dancing in a second line parade, there’s no place quite like NOLA. Please visit New Orleans: A City Like No Other to plan your trip.
Sustainability
The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (NOENMCC) team is committed to reducing environmental impacts and helping our customers meet their sustainability goals.
Get in Touch
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70130
Exhibit Hall F
Keep in touch
12:30 – 5:00 PM
Growing with Biochar
For growers and land managers
All Day Session!
• Biochar 101
• Biochar for Soil Health
• The Science of Biochar as an Agricultural Amendment: Interpreting Biochar Laboratory Reports
• Biochar Atlas: Selecting the Right Source and Rate
• Integrating Biochar into Regenerative Agriculture: Right Time and Place
• Biochar On-Site: Delivery, Storage, and Safe Handling
• Biochar On-Farm Trials
• Federal NRCS Practice 336 Overview
12:30 –4:30 PM
CONCURRENT WITH GROWING WITH BIOCHAR
Biochar on Site
Field production, forestry, and land stewardship
• Carbon Credits for Flame Cap Kiln Biochar in California
• Microclimate and the Limits of One-Size-Fits-All Biochar BMPs: Lessons from Invasive Species Management
• Biochar Use in Disaster Recovery and Climate Change Adaptation
• Optimizing Deployment of Mobile Biochar Production Equipment for Enhanced Slash Management
• Landscape-Scale Biochar and Good Fire: A Decentralized, Community-Operated Stewardship Model
• Industrial Scale Trench Biochar Production
• …and more
12:30 –4:30 PM
CONCURRENT WITH BIOCHAR ON SITE
Standards Updates and Discussion
• ISO TC 238 Biocarbon Standards Update
Emissions, Permitting, and Labeling
• Air Permitting and Emissions Controls for Biochar Systems: From Theory to Best Available Control Technology
• From Blueprint to Biochar: What It Actually Takes to Build a 40,000-TonIndustrial Facility in the U.S.A
Evening: Special Event
Details soon to be announced. Stay tuned.
17
Tuesday: Keynotes and Exhibit Hall Grand Opening
Keynotes, the Exhibit Hall opening, breakouts, and the poster reception
ON THE MAIN STAGE
Welcome to the 2026 North American Biochar Conference
Special Guest Speakers and Opening Keynotes
Keynote: NRCS Assistant Chief Jimmy Emmons
U.S. Forest Service Wood Innovations Program PANEL
Panel discussion featuring Alex Kazer, Wood Innovations Specialist, U.S. Forest Service
Federal Policy Fireside Chat
With a welcome from the U.S. Biochar Coalition
Thank You to Our Title Sponsor, BET
Grand Opening of the 2026 Exhibit Hall
Visit our largest Exhibit Hall to date. It’s the heart of the event this year, with the main stage, posters, lunch, and receptions all under one roof.
More main stage speakers to be announced
MORNING BREAKOUTS
Production and Deployment
Technology, feedstock, and scale
• Integrated Biomass Pyrolysis for Renewable Power, Renewable Molecules, and Decarbonized Industrial Products
• An ERP for Biochar: Unifying Plant Operations, Machine Data, and MRV Across Biochar Projects at Scale
Urban, Green Infrastructure, and Stormwater
• Rebuilding the Urban Water Cycle: Biochar’s Role in Soil Modification and Infiltration/Storage Modeling for Stormwater Resilience
• Biochar and Urban Forestry: Positive Effects on Tree Growth and Reductions in Non-CO₂ GHG Emissions
Scaling Markets PANEL
• Biochar Beyond Agriculture: Industrial Markets Driving Scale and Carbon Removal
Forestry
Feedstock supply, landscape management, and opportunity
AFTERNOON BREAKOUTS
Finance and Business
• An “OSCAR” Goes to Biochar: A Standardized CDR Credit Contract to Advance Biochar Projects
• Speaking the Language of Capital: How to Finance a Biochar Carbon Removal Project
• Funding Opportunities for Biochar in 2026
Waste to Energy
• Waste Heat to Energy: A Positive Investment
• Follow the Carbon, Find the Heat
Policy Panels PANEL
• Why and How to Get Involved in Public Policy on Biochar: A Working Discussion
• Aligning U.S. Policy and the Carbon Markets
Environmental and Mine Restoration
• Performance of Mixed Hardwood Biochar as a Soil Amendment on Reclaimed Mine Sites
• Lessons from the Field: A Retrospective on Biochar and Reclamation at the Formosa Mine
Manure Management
• EPA-Funded Biochar Field Science as the Bridge to Scalable Nutrient Runoff Solutions in Watersheds
IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
Exhibitors and Sponsors
Explore our largest Exhibit Hall to date, with companies from across the biochar value chain showing equipment, products, and services.
Product and Art Showcase
Producers’ biochar lined up side by side, plus products and artwork made with biochar. On display through November 18
Poster Session
A large number of posters from industry, government, research teams, and students, featured during the evening reception.
Lunch, Dessert, and Networking
Lunch, the afternoon dessert break, and all the networking happen right on the show floor.
Evening: Reception and Poster Session
Celebrate opening day in the Exhibit Hall, surrounded by posters, exhibitors, and the full biochar community.
18
Wednesday Markets and Momentum
Awards, buyers, and the path from promises to performance
ON THE MAIN STAGE
ABI Updates
News from the American Biochar Institute
Biochar Awards
The Southeast’s Biochar Moment: Excess Biomass, Markets, and the People Building Solutions
Markets Matter: Closing the Loop from Forest Residuals to Industry
More main stage speakers to be announced