The Power of Face-to-Face Connections: Driving SAF Scale-Up in North America
Jamie Bentley
Senior Client Services Manager
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Sustainable Aviation Futures
Over the past few years, North America has emerged as one of the most dynamic regions in the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market. Federal policies like tax incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act, and growing state-level commitments have accelerated SAF development and deployment. Airlines have made historic offtake agreements, while energy majors and technology developers are investing billions into new production pathways.
Despite this momentum, challenges remain. The cost gap with conventional jet fuel continues to be significant, supply volumes are still a fraction of what is needed, and the race is on to secure reliable feedstock. At the same time, new technology pathways - from alcohol-to-jet to power-to-liquids - are moving closer to commercial readiness. The next five years will be critical in determining whether North America can scale SAF production to meet its targets for 2030 and beyond.
In this context, collaboration is no longer optional; it is essential.
Collaboration as the Catalyst for Scale-Up
The SAF value chain is complex, spanning agriculture, refining, technology development, logistics, and aviation operations. Unlike conventional fuels, no single entity can succeed in isolation. Joint ventures, co-investment structures, and long-term offtake agreements are increasingly necessary to distribute risk and align incentives.
While information on technology readiness, policy frameworks, and market developments is readily available, the translation of this knowledge into actionable partnerships depends on trust and shared objectives. These are most effectively established through direct, face-to-face engagement.
Over the past several years, our events have reflected the evolution of this industry. In the early days, attendees came primarily to “get to know the players” - to understand who was entering the market and what they were bringing to the table. Those meetings planted the seeds of partnerships that have since grown into joint ventures, supply agreements, and investment commitments.
Now, as the market matures, the emphasis has shifted. The need is less about introductions and more about strengthening ongoing relationships, advancing commercial agreements, and tackling shared challenges head-on.
That is where face-to-face meetings deliver their greatest value: creating space for candid conversations, alignment of objectives, and the type of collaborative problem-solving that accelerates real-world outcomes.
Creating Spaces for Connection
Our conferences are no longer just networking platforms; they have become catalysts for industry growth. Delegates come not only to exchange insights but also to move projects forward.
We recognize that senior executives’ time is scarce and valuable. Large conferences can make it difficult to connect with the right person, and busy schedules often mean missed opportunities. That is why we are introducing a new AI-powered Matchmaking App at our upcoming Houston event.
This tool is designed to remove the friction of networking. By connecting directly with LinkedIn, it maps your existing network, identifies relevant new contacts, and suggests high-quality connections based on your business priorities and interests. The result: no wasted time, fewer missed opportunities, and more productive conversations with the people who can genuinely advance your objectives.
For delegates, this means walking into the conference with a clear roadmap of who to meet, when to meet them, and why those meetings matter. In an industry as competitive and fast-moving as SAF, this level of efficiency and precision can make the difference between exploring opportunities and closing deals.
Looking Ahead: Building the Future of SAF Together
The reality is that growth in the SAF market depends on the individuals and companies shaping its future. Progress will be driven by those willing to connect, collaborate, and commit to long-term solutions. And that progress happens fastest when the right people are in the same room.
SAF North America Congress is designed to make those meetings possible - bringing together the leaders of aviation, energy, technology, and finance to align strategies, forge partnerships, and move the SAF agenda forward. By enabling high-value face-to-face connections, we aim to ensure that North America not only meets its SAF ambitions but sets a global standard for innovation and collaboration.
Conclusion
Sustainable aviation is no longer an abstract ambition—it is a fast-moving, competitive market that will define the future of global mobility. North America has the resources, the policy support, and the entrepreneurial drive to lead, but its success will depend on the strength of its partnerships.
At SAF North America Congress, we are proud to provide a platform where those connections can be made - where a handshake can open the door to the next generation of SAF projects, and where collaboration today will shape aviation for decades to come.
With the event taking place in just two weeks’ time, don’t miss your opportunity to join the 700 senior-level attendees from across the entire aviation and energy value chain – discover more and book your place today!