Safely Charging Ahead: Navigating Battery Safety, Regulations & Innovation Symposium
live demonstrations & Expert Insights
March 26-27, 2025 | Americase, 6200 N-I35E, Waxahachie, TX 75165
This symposium will deliver a combination of live on-site demonstrations of battery safety testing and fire containment and expert-led interactive sessions. The agenda will cover the current and upcoming trends in battery safety practices, delivering the latest updates on safety and compliance in battery storage and transportation. The discussion will also focus on the current and future government regulations and code updates, as well as facility preparedness and planning.
Who Should Attend
- Battery & Electrochemistry Industry Members
- Battery Material Makers
- Battery Manufacturing Equipment Makers
- Data Center Operations Managers
- Loss, Property Risk, Underwriting Insurance Providers
- Fire Code Officials
- Facilities Managers
- Environmental, Health, & Safety Managers
- New Technology Startup Owners
- Potential Investors in Lithium Technology
- Academic Researchers
- Other Battery Industry Members
Pricing
Early Bird (until Feb. 17, 2025): $1,000
+optional online DOT Certification: $1,300
Regular (after Feb. 17, 2024): $1,100
+optional online DOT Certification: $1,400
Includes slide PDFs, breakfast/lunch, networking reception
Location
Seminar will take place just outside of Dallas, TX:
Americase
6200 N-I35E
Waxahachie, TX 75165
Seminar Agenda
Click the triangle next to agenda items to see detailed descriptions below.
Wednesday, March 26
8:30am-9:00am | Registration, breakfast, networking
9:00am-9:15am | Opening remarks, introductions
9:15am-10:15am | Live Demos: Recall Packaging and Thermal Runaway Containment Testing, by Raymond James
Demonstration of tests required for the following:
DOT Special Permit 16011 for the safe transportation and return of suspect and DDR lithium-ion batteries. This test is based on SAE G-27 Standard AS6413 (Performance based packaging standard for lithium batteries as cargo on aircraft).
United Nations Informal Working Group (UN IWG) Proposed Revisions to Standard UN 38.3 which address testing for lithium batteries and cells in order to classify them by size, chemistry, and formfactor into specific hazard categories. This standard is focused on ensuring safe transport of batteries shipped on their own or installed in a device, shipped by air, sea, rail, or roadway.
10:15am-11:45am | Lithium-Ion Battery Safety, by Shmuel De-Leon
Batteries have become daily use components for many applications. New growing segments like EV and Grid storage batteries extend the traditional ordinary battery applications. In the race for energy density, we shouldn’t forget safety – as an example, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery safety case. Unfortunately, we face daily safety events with injuries and severe damage. This seminar focuses on portable, stationary, and automotive battery safety along the battery life cycle (acceptance, testing, assembly, use, storage, transportation, and disposal). The training incorporates Shmuel De-Leon and other experts on battery safety, representing over 30 years of work in the field. The motivation behind the training is to provide attendees with the knowledge needed to safely handle and store the batteries in their organization and to support reduction in safety events. Topics to be covered:
- Battery Safety Hazards: Videos and examples
- Battery Safety Guidelines: Recommendations on proper work with batteries (acceptance, testing, battery pack design, use, storage, transportation, disposal)
- Battery Safety Events: Recommendations on how to handle
- Battery Safety Equipment: Checklist for labs and warehouses
11:45am-12:30pm | Lunch
12:30pm-2:00pm | Navigating the Current and Future Landscape of Lithium-ion Batteries: An Expert Panel Discussion
Moderators: James Egloff and Michael McGowan of Americase
Panelists: Chris Egloff of Americase, Marc Boolish of PRBA, Paul Johnson of ALL4, Mike Pagel of HazMat Safety Consulting
This panel of industry experts will address some of the hottest topics concerning lithium-ion batteries today and in the future. Discussion will include regulatory issues concerning battery storage and transportation, future fire code implications, as well as risk management and insurance considerations. The panel will also address how to prepare for battery recalls and how to best plan for battery end of life and recycling. The panel includes a Q&A session where the panelists will answer your questions, even those tough “elephant in the room” ones – no holds barred! Topics covered include:
- Battery storage and transport regulations
- Future fire code implications
- Insurance/Risk management concerns
- Recalls, end of life, recycling planning
2:00pm-2:15pm | Afternoon break/refreshments
2:15pm-3:00pm | Li-Ion Regulatory Updates and Outlook – Transportation, by Marc Boolish
Regulations on the transport of lithium batteries are ever evolving. Between new ICAO state of charge restrictions, SAE G-27 developments, the conclusion of the 2023-2024 UN TDG Subcommittee biennium, and the UN Informal Working Group on the Classification of Lithium Cells and Batteries, there are many potential impacts to transport regulations. In this session, we will provide updates on adopted changes and future efforts to revise lithium battery transportation regulations that will affect your business in 2025 and beyond.
3:00pm-3:45pm | Li-Ion Battery Storage, Handling and Disposal, by Paul Johnson
TBC
3:45pm-4:45pm | Live demos, by Raymond James
Drop Test – required for UN Performance Boxes certification per 49 CFR §178.603.
Stack Test – required for UN Performance Boxes certification per 49 CFR §178.606.
Thermal Runaway Containment Test – this demonstration will show the thermal runaway containment capability of Americase’s Battery Backup Unit (BBU) container.
4:45pm-6:45pm | Networking reception with cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres
- This is an unparalleled opportunity for you to meet other industry professionals, make new business contacts, and have in-depth discussions with the presenters.
Thursday, March 27
8:30am-9:00am | Breakfast, networking
9:00am-10:00am | Live demos: Review the results of previous day’s demonstrations, by Raymond James
- See the outcomes of previous day’s demonstrations – batteries and packaging – after they had a chance to cool.
10:00am-10:45am | Li-Ion Regulatory Updates and Outlook – Storage, by Mike Pagel
- As more cities and states adopt the 2024 International Fire Code lithium battery storage guidelines, it is important to understand how these standards apply to your operation. Though these standards are not in effect in all places, they provide a road map to where regulators, fire code officials, and insurers are regarding lithium battery storage safety. This session will review the 2024 IFC standards, explore how these standards are implemented, and provide practical recommendations for getting your operation in line with the new code environment.
10:45am-11:00am | Morning break/refreshments/networking
11:00am-11:45am | Facility Preparedness/Planning for Potential Thermal Runaway Events,
- Lithium battery thermal runaway events are rare – extremely rare. Still, if you handle and store large volumes of lithium batteries, you’re bound to encounter thermal runaway incidents at some point. A key to mitigating these risks is to have appropriate employee emergency response procedures, fire protection strategies, and battery quarantine methods. During this session, we will discuss steps that will drive organizational preparedness & management of lithium batteries thermal events including readiness evaluations, practical mitigation solutions, and emergency response procedures companies have implemented to enhance safety for those handling, storing, and using lithium batteries on-site.
11:45am-12:30pm | Understanding the Risks Posed by User Replacement of Non-OEM Batteries, by Garrett Grocke, Ph.D.
- With the proliferation of consumer electronic devices without user replaceable batteries, there has also grown a market for the replacement of OEM batteries with third party non OEM ones. Regardless of device, there exist numerous options for consumers looking for DIY options. Often the batteries used for this purpose are not supported by the device OEM and may include numerous differences, including different manufacturers, quality, designs, and certification testing. In this presentation, we will examine several third party/non OEM batteries and review them against common industrial practices, such as those listed in IEEE 1725. We will explore the battery design, manufacturing quality, and response to select tests. The discussion will be relevant to other consumer electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and the like. We will also discuss potential risks for user replacement of batteries, and factors to consider when designing products to account for this potential use case.
12:30pm-1:30pm | Lunch
1:30pm-2:15pm | TBC
- TBC
2:15pm-3:30pm | TBC
- TBC
3:30pm-4:00pm | Closing remarks
OPTIONAL ONLINE Course: DOT Certification Training: Lithium Battery Shipping, by Mike Pagel
April 2, 2025 | 9am – 12:30pm CT | Microsoft Teams
Course will be held on Teams – those registered will receive a link and instructions via email
This dangerous goods training course with focus on the shipping requirements for lithium batteries, ranging from small batteries that power consumer electronic devices to high energy batteries that power electric vehicles. The training course will cover:
General Overview of DG Regulations | Safety & Security Awareness | Hazards of Lithium Batteries and Signs of Damaged Batteries | UN 38.3 Testing Requirements & Classification of Prototypes | Differences Between “Small” and “High Energy” Lithium Batteries | How to Ship Lithium Batteries via US Highway, Ocean, and Air | Required Packaging | Hazard Marks/Labels | Documentation
Upon completion of this streamlined course, participants will be certified to classify, package, label, mark, and document shipments of lithium batteries in accordance with US DOT 49 CFR, IATA DG Regulations, and the IMDG Code. Certificates of completion will be provided.
This course will certify attendees to ship lithium batteries. It will not certify to ship other types of dangerous goods (e.g., flammable liquids, compressed gases, corrosives, etc.)
Meet the Speakers

Shmuel De-Leon, Founder and CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd
Shmuel is a leading international expert in the business of batteries. Prior to founding the company, for over 21 years Shmuel held various positions in battery electronic engineering, and as a quality control team manager. Shmuel holds a BSc. in mechanical engineering from Tel-Aviv University, an MBA in quality control and reliability engineering from the Technion Institute in Haifa as well as an Electronic Technician’s diploma. Shmuel has a deep knowledge of the battery technologies and market, and supports many customers as their main battery consultant.

Marc Boolish, Director, PRBA-The Rechargeable Battery Association
Mr. Boolish has served as Director of PRBA – The Rechargeable Battery Association, since 2023. Prior to his PRBA work, he held roles for 27 years at Energizer in Research and Development for lithium-ion, lithium primary and dry cell battery chemistries, government affairs and standards for battery and chemical products. Mr. Boolish represents PRBA and its members in the United States and internationally on regulatory, legislative, and policy issues associated with the safety manufacturing, handing, transport, storage, and recycling of batteries. Members of PRBA include primary and secondary cell/battery manufacturers; battery recyclers; manufacturers of electronic equipment, medical devices, power tools, automobiles, dangerous good packaging, and outdoor power equipment; and retailers, testing labs, airlines, and dangerous goods consultants.

Chris Egloff, VP Strategic Business Opportunities, Lithium/HazMat Division, Americase
Chris Egloff is our VP of Strategic Business Opportunities of the Lithium & Hazmat division. In this role, Chris communicates and leads projects for some of Amerciase’s largest clients, in addition to effectively coordinating and executing the full sales process with our hazmat clients. However, his biggest priority is acting as an essential customer advocate, consulting in regards to hazmat regulation. Chris’ 15+ years of previous experience in the medical software industry built his general foundation for being successful in a sales environment. In this time, he learned the important aspects of each partnership, no matter the industry, shape, or size, with his most heartfelt lesson being in the value of honesty, high quality products, and close relationships. Chris is a member of multiple industry and standards organizations, including the Council on Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles (COSTHA), The Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA), Danger Goods Advisory Council (DGAC), and UN Sub Committee on the Reclassification of Lithium ion and Metal Cells. He is also an SAE G27 writing and voting member, and an advisor for the Medical Device Transport Council (MDTC).

James Egloff, Chief Operating Officer, Americase
James is the Chief Operating Officer for the Americase team. James oversees all personnel, including all management staff, and processes of Americase’s day-to-day operations, while also providing a focus on personal development, managing the Americase Leadership Forum, and offering guidance to business development, account management, R&D, and marketing initiatives. James has held a variety of positions in his five years at Americase prior to accepting the Chief Operating Officer role, including VP of Business Development and Director of Sales & Marketing. However, James’ prior management experience comes from his sales and business development background in the healthcare information technology space working with companies like Phoenix Ortho and NextGen Healthcare Systems.

Garrett Grocke, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Exponent, Inc.
Dr. Grocke is a chemical engineer by training, specializing in electrochemistry and materials engineering. He has extensive research experience in the synthesis, characterization, and functional control of semiconducting and energy storage materials. He is well versed in battery assembly and testing, destructive and non-destructive characterization techniques, and the design of custom experimental apparatuses. At Exponent, Garrett uses these skills to provide assistance to clients in design evaluation, qualification, and failure analysis of products for a wide variety of applications including consumer and commercial electronics, medical devices, and electric vehicles.

Raymond James, Principal Engineer, Fulcrum Testing
Raymond designs and conducts destructive testing experiments to verify Americase packaging solutions satisfy customer and regulatory body safety requirements for shipping dangerous goods. Raymond has been in the industry since 2018 and is a member of multiple industry and standards organizations, including SAE G27, UN Informal Working Group on Hazard Classification of Lithium Batteries, and Battery Transportation Committee. He holds a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Paul Johnson, Senior Managing Consultant, ALL4
Mr. Paul Johnson is a Senior Managing Consultant at ALL4 with over 30 years of experience in environmental health and safety, hazardous waste management, transportation, and emergency response. Prior to joining ALL4, Paul held the position of Executive Director of Environmental Affairs at KBI. Paul was responsible for all facets of TSDF compliance at the battery recycling and precious metals recovery facilities including the oversite of all water, air, and hazardous waste permitting. Paul has experience in the hazardous waste management industry, import and export logistics and EHS compliance. Paul has specialized knowledge and experience in the battery and metals recycling industries. Prior to the position at KBI Paul began his career in the environmental services industry in 1990 working in the TSD operation, DRMO waste management and off-site emergency response. Since joining ALL4, Mr. Johnson has been involved in battery training and planning projects, transportation and facility compliance projects, Part B operating permits amendments and modifications, and environmental audits. Paul’s experience has focused on battery safety, DOT and RCRA compliance. Project support work has been performed for clients with facilities in Texas, California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.

Michael McGowan, Vice President of Sales and Business Development, Americase
Michael McGowan is the Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Americase, with 23 years of experience leading in the dynamic realm of medical software. His expertise lies in propelling small start-ups to unprecedented heights through innovative thought leadership and visionary ideas. Mike’s enthusiasm for mentoring sales teams and passion for developing relationships has led to a remarkable track record of success. Mike’s journey in sales and business development began from the ground up, starting with pivotal roles in operations and sales. His relentless dedication and strategic acumen propelled him through the ranks, culminating in his role as Vice President of Business Development and Sales.

Mike Pagel, Senior Consultant, HazMat Safety Consulting
Mike Pagel is a Senior Consultant with HazMat Safety Consulting. As a dangerous goods consultant, Mike partners with clients to improve their hazmat transportation programs. This includes creating customized training courses, conducting on-site transportation compliance audits, general consulting support, assistance with Special Permits & Approvals, and developing company shipping procedures. Mike supports a range of clients with lithium battery transport and storage compliance, including producers of medical devices, battery recyclers, electric vehicle makers, packaging manufacturers, and consumer electronics companies. Mike started in the industry in 2012 at PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Information Center (HMIC) at DOT HQ in Washington, DC. For two years, Mike supported the HMIC by answering thousands of questions on PHMSA’s Hazardous Materials Regulations. In this role, Mike worked directly with PHMSA Rulemaking, Approvals & Permits, and Technical staff.
Cancellation Policy
Written notice only will be accepted:
Until February 26, 2025 – 50% refund; From February 26, 2025 – No refund
Area Lodging and Dining Options
If you are planning to stay in Waxahachie during the seminar, below please find links to some of the local hotels and restaurants.
Hotels
Hampton Inn & Suites Waxahachie
Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Waxahachie
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waxahachie