WMU Paper and Paperboard Coating
WMU Paper and Paperboard Coating
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 to Thursday, July 23, 2026
3-day course | Time: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
The 2026 course will be held on Western Michigan University's Engineering Campus in the beautiful city of Kalamazoo, MI. We have a fantastic lineup featuring more than a dozen guest speakers, all experts in their respective fields. The networking alone is worth the price of admission.
The 2026 course will include tours of the WMU Paper Pilot Plant (high-speed coater, paper machine, recycling plants) and paper-related laboratories. There will also be a networking dinner. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Topics covered:
- Pigments
- Binders
- Additives
- Formulations development and characterization
- Coating equipment and process overview
- Rheology
- Coated products overview and applications
- Packaging development
- Barrier materials and curtain coating
- Barrier coating technology will be included in most of these topics due to the popularity and relevance to the industry
Who will benefit
This course will benefit Process and Production Engineers, Product Development and Research Scientists, Technical Managers, Machine Supervisors, Suppliers, or other technical people who are new to the coatings field. This course will also be helpful for marketing, business planning personnel, and others involved in developing alternative grades.
Participants will gain an excellent understanding of coating raw materials, how those are processed and prepared for the coating applications, rheology, application methods, and finishing with an overview of end-use applications for coated paper and paperboard. They will also get an excellent background on the leading professionals' new developments in packaging, barrier materials, and curtain coating.
2026 Course Schedule
Take a look at the 2026 Course Schedule to get an idea of what to expect during the course. Please note, all course subjects are tentative and subject to minor modifications.
MEALS
Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks, along with lunch will be provided.
WEATHER/DRESS
Weather at this time of the year averages a high of 85 degrees and a low of 63. Dress is business casual, and jeans are okay.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheri Russell, Administrative Assistant
WMU Paper Pilot Plants
Sheri.Russell@wmich.edu
Office: 269-276-3964
Cell: 269-330-8553
2026 Registration Rates
- $1,975 for TAPPI Member
- $2,170 for TAPPI Professional Membership Join and Renew
- $2109 for TAPPI Young Professional Membership Join and Renew
- $2,225 for TAPPI nonmember to attend
Registration Cancellation Policy
If you have to cancel your training course registration, you must notify TAPPI in writing via email memberconnection@tappi.org prior to the class start date. Refunds will be provided according to the following scale:
- 100% refund if notice is received at least 28 days prior to class start date; June 23, 2026
- 50% refund if notice is received between 27 and 11 days prior to class start date; June 24 – July 10, 2026
- no refund will be issued for notice received 10 business days or less prior to class start date. July 11, 2026
There is no refund of fees due to failure to attend without notice. Substitutions will be accepted at any time without penalty.
Course Cancellation Policy
It is WMU’s intent to avoid cancelling or rescheduling any training course. However, we reserve the right to cancel or change a training course at any time, for reasons including but not limited to, insufficient registration, instructor emergencies, or other issues beyond our control.
General Disclaimer
WMU shall not be liable for damages of any kind resulting from errors or omissions in the training materials, nor shall WMU be liable for any damages resulting from the use of the training materials or other information conveyed at a WMU training course.
Lodging
Radisson Plaza Hotel Kalamazoo Center
100 W Michigan Avenue
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Hilton Garden Inn
303 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
Home2 Suites by Hilton
303 North Rose Street
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007
REGISTRATION
Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Registrants should arrive at Western Michigan University by 7:30 for the 8 a.m. course start time.
CLASSROOM LOCATION
Floyd Hall
D-109
4601 Campus Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
PARKING DIRECTIONS
For those driving to the Parkview Campus, no permit is needed during the course. Please see driving directions below . We are asking that attendees utilize parking ramp West Parking Deck (P4) . For closer parking, pull all the way forward on main level deck. Please note, it is approximately 200 yards from the classroom. Signs will be posted on doors and in the hallway to guide you to Floyd Hall D-109. If you have limited mobility or need parking assistance, please reach out to sheri.russell@wmich.edu.
Via US 131
- Take Exit 36 onto Southbound Stadium Drive -Turn South (right) on Drake Road -Stay Southbound on Drake and crossover Parkview Ave.
- Drake becomes Campus Drive
West Parking Deck
- Once on Campus Drive
- Turn Right on Engineering Way West (Fourth Driveway) -West Parking Deck is the Third Entrance on Left
SCHEDULE
https://wmich.edu/pilotplants/coating/2024coatingcourse/coating-schedule
MATERIALS:
All participants will receive a course presentation notebook.
CEU CREDITS
Earn 14 professional development hours or 1.4 CEUs after completion of this course.
MEALS
Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks, along with lunch will be provided.
WEATHER/DRESS
Weather at this time of the year averages a high of 85 degrees and a low of 63. Dress is business casual, and jeans are okay.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheri Russell, Administrative Assistant
WMU Paper Pilot Plants
Sheri.Russell@wmich.edu
Office: 269-276-3964
Cell: 269-330-8553
2026 WMU Paper and Paperboard Course
TAPPI Press is known as an industry leader for publishing reliable and practical publications and training products created and peer reviewed by industry experts for professionals and students alike.
This is a great time to refresh or master new skills and restock your corporate or personal library. Links are provided for product description. Purchase through registration and receive FREE SHIPPING within the United States.
These titles have been selected just for this event:
Handbook of Pulp and Paper Technologist (The Smook Book) 4th Edition
0202SMOOK4
Member Price: $103 | Non-Member Price: $133
Handbook of Pulp and Paper Terminology (Smook) 2nd Edition 0202SMOOKTERM
Member Price: $75 | Non-Member Price: $85
Properties of Paper
0102B052
Member Price: $44 | Non-Member Price: $67
Kraft Pulping
0101R171
Member Price: $63 | Non-Member Price: $94
Fiber Recycling and Deinking (Second Edition)
0202FIN07-2
Member Price: $170 | Non-Member Price: $170
Principles of Wet End Chemistry
0101R241
Member Price: $54 | Non-Member Price: $76
Advances in Papermaking Wet End Chemistry Application Technologies
0101R349
Member Price: $129 | Non-Member Price: $167
Make Paper Products Stand Out; Strategic Use of Wet End Chemical Additives
0101R361
Member Price: $95 | Non-Member Price: $124
NEW! Process Chemicals for Papermaking
0101R361
Member Price: $129 | Non-Member Price: $167
Starch and Starch Products in Surface Sizing and Paper Coating
0101R336
Member Price: $172 | Non-Member Price: $215
Starch and Starch Products for Wet End Application
0101R319
Member Price: $135 | Non-Member Price: $200
The Coating Processes
0102B057
Member Price: $111 | Non-Member Price: $167
NEW! Pigment for Paper and Paperboard, Third Edition 0102B062
Member Price: $135 | Non-Member Price: $176
