TAPPICon 2022 Draws Paper, Packaging and Tissue Leaders from Around the World
More than 1,400 mill and other professionals gathered from around the world for TAPPI’s 2022 TAPPICon Conference, April 30 – May 4, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C. to learn new strategies, technologies, and processes, network with industry peers and find solutions on a sold out expo floor.
TAPPICon, considered one of the world’s largest technical conferences for the paper, packaging and tissue industry, offered attendees five days of expert-led technical presentations, roundtable and panel discussions, training and networking events. Attendees had the opportunity to visit the exhibit floor where nearly 110 leading suppliers showcased the latest developments in products and services. Delegates and subject matter experts from companies such as International Paper, Georgia-Pacific, Cascades, Clearwater Paper, Essity, General Electric, Amazon, Graphic Packaging, Hood Container, Irving Tissue, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Neenah Paper, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA), Proctor & Gamble, SAPPI North America, Target Corporation, Weyerhaeuser and many more were in attendance.
Developed by technical experts and business leaders in the industry, the program included more than 145 speakers presenting on key topics within nine, peer-reviewed tracks: Papermaking, Papermaking Additives, Coating and Graphic Arts, Process Control, Papermaking Fundamentals, PIMA Management, Recycled Paperboard, Reliability and Maintenance, and Tissue. In addition to the comprehensive programming, attendees were also able to participate in multiple educational and networking events, including the Women’s Summit, Tissue 101: Properties and Processes course, the New Technology Showcase, and Hot Topics breakfast where industry professionals had the opportunity to discuss topics ranging from proactive risk reduction to the digital transformation in mill operations.
2022 Speaker Highlights
TAPPICon featured keynote speaker, Jessica Stollings-Holder, national speaker and author who offered insight on how to break down barriers that divide and build up awareness which unites and empowers all people to create a more inclusive and innovative future. Other popular events included the Executive Panel moderated by Mark Rushton, editor of Tissue360° Magazine, and Dr. Karyn Biasca, professor from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. The prestigious panel of industry leaders included Leslie Petrie, VP Environmental, Health and Safety at International Paper; Steve Henry, Sr. VP Packaging at Domtar; Susanne Haase, Program Director at 4evergreen Alliance; and Naveen Chenna, Head of Business and Technology Development at Andritz Oy. The session also included a special video kickoff from Annica Bresky, President and CEO of Stora Enso.
TAPPI also held its annual Fellows luncheon during TAPPICon where it bestowed the title of Fellow on ten members, commemorating the event with a group photo including all previous Fellows in attendance.
Known for being a great platform for connecting with peers and building business relationships, TAPPICon offered multiple events including a networking social at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte; a Young Professionals mixer; TAPPI Trivia and University Reception; a Speed Networking event to match mentors with protégés; an Awards Breakfast; and multiple receptions, happy hours, and lunches. Over 20 committee meetings were also held throughout the conference which allowed attendees a chance to meet industry professionals interested in specific areas and learn more about each committee.
The Conference also debuted “Trending in the Aisles,” which highlighted special demonstrations, presentations and case studies scheduled each day by exhibitors, allowing attendees to better manage their time on the exhibit floor. TAPPICon concluded on Wednesday with the new TAPP-Out lunch and awards ceremony. This fun event included a brief recap and video of the Conference as well as ten hilarious awards voted on by attendees. Awards included “Never Too Early for Happy Hour,” “Speed Racer,” “Fun Run Lucky Last,” “GOAT” and more.
TAPPICon 2023 will be held in Atlanta, GA, USA on April 22-26. For more information or to secure a booth, visit TAPPICon.org.