When was the last time you got out of the workplace to attend an industry, conference, seminar or trade show? I'm talking about something more than a standard business meeting. If you're like most people, the answer most likely is "years" or "never." And that's a shame.
For anyone that has attended some of the industry's bigger events, such as AF&PA's Paper Week in New York City, PAPTAC's EXFOR trade show in Montreal, TAPPI's conferences/trade shows or PIMA's annual or sectional meetings, I think you'll agree that it always feels good to get out and actually talk face to face with people who hold a common interest—making a living in the paper industry.
I don't know about you, but every time I come back from one of these events, I find myself thinking that I need to get out more. And those thoughts are conjured up by the fact that I always learn something new, meet people that I've only known through email or by phone (always turn out to be nice folks), and opened doors, so to speak, for potential new business. The end result: increased productivity back at the office.
So why am I preaching? Because what arguably may be the largest pulp and paper industry trade show and conference is on the immediate horizon. It's TAPPI's Paper Summit. And according to TAPPI, there will be something for everyone. From what I've read, they're not kidding.
There will be literally hundreds of supplier exhibits where papermakers can check out the latest equipment and technology. Admission to the exhibits is free for everyone in the industry.
TAPPI is also offering a Mill VIP Program. This is exclusively for paper company employees. If you work for a pulp and paper manufacturing company—in a mill or the corporate office—then you qualify as a Mill VIP at Paper Summit. The program includes sessions for three major groups: 1. Operators, Technicians, Mechanics and Mill Support Workers. 2. Superintendents, Mid-level Managers, and Engineers. 3. Production, Mill, and Senior Managers. By the way, the educational sessions are also free.
As if the show itself isn't tempting enough, TAPPI says that whether or not you participate in the free educational sessions, all paper company employees within 250 miles of Atlanta qualify for reimbursement of car or van rental and gasoline expenses. In addition, paper company employees enrolled in the Mill VIP Program will receive vouchers for lunch during the exhibit.
TAPPI will also hold its joint Spring Technical and International Environmental Conference during Paper Summit, which offers a massive technical program.
It's safe to say that TAPPI has pulled out all the stops in an effort to get all you paper guys out of your offices, mills, or where ever it is you work. Get out and see firsthand what's available in new equipment. Participate in the sessions. Talk with your counterparts at other companies.
Paper Summit (www.papersummit.org) will be held May 3-5, 2004 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Paper company employees who want to register for the Mill VIP Program should contact TAPPI's Bonnie Hunter at 770-209-7326 or bhunter@tappi.org.
I'll see you there.
