In light of the ongoing pandemic and progressive distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, TAPPI has announced that its multi-segment conference TAPPICon, initially scheduled in the spring of 2021, will now be offered in May and October of this year.
TAPPICon VIRTUAL begins with a kick-off May 4 and 5, 2021, featuring four hours of timely content each day. The event continues over the summer with a series of short technical sessions, as well as Tech Talks featuring innovative product, service and equipment providers. The program is focused on various industry areas: paper, tissue, nonwovens, and maintenance and reliability. The event culminates October 3 – 6, 2021 in Atlanta, GA with “TAPPICon LIVE!,” a face-to-face event including an exhibit hall, new technology showcase, courses, and an awards ceremony recognizing Industry leaders.
“If there is one thing 2020 taught us, it’s adaptability,” said TAPPI President and CEO Larry N. Montague in making the announcement. “Certainly, the need for information and learning hasn’t stopped just because COVID is still impacting travel and gatherings. If anything, it has increased, and we are trying creative, and safe, ways to meet that need. After losing more than a year of face-to-face meetings, we want to provide our attendees with the most value possible – and this unique combination of virtual and onsite over an extended timeframe offers it.”
TAPPICon features six industry segments coming together under one umbrella: paper, tissue, nonwovens, recycling, maintenance and reliability, and women in industry. Each “track” offers in-depth and timely presentations and information designed to enlighten and inform. The combined segments offer participants the opportunity to attend “cross-over” areas of interest and pick and choose sessions according to their needs.
According to TAPPICon Steering Committee Chairman Gordon Bugg, Sr. Engineer (Coatings), Kemira, being able to adjust so quickly is a credit to the dedication of the volunteer members of the committee. “Planning an event of this size and scope is challenging to begin with, but when you add in a worldwide pandemic, it can be enormous. Our goal has always been to provide quality knowledge-sharing in a safe, but also enjoyable, venue. We believe this dual offering provides the best of both worlds, keeping in mind the unknowns that are still out there.”
For more information and registration for TAPPICon, visit tappicon.org.