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PAPERWEEK PREVIEW: Our Roots Go Deep

The benefits of attending EXFOR 2002 are deeply rooted in the opportunities offered at this premiere pulp and paper event. Despite the difficulties faced at the present time by this industry, pride in the products is still a driving force with companies as they continue to invest, renovate and open their doors to new ideas and improvements. Guaranteeing returns on investment has never been more important. Given this situation, inspiration can be drawn from the participants gathered at the Palais des Congrs in Montreal at the end of January 2002. The interaction of experts and leaders, as well as customers and suppliers, from around the world will bring together the most important information and trends that will lead to increased productivity and performance. This year’s PaperWeek promises hundreds of possibilities to see and experience the latest advances in technology as approximately 12,000 participants from over 40 countries arrive to take part. The remodelling of the Palais de Congrs has, again, greatly increased the exhibit space and the resulting enlargement of EXFOR will expand the possibilities with additional displays from the Sustaining Member companies who supply the industry. Still more space and more exhibitors are expected for 2003.

Standing committees from the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada, Forest Products Association of Canada and the Pulp and Paper Products Council have assembled a high quality program of presentations covering resources, papermaking, pulping, processes and properties, energy, engineering and technologies, measurement and control, customer focus, recycling as well as other related topics. According to Dennis R. McNinch, Chairman, PAPTAC (Domtar Inc, Montreal), the 88th Annual Meeting offers “tremendous professional development opportunities.”

In addition, an innovative workshop on Solving your Health and Safety Problems: Going Beyond the Hard Hats and Safety Boots, Rules and Regulations and Systems and Procedures promises to be a great learning experience.

Special awards will be presented to a variety of research and industry representatives at the PAPTAC awards ceremony on Thursday at 11 a.m. in Room 710-B on the top level of the Palais des Congrs.

As usual, every effort has been made to smooth the way for learning, discussing and sharing. Emphasis on business contacts and feedback from industry personnel is always an important part of this international exhibition, so social events, as well as the venues for meetings, are available. The welcoming reception for Meeting Your Council will be at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel on Tuesday, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for all delegates, exhibitors and spouses. On Wednesday, the PAPTAC Reception and Gala will also be at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel, the reception at 6:30 p.m. in the Foyer and the Gala at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon.

Since it is impossible for delegates to attend all of these sessions, look in the pages of The Reporter where you will find articles written by our staff covering most events. The Reporter is delivered bright and early to more than 20 Montreal-area hotels during PaperWeek, and will also be available at any of the numerous stands in the Palais. Come visit us at our EXFOR booth (200 and 101), where you can pick up Pulp & Paper Canada magazines and the 2002 Canadian pulp, paper and board mill map. The 2002 Pulp & Paper Annual Directory will also be available for purchase at our booth. The Press Room is located at 523B.

See you there!