Forest Products Society Wood Products Convention to cover technology advances, market opportunities

Researchers share the latest advances in wood processing, bio-mass, nanotechnology, adhesives, and composites

  • Global forum fosters the growth of the forest products professionals and research community
  • Sessions tackle timely forest products issues and market opportunities facing the industry
  • Impressive line-up of speakers features Oregon Treasurer Ted Wheeler and President of CORRIM Dr. Steve Kelley, and scientists from universities around the globe

Wood remains one of the most important renewable resources that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of our planet. Under the theme “New Horizons for the Forest Products Industry,” the Forest Products Society (FPS), the global network for forest products professionals, will host the 70th International Convention on June 27-29, 2016 in Portland, Oregon, USA, urging the continuance of focused discussion among the global forest products community about the state of forest products research and innovations in the field.

“A staple gathering for hundreds of scientists, design professionals, managers, decision makers, and others from academia, government, nonprofit, and private industry sectors, the annual FPS Convention challenges participants to share their latest ideas, research, philosophy, and technology, while removing the boundaries between industry sectors and promoting the cross-pollination of knowledge,” says Maureen Puettmann, FPS President. “The event is an astounding opportunity to become exposed to the wide range of timely forest products issues facing the industry worldwide.”

The FPS Convention’s theme is reflected in the line-up of speakers, presentations and on-site activities, which will feature oral talks, 50+ poster presentation plus a bonus day of fields trips and networking, covering a variety of important topics, including:

  • Advances in the Mass Timber Multistory Industry;
  • Biomass and Biofuels: Innovations;
  • Opportunities and Challenges in the Forest Products Industry;
  • Wood Properties – Quality and Mechanical;
  • Composite Materials: Reinventing Plywood/Veneer Markets;
  • Innovations in Non-Traditional Bio-products
  • Advances in Adhesion
  • Wood Modification: Improvements in Durability

Among the many presenters are Oregon State Treasurer Ted Wheeler and Professor and Head of the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University and President of CORRIM Dr. Steve Kelley. Wheeler has promoted environmental stewardship as State Treasurer by committing to increasing Oregon’s investments in renewable energy resources, while Dr. Kelley, has dedicated his research to the sustainable production of energy and materials from biomass, and life cycle analysis of wood products and energy systems.

The FPS Convention is also an important event for students as “it creates a platform for individuals at early stages of their professional life to forge lasting relationships,” adds Puettman. FPS student leaders have been working on a great program just for students beginning Sunday with trip to Multnomah Falls followed by the student Wood Bowl where student teams face off with their best knowledge of WOOD. In addition, on Monday the Convention will have a special oral session for students to briefly present their research, followed by the student poster competition.

Nian Ou of Huber Engineered Woods LLC, reflecting on the 2015 Convention attendance, said: “our team found the educational sessions and networking opportunities to be very beneficial. It is important for industry professionals and researchers to come together to facilitate innovation for the future of the forest products industry. The FPS Convention does just that.”

In addition, this year’s program includes an Excellence Awards Luncheon in which leaders in the industry will be recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Society and the industry.

“There is plenty of opportunity to network during the Welcome Reception, Session Breaks, Student Luncheon, and the infamous Paul Bunyan Party. We look forward to welcoming our current members and others in the industry who represent all segments of the forest products industry and keep our industry moving forward and changing the world we live in,” summarizes Puettman.

The Convention is also attracting a number of partners and sponsors, which already include: Western Wood Products Association, Hexion, Timber Products Inspection, Louisiana Forest Products Development Center/School of Renewable Natural Resources/Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, The Engineered Wood Association, TAPPI, Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau, American Wood Council and the Southern Forest Products Association.

For more information about the Convention, registration and sponsorship opportunities, please visit fpsconvention.org.

 

About Forest Products Society

Founded in 1947, the Forest Products Society’s vision is to be the international leader for advancing the sustainable use of renewable cellulosic resources through science and technology.

 

Contact

The Forest Products Society
Scott Springmier,
phone: +1 404-375-0464
email: scott@forestprod.org

Source

Forest Products Society, press release, 2016-03-15.

Supplier

American Wood Council
Forest Products Society
Hexion Specialty Chemicals
Huber Engineered Woods LLC
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
North Carolina State University
Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau PLIB
Southern Forest Products Association
TAPPI
The Engineered Wood Association APA
Western Wood Products Association WWPA

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