ATLANTA - The Forest Products Society (FPS), the global network for forest products professionals, announced today a partnership with the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA) to feature INNOtech seminars during the FPS 69th International Convention on June 10-12, 2015 at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, in conjunction with SFPA Expo 2015—the 33rd Forest Products Machinery & Equipment Exposition.

“It will be a unique experience where you will see and touch the latest in technology and innovation on the show floor, while learning more about the hottest topics in the industry today.”

“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with SFPA to create the INNOtech education program — an exciting new feature, which will broaden the scope of our Convention’s theme of Unlocking the Potential of Forest Products,” said FPS President and Associate Professor at Louisiana State University Agricultural Center Niels de Hoop. “The Convention has always been an astounding opportunity for professionals to become exposed to the wide range of timely forest products issues facing the industry worldwide, and now both SFPA and FPS attendees will take an even greater advantage of sharing knowledge and networking together during this special collaboration.”

INNOtech, short for Innovations and Technology Program, will feature an array of technical seminars geared to manufacturers of wood products and secondary processors. The seminars will be offered alongside the scientific and technical sessions of the Convention, which will cover topics from advances in technology, and marketing and education, to wood and the environment, and wood in construction.

SFPA Exposition Director Eric Gee commented, “This program of educational seminars will also greatly enhance Expo 2015. Working together, FPS and SFPA can provide a venue to promote the industry, share ideas, as well as bring a new audience to the show.”

Attended by scientists, design professionals, managers, decision makers, and students from academia, government, nonprofit, and private industry, the FPS International Convention explores trends in global wood product markets, highlights the history and current status of markets, and discussed future opportunities for wood-using industries. In addition, industry leaders are recognized for their achievements in the field and contributions to the Society with the FPS Excellence Awards.

“We are excited to bring the SFPA audience to the Convention through the INNOtech programming,” added FPS Director Craig McKinney. “It will be a unique experience where you will see and touch the latest in technology and innovation on the show floor, while learning more about the hottest topics in the industry today.”

Learn more about the FPS 69th International Convention by visiting www.fpsconvention.org. Abstracts are now being accepted for the 2015 technical program with the deadline of December 15, 2014.

About the Society

The Forest Products Society is a leading international association dedicated to advancing the sustainable use of renewable cellulosic resources through science and technology. www.forestprod.org

Source: Forest Products Society