Staying up-to-date on advances and changes in packaging is imperative – that is why flexible packaging professionals should make plans to attend the 2008 TAPPI PLACE Conference (Polymers, Laminations, Adhesives, Coatings and Extrusions), showcasing innovations in materials, equipment, and processes in the flexible packaging and converting industry. The conference will be held September 14-17, 2008 in Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.

Learn about the latest developments in Food Safety and Regulatory issues; hear technical presentations on the new packaging requirements and designs, such as Active and Smart Packaging; and join in a discussion with Brand Owners and Converters on how they have collaborated to offer award-winning consumer packaging. The event will also include:

- A New Technology Showcase

- Tabletop displays of the latest products and services available to the market

- Special “Sustainability Workshop” offering interactive, participatory learning experience

- More than 40 technical sessions on a variety of topics including regulatory issues, product security and safety

- Peer-to-peer networking: Meet engineers, managers, specialists, suppliers, end users and consultants from the flexible packaging and converting industry

- The best of AIMCAL, ANTEC and SPE

Expert speakers will lead sessions that address market-oriented topics of interest in flexible packaging and converting. Keynote presentation speakers are:

Drew Gilchrist, Vice President of Sales, Vanguard Packaging & Display: Vanguard is a member of Wal-Mart’s Sustainable Value Network (SVN). Gilchrist has lived in Bentonville 15 years and is directly involved in Wal-Mart’s Retail Link Users Group. He is fully immersed in the Wal-Mart culture, and has received Wal-Mart’s authorization to present Wal-Mart’s Sustainability perspective at the PLACE Conference.

A.J. “Tony” Burns, Associate Director, The Procter & Gamble Company: An expert on sustainability, Burns is Procter & Gamble’s designated speaker on the subject. In addition to his duties with Procter & Gamble, Burns serves on the Advisory Board for the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC).

Easy online registration is now open! More details are available at www.tappi.org/08place. Information is also available through TAPPI’s Member Connection Center, 1-800-332-8686 (US), 1-800-446-9431 (Canada), +1-770-446-1400, memberconnection@tappi.org.

TAPPI is the leading association for the worldwide pulp, paper, packaging, and converting industries and co-publisher of Paper360°. Through information exchange, trusted content, and networking opportunities, TAPPI helps members elevate their performance by providing solutions that lead to better, faster, and more cost-effective ways of doing business. Visit www.tappi.org.

Media Contact: Jan Bottiglieri, Director of Communications, 1-847-466-3891 or email jbottiglieri@tappi.org