The Auburn Pulp and Paper Foundation’s Annual Fall Conference returns for its 36th year, continuing a long-standing tradition of collaboration with Gulf Coast TAPPI. This signature event brings together professionals, students, and industry leaders for two days of technical sessions, student presentations, and networking opportunities. With around 125 attendees during the day and up to 175 at the evening banquet, the conference offers a vibrant platform to exchange ideas and celebrate the future of the pulp and paper industry. Highlights include keynote addresses from top executives, student introductions, and a popular silent auction that supports scholarships for Auburn’s Pulp and Paper Program. The event concludes with the APPF Business Meeting, wrapping up the conference with key takeaways and updates.
Gulf Coast TAPPI Technical Session:
Lunchtime Keynote/Conference Kickoff
Jim Thompson is a seasoned leader in the global pulp and paper industry, with over 50 years of experience spanning engineering, operations, and consulting. As CEO of Talo Analytic International, Inc., he has conducted due diligence on more than 200 mills worldwide and served as an expert witness in high-profile industry litigation. He is also the founder and CEO of Paperitalo Publications, LLC, a leading digital media company serving over 20,000 papermakers globally through newsletters, podcasts, and commentary. A licensed professional engineer, author, and award-winning industry advocate, Jim is known for his insights on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.
Banquet Dinner Keynote Speaker
Laurent Sellier’s journey with Smurfit Westrock began when he joined Smurfit Kappa in 1995 as an internal auditor. After occupying various operational positions in the Paper Division in the UK, Spain, and France, he was appointed COO SK Europe Paper & Board in October 2015. Laurent was then appointed CEO of Smurfit Kappa the Americas in 2022. Upon the completion of the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in July 2024, Laurent was appointed CEO of Smurfit Westrock North America when he is committed to continuing the growth of our business.
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Day 1: Wednesday, September 10 th 2025 |
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7:00 am |
Gavin Garden |
Pulp & Paper Industry Day Set Up |
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8:00 am - 11:00 am |
Gavin Garden |
Pulp & Paper Industry Day Auburn Pulp & Paper Foundation Company Members Auburn Pulp & Paper Foundation Company Members |
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12:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
Mary Martin Hall |
Pulp & Paper Exclusive Interviews Auburn Engineering Students Auburn Pulp & Paper Foundation Company Members |
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Day 2: Thursday, September 11 th 2025 |
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8:00 am |
pre-function Foyer |
Conference Registration Open |
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9:00 am |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Gulf Coast TAPPI Technical Sessions Opening Remarks Ryan Causey, Gulf Coast TAPPI |
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9:15 am |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Session 1: Igniting Curiosity, K-12 STEM Initiatives Kick-off Speaker Katelyn Polk, PCA Counce K-12 STEM outreach: Mobile Paper Cart Chris Marchio, Smurfit WestRock Mahrt Mill |
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10:15 am |
Pre-function Foyer |
Coffee Break |
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3:45 pm |
Oak Room |
Session 1: Igniting Curiosity, K-12 STEM Initiatives Auburn University, Pulp & Paper Student Introductions & Experiences hands-On STEM: Engaging Students with Real World Engineering Challenges Dr. Virginia Davis, Auburn University Paper & Bioresource Engineering Summer Camp Tanner Stogner & Colton Lindsay, Auburn University |
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12:00 pm - 1:30 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
lunch & Afternoon Keynote Address Insights on the evolving role of media, mentorship, and innovation in workforce development. Jim Thompson, iPulp Media |
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1:30 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Coffee Break |
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2:00 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Session 2: Shaping Futures, Workforce Development Training the Next Generation of Mill Operators Clay Oldham, TAPPI The Use of Simulators in Onsite Training Bryan McAlister, Snyder Electric |
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3:15 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Coffee Break |
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2:00 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Session 2: Shaping Futures, Workforce Development Auburn University Pulp & Paper Student Introductions & Experiences Alabama Center for Paper & Bioresource Engineering Dr. Zhihua Jiang |
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4:00 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Gulf Coast TAPPI Sessions Closing Remarks Ryan Causey, gulf Coast TAPPI |
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5:15 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
APPF Banquet Dinner Registration Graduate Student Poster Presentation Alabama Center for Paper & Bioresource Engineering |
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5:30 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom |
Networking Reception & Silent Auction |
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5:30 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom |
APPF Banquet Dinner Keynote Address Laurent Sellier, Smurfit WestRock |
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Day 3: Friday, September 12 th 2025 |
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7:00 a.m. |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Conference Registration |
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8:00 a.m. |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
Breakfast Meeting |
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9:30 a.m. |
Magnolia Ballroom I |
APPF Business Meeting |
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11:30 a.m. |
Hotel Foyer |
AC-PABE Lab Tour *departure time is approximate |
Ready to Join the Industry’s Premier Fall Gathering?
Connect with professionals, students, and leaders shaping the future of pulp and paper. The Auburn Pulp & Paper Fall Conference offers a unique blend of technical sessions, student presentations, and keynote insights from top executives. Whether you're returning or attending for the first time, this is your opportunity to learn, network, and support the next generation of industry talent.
The Graduate by Hilton
202 W Magnolia Ave, Auburn, AL 36830, USA
To book your hotel room, click here!
Limited rooms are available at the Auburn Pulp & Paper Conference Rate.
Thank you to our sponsors!
