The 37th Annual Auburn Pulp and Paper Foundation Fall Conference, proudly presented by Clearwater Paper, and held in partnership with Gulf Coast TAPPI, continues a proud tradition of bringing together the best of industry, academia, and emerging talent. This signature event convenes professionals, students, and leaders for two days of insightful technical programming, meaningful networking, and forward-looking discussion.
Centered around the 2026 theme—Innovation through Industry–University Collaboration—the conference will showcase how partnerships between companies and academic institutions are driving progress across the pulp and paper industry. Technical sessions will highlight collaborative approaches to advancing sustainability, accelerating digital transformation, strengthening the workforce pipeline, and optimizing mill operations, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world application.
With approximately 125 attendees during daytime sessions and up to 200 at the evening banquet, the conference offers a dynamic environment to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and engage with Auburn’s next generation of talent. Signature moments include student introductions and a highly anticipated silent auction benefiting scholarships for the Pulp and Paper Program.
The conference will conclude Friday morning with a guided tour of Auburn’s AC-PABE Pulp & Paper Pilot Lab, offering attendees a firsthand look at the facilities and collaborative learning experiences shaping future industry leaders. The APPF Business Meeting will be held the following Monday, providing dedicated time for Foundation updates and strategic discussion.
Gulf Coast TAPPI Technical Session | Lunchtime Keynote
Lawton Roberts
President & CEO, TAPPI
Banquet Dinner Keynote Speaker
Steve Bowden
Senior Vice President, Commercial, Clearwater Paper
Steve Bowden serves as senior vice president of commercial at Clearwater Paper, where he leads the company’s overall commercial strategy and the teams responsible for bringing its products to market. Since joining Clearwater Paper in 2018, he has played a key role in advancing the company’s paperboard business and strengthening its customer and market focus.
Prior to Clearwater Paper, Bowden was president of the Americas food and beverage division for Multi-Color. He also held several senior leadership roles at International Paper, including executive vice president of marketing and strategy for xpedx (formerly an International Paper division) and mill manager for the company’s coated paperboard facility in Augusta, Georgia.
A graduate of Auburn University, Bowden holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. He has also completed executive education programs at Louisiana State University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026 |
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8:00 am - 12:00 pm |
Shelby Center |
Pulp & Paper Industry Day |
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1:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Various |
Pulp & Paper Exclusive Interviews |
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4:30 pm - 5:30 pm |
Ross Hall 202 |
Gulf Coast TAPPI Board Meeting |
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5:00 pm |
Walt's Rooftop |
Welcome Cocktail Reception |
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 |
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7:30 am - 9:00 am |
Pre-Function Foyer & Terrace Room |
Registration Open Networking Breakfast & Vendor Showcase |
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9:00 am - 9:15 am |
Auditorium |
Welcome & Overview |
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9:15 am - 10:15 am |
Auditorium |
Industry-University Collaboration Panel "What challenges need solutions?" |
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10:15 am - 10:30 am |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Coffee Break & Vendor Networking |
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10:30 am - 10:45 am |
Auditorium |
Undergraduate Student Presentations #1 |
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10:45 am - 11:45 am |
Auditorium |
PechaKucha Innovation Showcase "What solutions are suppliers bringing?" |
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12:00 pm - 1:00 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom |
Lunch & Keynote Presentation Lawton Roberts, TAPPI |
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1:00 pm - 1:15 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Break |
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1:15 pm - 2:15 pm |
Auditorium |
Graduate Student Research Showcase |
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2:15 pm - 2:30 pm |
Auditorium |
Undergraduate Student Presentations #2 |
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2:30 pm - 2:45 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
Coffee Break & Vendor Networking |
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2:45 pm - 3:45 pm |
Auditorium |
Faculty Presentations "What solutions are universities developing & implementing?" |
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3:45 pm - 4:00 pm |
Auditorium |
Closing Remarks |
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5:15 pm |
Pre-Function Foyer |
APPF Banquet Dinner Registration Graduate Student Poster Presentation |
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5:30 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom |
Networking Reception & Silent Auction |
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7:00 pm |
Magnolia Ballroom |
APPF Banquet Dinner Steve Bowden, Clearwater Paper |
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 |
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7:30 am - 8:15 am |
TBD |
Grab & Go Breakfast |
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8:15 am - 10:15 am |
Hotel Foyer |
AC-PABE Lab Tour Departs |
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 Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center
241 S College St., Auburn, AL 36830
Enjoy the convenience of staying onsite at the conference venue. A limited number of rooms are available at a discounted conference rate.
Thank you to our sponsors!
