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Upcoming
Events
Meetings
Training
Webinars

Jun 11-13, 2025

Asean Paper Bangkok

Bitec, Bangkok, Thailand

Jun 25-27, 2025

2025 PC BDM EXPO

Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

Sep 28-30, 2025

Chemeca 2025 : Shape the future starting now

Adelaide, South Australia

Download copy of the Program here

PROGRAM OUTLINE

7:45 am

REGISTRATION & MORNING TEA
LOCATIONS: Atrium, Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields

Participants register, receive their event badges, and enjoy morning tea with exhibitors.

8:30 am

WELCOME 

David Platt, Event MC and Cofounder, Resilient Futures 

8:40 am

APPITA PRESIDENT'S OPENING ADDRESS

Neil Louwrens, President, Appita

8:45 am

OPENING KEYNOTE - "ORGANISATIONAL RESILIENCE - THE POTENTIAL OF STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT"
Travis Soutter, Managing Director, Concordia Asset Management

9:15 am

LEADERSHIP PANEL: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
Hosted by: Tim Woods, Director, IndustryEdge

A candid discussion on real-world leadership challenges, decision-making in uncertain environments, and the skills needed to lead through change. Industry executives will share personal insights into critical leadership moments and how they navigate shifting market conditions.

PANEL

John Bartleman, Chief Operating Officer, Pulp & Paper, Oji Fibre Solutions (Virtual)
Jacob Chretien
, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Opal

Patrick Dooley, Managing Director, Norske Skog, Boyer (Virtual)
David Tyack, 
Managing Director ANZ - International Family Care & Professional (IFP), Kimberly-Clark

10:10 am

MORNING TEA

10:30 am

ASSET MANAGEMENT SESSION OPENING - Proudly sponsored by Wood Beca
Hosted by: Giancarlo Bigaran, General Manager: Engineering, Process and Projects, Visy Pulp & Paper
Effective asset management is the cornerstone of operational resilience in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries. This session delves into how coordinated activities, informed by enterprise risk management principles and innovative approaches, can unlock significant value from assets while mitigating risks.

10:35 am

SPONSORS KEYNOTE: "CAN’T SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES? – USING RISK BASED PRINCIPALS TO MAKE THE BEST SPEND DECISIONS"
Shane Gowan, General Manager, Wood Beca

11:05 am

XCHANGE PANEL: ASSET MANAGEMENT

This panel explores the real-world challenges of asset management, from decision-making bias and risk to workforce knowledge and technology. Gain practical insights into aligning leadership, managing risk, and future- proofing assets in a rapidly evolving operating environment.

PANEL

Shane Gowan, General Manager, Wood Beca
Rudy Haraga, Director of Technical Services, Fornax Services
Travis Soutter, Managing Director, Concordia, Asset Management

Kelly Thompsell, APAC & ANZ Asset Care Leader, Kimberly-Clark

11:45 am

ENERGY FUTURE SESSION OPENING

Hosted by: Howard Burvill, Appita Magazine, Features Editor
This session brings together energy and sustainability leaders to examine the critical challenges and opportunities facing the industry as it navigates the energy transition.

11:50 am

GUEST KEYNOTE: "EMERGING TECHNOLOGY TO DECARBONISE PULP AND PAPER OPERATIONS."
Jarrod Leak, CEO, Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity, A2EP

12:20 pm

LUNCH

1:10 pm

XCHANGE PANEL: ENERGY FUTURE

Panelists will explore strategies for decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and renewable integration, drawing on global insights and local innovations. The session will also highlight policy gaps, the role of collective action, and how businesses can future-proof operations in an environment of energy volatility and increasing regulatory demands.

PANEL
George Christodoulides, General Manager - Visy Recycled Paper Mills & Energy 
David Jettner
, Opal General Manager - Environment and Sustainability, Opal Group
Jarrod Leak
, CEO, Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity

Gabriel Vinha, Sales Manager, Products & Services ANZ, Voith Group

1:50 pm

NEW SPEAKER COMPETITION 
Hosted by: Appita Young Professional Networks, Liam Methven, Fibre Research Manager, Varden
This session brings together energy and sustainability leaders to examine the critical challenges and
opportunities facing the industry as it navigates the energy transition.
Proudly sponsored by Asten Johnson, Aurelia Group, Azelis, Kemira, Scandinavian Electronics, Solenis, Solvay, Valmet, Varden, Voith BTG, Wood Beca

2:00 pm

"RATING LIFTING EQUIPMENT & WHEN IS IT PECPR"
Sharik Burgess Stride
, Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Index Engineering Ltd, New Zealand

2:30 pm

"PAPER MILLS IN SOCIETY"
Samuel Jackson,
 Production Supervisor, Visy

3:00 pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:20 PM

TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION SESSION OPENING - Proudly sponsored by ABB
Hosted by: David Vercoe, General Manager Technical, Opal Australian Paper
This session explores how technological innovation and smart systems are helping mills
optimise performance, reduce emissions, and modernise legacy operations.

3:25 pm

GUEST KEYNOTE: "DIGITAL INNOVATION FOR TOMORROW – NAVIGATING CHALLENGES AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PULP AND PAPER"
Sachin Vaidya, Regional General Manager (Asia | Middle East | Africa) Digital Solutions & Services, ABB

3:55 pm

XCHANGE PANEL - TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION 

This panel explores how mills are applying automation, digital upgrades, and smart chemistry to modernise  legacy systems, optimise processes, and improve sustainability.  Hear real-world insights on workforce enablement, integration challenges, and the next wave of technology-driven innovation. 

PANEL

Russell Allan, Managing Director, Aurelia Group 

Bryalee Pearless, ANZ Sales Manager, Solenis
Peter Tomazic, 
Business Development Manager, Strategic Accounts, Rockwell Automation 
Sachin Vaidya,
Regional General Manager (Asia | Middle East | Africa) Digital Solutions & Services, ABB

4:35 pm

Capturing Insights:  Facilitated by: David Platt, Event MC and Cofounder, Resilient Futures
An interactive roundtable session designed to capture key insights, reflections, and opportunities arising from the day's discussions.  A chance to connect, share perspectives, and shape future actions across the industry.

4:50 pm

Announcement of New Speaker Winner, and Recognition of Appita Membership Milestones
Presented by Neil Louwrens, President, Appita
Join us as we close the day by celebrating the future and the foundation of our industry, Appita President Neil Louwrens will announce the winner of the New Speaker Award, recognising outstanding emerging talent.  We'll also take a moment to honour long-standing members whose commitment and contributions have helped shape our community over the years.

5:00 pm

NETWORKING FUNCTION - Proudly sponsored SOLENIS
Location: Stateroom, Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields 
Wrap up the day by connecting with colleagues, speakers, and industry peers in a relaxed and social setting.  Proudly sponsored by Solenis, this networking function is a great opportunity to continue conversations, share insights, and build valuable relationships within the pulp, paper, packaging, and bioproducts community. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.

EXHIBITORS SHOWCASE SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE
Price: NZD 5,000 + GST (Sign up before 15 August and pay $3,500)

The Table Display Sponsorship Package offers your company a unique opportunity to showcase its products and services directly to conference attendees. This package ensures your brand's strong presence and high visibility throughout the event, allowing you to engage with delegates in an interactive setting.

Sponsorship Benefits:

  • Prominent Display Space: Your company will be allocated a dedicated table display space in a high-traffic area,
    offering optimal exposure to all conference attendees.

  • Brand Display: Display your banners, marketing materials, products, or services directly to attendees, providing hands-on engagement opportunities.

  • Full Conference Registrations: Two (2) full conference registrations, granting your representatives access to all conference activities and networking events.

  • Opening Acknowledgment: Your sponsorship will be highlighted during the Conference Opening on both Day 1 and Day 2, enhancing your brand's prominence and recognition throughout the event.

  • Post Conference Interview: Interview article published in the pre-conference issue of the magazine by our Features Editor, opportunity to promote products and services.

  • Digital Presence: Your company logo, along with a direct link to your website, will be featured on the conference's official website, driving online engagement and traffic to your site.

  • Social Media Exposure (LinkedIn): Your company will be featured in conference stream social media posts, increasing your digital footprint and audience reach.

  • Recognition in Marketing Materials: Your company will be acknowledged as a sponsor on all digital and electronic marketing collateral, both leading up to and during the conference, reinforcing your brand's association with the event.

  • Optional LED iPoster Banner Wall:  This free-standing LED poster offers you additional exposure to display your company’s logo, products and services with the added feature of links to your website.  (This will be an additional cost to exhibition fee).

  • Panellist: If registered as exhibitor before 11 August, you can be a part of a panel discussion of your choice.

MAJOR SPONSOR - APPITA CONFERENCE
4-5 December 2024
NZD 11,500 + GST (2 opportunities)

Raise your profile by becoming a sponsor of the 2024 Appita Conference!

Sponsorship Benefits:

  • Full Conference Registrations: Five (5) all-access passes to the conference for your team members.

  • Keynote Address: Opportunity to deliver a keynote speech in line with the conference theme.

  • Opening Acknowledgment: We will express our gratitude for your principal sponsorship during the Conference Opening on both days, reinforcing your commitment to the industry and enhancing your brand reputation among attendees.

  • Complimentary Exclusive Table Space:  Elevate your organisation's presence at the conference by securing a complimentary dedicated space in the exhibiting area. 

  • Naming Rights: Your organisation will be recognised as a major sponsor of the Appita Annual Conference providing brand visibility.

  • Brand Display: Banners and marketing material from your organisation will be displayed throughout the conference venue for the entirety of the event. (To be supplied ty sponsor).

  • Website Promotion: Your logo will be displayed on the conference's official website and landing page with direct links to your website.

  • e-Newsletter Mentions: Regular highlights in the monthly e-Newsletter leading up to the event, each with a direct link to your website.

  • Social Media Features: Your organisation will be highlighted on Appita LinkedIn.

AWARDS DINNER – 4 DECEMBER 2024
NZD 9,500 + GST – SKYLINE RESTAURANT, ROTORUA, NEW ZEALAND

Seize the exclusive chance to showcase your company and join the highlight of the conference – the Cocktail Awards Function.  Held at the stunning Skyline Rotorua, this evening guarantees a memorable experience. Delegates will relish the scenic journey to the venue aboard the iconic gondolas, setting the stage for an unforgettable event. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your organisation front and centre of this memorable event.

Sponsorship Benefits:

  • Full Conference Registrations: Two (2) full conference registrations.
  • Keynote Address: 5-minute address by a company representative at the event.
  • Opening Acknowledgment: We will express our gratitude for your sponsorship during the Conference Opening on both days, reinforcing your commitment to the industry and enhancing your brand reputation among attendees.
  • Complimentary Table Display space at the conference.
  • Naming Rights: Exclusive naming rights to the Awards Dinner.
  • Complimentary Tickets: Ten (10) tickets to the Awards Dinner.
  • Digital Presence: Your company name and logo, with a hyperlink to your website, will be prominently featured on the conference website, promoting web traffic and digital engagement.
  • Social Media Exposure: You will be featured in our conference stream social media posts, broadening your digital reach to a wider audience.
  • Recognition in Marketing Materials: Your sponsorship will be acknowledged in all digital and electronic marketing collateral, both leading up to and during the conference, providing sustained brand exposure.
Skyline Tablesimage          skyline cartimage
     

 

PRINCIPLE SPONSORSHIP – INTERNATIONAL FIBRE PACKAGING SYMPOSIUM – Scion, 5 December 2024   SCION
$13,500 + GST

Raise your profile by becoming the principal sponsor of the 2024 International Fibre Packaging Symposium on the 5 December 2024!

This sponsorship offers the sponsor the sole exclusive naming rights to the live International Fibre Packaging Symposium at the Distinction Hotel, Rotorua, New Zealand!

Sponsorship Benefits:

Principle Sponsorship Package Benefits:

  • Full Conference Registrations: Seven (7) all-access passes to the conference for your team members.

  • Keynote Address: Opportunity to deliver a keynote speech in line with the conference theme.

  • Opening Acknowledgment: We will express our gratitude for your principal sponsorship during the Conference Opening on both days, reinforcing your commitment to the industry and enhancing your brand reputation among attendees.

  • Complimentary Exclusive Table Space:  Elevate your organisation's presence at the conference by securing a complimentary dedicated space in the exhibiting area. 

  • Naming Rights: Your organisation will be recognised as the principal sponsor of the International Fibre Packaging Symposium, providing maximal brand visibility.

  • Brand Display: Banners and marketing material from your organisation will be displayed throughout the conference venue for the entirety of the event.

  • Website Promotion: Your logo will be displayed on the conference's official website and landing page with direct links to your website.

  • e-Newsletter Mentions: Regular highlights in the monthly e-Newsletter leading up to the event, each with a direct link to your website.

  • Social Media Features: Your organisation will be highlighted on Appita LinkedIn.