TAPPICon 2021

Your one-stop resource for speaker info, tips, and contacts

View PaperCon 2021 Call for Papers

Speaker Deadlines:

October 12, 2020	Abstract Submission Due
November 24, 2020	Extended Abstracts for Coating & Graphic Arts due for final acceptance
December 4th, 2020	General Abstract Acceptances sent
January 15, 2021	Program posted on website
January 22, 2021	Final Manuscript and Extended Abstracts due to Session Chair
February 12, 2021	Final Approved Manuscript due to TAPPI for final Antitrust Review
February 26, 2021	Final PowerPoint due to Session Chair
March 19, 2021	Final Approved PowerPoint due to TAPPI for final Antitrust Review

POSTER DEADLINES:

February 28, 2021	Abstract Submission Due
March 6, 2021	Acceptances Sent
March 30, 2021	Final Poster Due for Review
April 10, 2021	Antitrust and Commercialism Review Complete
April 28th, 2021	Poster Sessions at TAPPICon

NEW TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE DEADLINES:

February 26, 2021	Abstract Submission Due
March 5, 2021	Acceptances Sent
March 29, 2021	Final Presentation Due for Review
April 9, 2021	Antitrust and Commercialism Review Complete
April 26 - 27, 2021	NTS Sessions at TAPPICon

PowerPoint Templates

TAPPICon21 PowerPoint Template

RPTA PowerPoint Template

PowerPoint decks need to be in 16:9 aspect ratio to properly fit projectors/screens.

Your paper and presentation are subject to peer review and must comply with TAPPI antitrust and commercialism guidelines. Submission guidelines are listed below, and more detailed information/tips are also available in the following locations:

Antitrust Guidelines

TAPPI Commercialism Policy

Speaker Management System Access & Instructions

TAPPI Author/Speaker Kit

Manuscript Requirements

Manuscript Example

Extended Abstract Example

Presentation Guide

Presentation Tips

Scientific Poster Tips, Examples, Templates

Once approved, your materials will also be included in the Conference proceedings, with your permission. You may give TAPPI your permission on your submission form in the Speaker Management System.

Tips for Preparing Visual Presentations

General Guidelines

Use the TAPPI PaperCon PowerPoint Template for your presentation.
Final presentations, in the form of a slide deck, must be uploaded to the TAPPI Speaker Management system prior to the conference (unless you’ve made other arrangements with your session chairperson).
Have a backup of your presentation on hand, ideally on a USB key.
If you’re using your own laptop, set the screen resolution for optimal clarity and ensure you test your slides on the projector prior to your session.
Company name may be displayed on the first slide only. Trade names may be used only once.
If your deck contains crucial information which can stand alone, consider providing your audience with printouts that they can refer to later.
All presentations must be in compliance with TAPPI’s antitrust and commercialism Policies. Your deck will be reviewed prior to your session. Any slides that are not compliant will not be allowed in your presentation.

Tips for Creating your Slide Deck

Consider using only images as slides, rather than text. It serves as visual support while not forcing people to read while you’re talking.
If you are using text, select a simple font that is clear and easy to read. Sans-serif is best for slides, and be sure to use a minimum 30 point type.
Use a maximum of 3 fonts per presentation. This includes different sizes, as well as bold or italic versions of the same font.
Limit each line to 6 words, and 6 lines to each slide. You want to use the keywords that reinforce your ideas, not create complete sentences.
Limit your slides to a maximum of 2 per minute.
Think of your slides as visual support for your ideas – they should not introduce new ideas or contain information that will distract your audience from your talk.
Use a template and keep a uniform background throughout your presentation. Consistency in terms of color, font, and design is key.
Ensure there is good contrast between your background and your typeface and/or graphics.
Use simple graphics that are high in contrast. Avoid dense tables, charts, etc.

Tips for using Graphs & Charts

Graphs and charts should contain at least 2 different, high contrast colors. Use different colors, not shading, to denote graph data.
Always include a legend for charts so that your audience will have all the visual information available at a glance.
Select the appropriate chart for your data. Bar and pie charts are easier to read, but sometimes line charts are necessary. In those cases, ensure your lines are well contrasted and easy to follow. (Note: It may be better to use solid/dashed/dotted lines for a chart rather than different colors. Always test your charts before making a final decision.)

Presentation Tips

For Presenters

Before the conference:

Practice. Rehearse your talk at least three times prior to your presentation. This will allow you to get comfortable with the flow, as well as evaluate whether or not you’re meeting the objective of your talk. If possible, rehearse in front of someone who can offer constructive criticism.

Time your presentation. Ensure your speaking voice is natural, clear and not rushed. A good rule of thumb is that a 2,000 – 2,500-word presentation takes about 20 minutes, including time for a question and answer period.

Pay attention to format. Be sure your presentation includes the following elements:
1. Statement of problem
2. Plan of attack and results
3. Impact/Importance
4. Conclusion
*The introduction and conclusion are the most critical part of your talk. The introduction is your opportunity to engage the audience, and your conclusion is where you will emphasize the takeaway. Be sure to know these well.

At the conference:

Arrive early. Be in the room 30 – 45 minutes prior to the start of your session. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the room and the AV equipment.

Preview your slides. Always ensure you’ve done a final check of your slides. A room will be available for this purpose.

Allow time for a question and answer period. Always repeat audience questions into the microphone before responding so that everyone can hear it. To ensure a lively Q&A session, you can supply your session developer (or someone else) with a list of prepared questions to get the ball rolling. This can also serve as an opportunity to supply additional useful information which did not fit into the constraints of your presentation.

Attend the author’s breakfast. If there is an author’s breakfast scheduled, you should attend – even if your session immediately follows the breakfast.

For Panelists

Share your expertise. You were selected as a panelist because you possess subject matter expertise. Share it accurately and carefully with your audience.
Debate is a good thing. You may disagree with what other panelists are saying. If you do, speak up – but be sure you are respectful.
Ensure compliance with TAPPI policies. Always remember that both your slides and comments must comply with our policies.

Session Room Equipment

Regular session room setups include the following:

Lectern/Podium
Lectern/Podium microphone
Floor microphone for audience questions
PC laptop with VGA connection
Projector (16:9 aspect ratio)
8-foot screen
Slide advancer
Playback Now recording capture hardware
General convention center WiFi (please do not rely on an internet connection for your presentation)
Riser with a head table and 4 chairs

For specific AV needs, please contact us as soon as you know. All requests may not be accommodated. We will do our best to fit your needs. Changes to AV may not be permitted within 3 weeks of the event.

Antitrust Guidelines

Attendees at industry events in the US are becoming increasingly sensitive to antitrust compliance at face to face meetings. Therefore, we remind all authors to follow these simplified guidelines in your paper or presentation slides. The full TAPPI antitrust guidelines may be found here.

Mention of current or recent (i.e., within the last 90 days) or future production costs generally (including prices paid for raw materials, supplies, and labor), and overall production or distribution costs with respect to any specific products should be avoided.
Projected or actual cost savings related to a specific technological improvement or operational change may be discussed, as long as the specific before and after costs are not mentioned. Further, no comment whatsoever may be made about selling price changes that may occur as a result of the cost savings.

Commercialism Guidelines

Although commerce is a driving force for our technologies, TAPPI technical sessions are not a platform for commercial (sales) presentations. Presentations that are technical and objective enhance the credibility of the presenter and his or her organization. Restricting commercialism ultimately benefits both the presenters and the TAPPI audience.

Excessive use of brand names, product names or logos, failure to substantiate performance claims, and failure to objectively discuss alternative methods, processes or equipment are indicators of sales presentations. Note: If the technical paper you submit does not comply with TAPPI guidelines, it will not be printed in the proceedings. You will be notified if any issues need to be addressed and will have an opportunity to correct the problem. Here’s how to avoid some common violations:

For more specifics, please review the Commercialism Guidelines document.

Conference Registration

All speakers must register, (registration coming soon). TAPPI does not pre-register speakers. Speakers receive either a discounted full conference registration or they may attend for free the day of their scheduled talk. Please contact Tyler Mast for your single day promo code.

Visa Travel Infomation

You must register for the conference before being eligible for a Visa letter. For more details about obtaining a Visa to attend TAPPICon.

Hotel Reservation

You should also remember to book your hotel room as early as possible; TAPPI's discounted room blocks will sell out as the event approaches.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact Us:

General Conference/Program questions:
Tyler Mast; +1 770.209.7345; tmast@tappi.org

Meeting Planner/Convention Center questions:
Bridgette Brigham; +1 770.209.7244; [email protected]

Speaker Management System questions:
Pat Stiede; +1 770.209.7214 or +1 404.316.9454; [email protected]

Sponsorship/Exhibit Opportunities:
Shane Holt; +1 352.333.3345; [email protected]

Trade Fair/Exhibit Logistics:
Grayson Lutz; +1 678.471.5853; [email protected]