PPI Transport Symposium 19 Sees 20% Increase in Attendee Numbers

BRUSSELS, October 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Forest products logistics professionals from around the world congregated at the Amsterdam RAI for PPI Transport Symposium 19. Organized by RISI, in partnership with the IFPTA (International Forest Products Transport Association), the biennial PPI Transport Symposium was held October 11-14, 2011 at the Amsterdam RAI. With delegates from over 29 countries, the number of registered attendees showed a 20% increase over the last event held in 2009 and was also higher than the 2007 event.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110721/NE39662LOGO )

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080521/NEW122LOGO )

"Everyone in the industry has felt the impact of the economy over the last couple of years, but there was a more optimistic vibe at PPI Transport Symposium 19. Exhibitors were pleased with the quality and diversity of the attendees, especially the number of new companies that came and the high level of pulp and paper producers," says Rhiannon James, Senior Vice President of Marketing Services, RISI.

The PPI Transport Symposium 19 Conference Program, titled "Growth & Sustainability: Meeting the Challenges in Forest Products Logistics," featured a dynamic line up of panel discussions covering a variety of topics including: Challenges & Opportunities Facing the Forest Products Transportation Industry; Forecast for the Global Pulp and Paper Industry; Challenges & Opportunities for Shipping & Transportation in Asia; and Examining the Potential from Biomass and Biofuels.

For the first time in the history of the Symposium, the conference program also featured two special sessions hosted by CEPI (Confederation of European Paper Industries). These new sessions explored the new EU policy regarding transportation emissions, sustainable transport for the pulp and paper industry, and emissions reductions.

The exhibit hall showcased the latest products and services available from leading companies in the industry and featured some of the largest ports around the world.  

Exhibitors were keen to re-sign for the next Symposium with a number of companies confirming larger booths. The next PPI Transport Symposium will be held in Baltimore, Maryland on October 21-24, 2013.

"The higher than expected registration numbers at this year's PPI Transport Symposium confirms the level of commitment these companies have to the future of the industry," said Buddy Greene, President, IFPTA.  "PPI Transport Symposium remains a must-attend event for the forest products logistics industry."

The Symposium sponsors include Bolzoni Auramo, Bristol Port Company, Cascade, Euroports, FMS, Grieg Star Shipping, Port of Amsterdam, Port of Antwerp, V. Alexander, VCK Logistics, Verbrugge, and Waterland Terminal.

The full conference program, speaker biographies, complete program, and list of attendees can be found on the Symposium website at http://www.transportsymposium.com.

About PPI Transport Symposium

PPI Transport Symposium is the leading biennial conference and exhibition for the global forest products logistics industry.  It is dedicated exclusively to the worldwide transport, materials handling, and distribution of pulp, paper, wood, timber, and forest products commodities.  

Organized by RISI, in partnership with the IFPTA (International Forest Products Transport Association), PPI Transport Symposium offers unparalleled networking opportunities, a comprehensive conference program, an associated exhibition, and a tour of the host port facilities.  

PPI Transport Symposium 20 will take place October 21-24, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland.  For more information, visit http://www.transportsymposium.com.

About RISI

RISI is the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. The company works with clients in the pulp and paper, wood products, timber, biomass, tissue, nonwovens, printing and publishing industries to help them make better decisions.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, RISI operates additional offices throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. More information can be found at http://www.risi.com.

About IFPTA

The International Forest Products Transport Association (IFPTA) was established in 1982 as an organization for professionals within the global forest products logistics industry.  The Association provides a networking framework to encourage communication and innovation among all roles and participants in the industry.  

The IFPTA supports the IFPTA Journal, produces various regional seminars, and organizes the biennial PPI Transport Symposium in conjunction with RISI.  For more information, visit http://www.ifpta.org.

Contact:
Jennifer Plourde
Associate Marketing Manager
RISI
Tel: +1-781-734-8917
jplourde@risi.com