International Convention in D.C. Delivers the Path Toward a Global Green Economy

May 31, 2012 -- The 66th International Convention held June 3-5, 2012, in Washington, D.C., is the premier event for professionals in the forest products field.

This year’s theme is Solutions for a Global Green Economy. Convened annually by the Forest Products Society, this Convention brings together hundreds of international scientists, design professionals, managers, decision makers, and others from academia, government, non-profit, and private industry to discuss the state of forest products research and learn about innovations in the field. Forest products are renewable and sustainable when manufactured with environmentally responsible practices. In 2010, citizens of the world consumed an estimated 1.26 billion cubic meters of wood and wood-based products. In the United States, the forest products industry represents approximately 6% of the U.S. manufacturing base and ranks among the top ten in manufacturing in 48 states. With the scale of the forest products industry, renewable and sustainable products derived from forests will provide excellent solutions to a global green economy.

“This International Convention is the perfect venue to build new, professional relationships with top researchers from around the world as well as reconnect with colleagues and friends in the field. We will have more than 160 technical presentations in 30 session topics and 75 scientific posters. It is definitely the place to learn about the latest developments in forest products research and application,” according to Stefan Bergmann, Executive Vice President of the Forest Products Society.

Several high-level officials engaged in today’s key forest products issues for creating a Global Green Economy will be speaking at the Convention. Glenn Thompson, U.S. House of Representative from Pennsylvania, will present the “Importance of Forest Products and Natural Resources to the Future of the United States.” Other speakers include Arthur “Butch” Blazer, Deputy Under Secretary of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment; Tom Tidwell, Chief, USDA Forest Service; and leading philanthropist and Chairman & CEO of Gibson Guitar Corp. Henry Juszkiewicz, who will give his view on the Lacey Act in his presentation “The U.S. Government’s War Against Rock and Roll and Gibson Guitar.”

Bergmann noted that registrants will have an opportunity to network and engage with R&D scientists and issue experts. Speakers at the conference will present research findings and analysis on hot-topic issues that will advance forest products research, create value for landowners, generate new revenue for business owners, and provide insights to a global green economy.

A post-convention and exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour for attendees and guests is also available on June 6.

The 66th International Forest Products Convention takes place June 3-5, 2012, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, in Washington, DC. For registration, program agenda and hotel information, see http://www.fpsconvention.org or call 608-231-1361. Media is welcome to attend.

The Forest Products Society, an international nonprofit technical association founded in 1947, is committed to the sustainable use of renewable cellulosic resources through science and technology.

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Forest Product Society, www.forestprod.org

Contact: Stefan Bergmann/Megan Cuccia (608) 231-1361
stefan@forestprod.org, megan@forestprod.org

Contact Information

Stefan Bergmann

Executive Vice President

Forest Products Society

(1) 608-231-1361

stefan@forestprod.org