Picking up the pace as PPI TS19 takes shape
The conference sessions are beginning to take shape for PPI TS19 as the first panels and speakers are confirmed
George Hudson, IFPTA Director
PPI TS19 Conference Co-Chairman
Published: March 6, 2011
The PPI Transport Symposium 19 Conference Programme is really beginning to take shape. And not a moment to soon. At the time of this writing, we have only nine months to go until PPI TS19 convenes in Amsterdam. Have I said before how time really flies?
Jaap Simonse, my co-Conference Chairman, and I met with Rhiannon James from RISI in London during January. It was about the fifth meeting or so we’ve had together over the last year to knock the conference into shape. For my part, it’s fair to say that the excitement I felt when working on the conference for PPI TS18 in Liverpool is back and stronger than ever for the Amsterdam Symposium.
In compiling this year’s programme, we have worked hard to take into account the results of the recent IFPTA Transport Symposium Survey about what members and attendees want from the Symposium and the conference sessions. The survey answers provided some very interesting points. Some of them were new but others were always self-evident, reminding us how important PPI Transport Symposium is to you and the industry.
There was no surprise in the results that networking was the main reason many attend PPI Transport Symposium. Hasn’t it always been this way? As to what was required for, and within, the conference programme, it was very clear that panel discussions are much preferred and offer a chance to hear from multiple viewpoints. And panels seem to encourage more audience interaction. It is also understandable that attendees want to hear about the issues, and that most are turned off by a speaker waxing lyrical on a company PR speech for 15 minutes.
The most relevant topics attendees want to hear was also of little surprise: carriers panel; a pulp panel, focusing on China, Asia, and Russia; a paper and packaging panel. Again, Jaap and I can say unequivocally that these are the topics we are the most interested to include for PPI TS19. And we are working hard to get the pulp and paper producers in as many sessions as possible.
On the exhibition side, what a take-up of exhibit space so far. We are very pleased that we’ve reached over 75% capacity, and the enquires are still coming in. It just shows how much PPI Transport Symposium has changed over the last decade or so. Where once, we were a conference with a small exhibition tacked on, now we are very much a premier conference AND a full exhibition.
Recognizing the importance of the exhibition, and the concern that exhibitors have had when the delegates departed for the Port Tour, we have rearranged the schedule to make it more accommodating for everyone. We have moved the conference sessions and exhibition to begin the day after the Port Tour. This will allow everyone to attend the Port Tour, engage in some networking and sightseeing, and enjoy the time out with friends and colleagues. We have set the Opening Reception to follow the Port Tour on that first night, giving everyone the chance to enjoy the day to the fullest.
A year ago, in my first Chairman’s Corner for PPI TS19, I mentioned how Jaap and I are only the public faces for the Symposium. I was amazed then, and am now, at just how much work is done behind the scenes to make the conference a success. Well, all those people are really pulling out the stops now. I suppose you could compare Jaap and I to two graceful swans on the water. We may look calm and serene, while the time there is tremendous action taking place just below the surface. They work tirelessly to see that the show runs smoothly and their only reward is a job well done. My hat is off to you!
So, my friends, mark your calendars, make your hotel reservations, and start making your list of people to see at PPI TS19 in Amsterdam.
