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Call for Papers | Speaker Deadlines | PowerPoint Templates | Tips for Visual Presentation | Presentation Tips | Session Room Equipment | Antitrust Guidelines | Commercialism Guidelines | Conference Registration | Visa Travel Information | Hotel Reservation | Contact Us

PaperCon 2019 Call for Papers

The abstract deadline for PaperCon 2019 was October 26, 2018. Once you are accepted to the Technical Program, please refer to the information below for details on requirements.

PaperCon 2019 Speaker Deadlines

Oct 26                         Submissions due

Jan 15                         Full program on the website

Jan 25                         Final Extended Abstracts due to Session Chair/TPC contact for review

Feb 15                         Final Manuscripts/Extended Abstracts due

Mar 15                         Final PPTs due to Session Chair/TPC contact for review

Mar 29                         Final PPTs due to TAPPI 

May 5-8                        PaperCon

PowerPoint Templates

PaperCon PPT Template (PPT download) 

RPTA PPT Template  (PPT download)

NETInc PPT Template  (PPT download)

IDCON PPT Template  (PPT download)

IPPC PPT Template (PPT download)

PowerPoints need to be in 16:9 aspect ratio to properly fit onto TAPPI's 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

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. 

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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.)

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Presentation Tips

For Presenters

Before the conference:

1. 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.  

2. 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.  

3. 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:

1. 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.  

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

3. 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.  

4. 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

1. Share your expertise. You were selected as a panelist because you possess subject matter expertise. Share it accurately and carefully with your audience.

2. 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. 

3. Ensure compliance with TAPPI policies. Always remember that both your slides and comments must comply with our policies. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Conference Registration

Please remember you must also Register for the conference. Significantly reduced rates are available to speakers. 

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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 PaperCon, please review the TAPPI guidelines.

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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. 

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Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact Us:

General Conference/Program questions: 
Sarah Lunceford; +1 770.209.7345; slunceford@tappi.org 

Meeting Planner/Convention Center questions:
Bridgette Brigham; +1 770.209.7244; bbrigham@tappi.org

Speaker Management System questions: 
Jessica Reaves; +1 404.509.7477; jreaves@tappi.org

Sponsorship/Exhibit Opportunities: 
Shane Holt; +1 352.333.3345; sholt@naylor.com

Trade Fair/Exhibit Logistics: 
Grayson Lutz; +1 678.471.5853; glutz@tappi.org  

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Speaker - Commercialism Policy

TAPPI's Policy on Commercialism