TAPPI Virtual Seminars successful in bringing information to members.

TAPPI has successfully introduced a new concept in connecting members with the information they need. The Virtual Seminar, a live 90 minute session offered by phone or internet, provides members the opportunity to call in or log on to hear expert speakers discuss a specific topic. Participants can Follow along on the internet or with handouts and ask questions during a question and answer period following the presentation. Virtual Seminars are different from traditional conference sessions in that they are shorter and focus on one issue or area of technology. Through the use of telephone and internet technology, TAPPI can provide cost-effective, timely information on the latest hot topics.

TAPPI has hosted four Virtual Seminars since December 2001. Each has been well attended and highly rated by the participants. Hundreds of members and others in the industry have found the Virtual Seminar to be a useful and valuable new offering from TAPPI. Participants find Virtual Seminars attractive because they are brief, inexpensive, and do not require travel or time away from work. According to one participant "I would not be able to travel to a seminar for this topic, so the telecom format allows me to participate." Another participant said: "The opportunity to ask questions online was great."

TAPPPs Virtual Seminars have covered a wide variety of topics, including energy cost reduction, financial issues affecting the industry, digester yield, and Cluster Rule MACT1-Phase II. Plans are being made now tier upcoming Virtual Seminars. Individuals, member groups, and TAPPI Sustaining Members who are interested in sharing their expertise by developing content for future Virtual Seminars are asked to contact Mike Molter at + 1 770 209-7264 or [e-mail].