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WVU succeeds as first-time host of the Forest Products Society International Conference

Seven Davis College team members standing

The 2023 Forest Products Society International Conference brought approximately 140 students and industry professionals from across the world to the Mountain State to learn about the status of forest products research and industry innovations from June 6-8. 

Organized by the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, it was the first time the Forest Products Society had its annual conference in the state. 

Gloria Oporto and Joseph McNeel, professors in wood science and technology, successfully coordinated all activities and presentations.

“The international conference was a tremendous opportunity for professionals and researchers from diverse backgrounds to come together and exchange ideas,” said Chris Butts, executive vice president of the society. “I was especially proud that the conference was able to bring more exposure to the forest products industry in West Virginia as well as the support provided to the industry by West Virginia University.” 

With the 2023 slogan, “Not just wood anymore,” presentation topics reinforced the importance of wood in sustainable construction and in mass timber products as well as its use in nanotechnology applications, agroforestry, non-timber forest products and climate smart forestry. 

“We were able to showcase all that West Virginia and WVU contribute to our industry,” Butts added. 

Students also presented their research with the chance to interact with industry representatives. Companies also demonstrated their processes and products and recruited students for seasonal and long-term jobs. 

Weyerhaeuser, Louisiana Pacific, Bakelite, Huber Engineered Wood, Willamette Valley Company, PFS-TECO, International Mass Timber Alliance, Evergreen Engineering, Inc., SmartFume and West Virginia Forestry Association were all represented at the conference.

The Forest Products Society is an international, not-for-profit technical association providing an information network for all segments of the forest products industry. 

Read more about the Forest Products Society International Conference. 

The Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design envisions a world sustainably fed, clothed and sheltered. 

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