Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
TAPPICon 2027 is dedicated to enhancing mill performance, safety, reliability, and operational excellence. This event will unite professionals from the global forest products industry, offering unique opportunities for learning, networking, and discovery.
Attendees will engage with industry innovators and suppliers, fostering long-lasting relationships. TAPPICon takes place in Indianapolis, IN, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: TAPPICon 2027 runs April 24-28, 2027 at Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event focuses on improving mill performance, safety, reliability, and operational excellence in the forest products industry.
- 3Organiser: TAPPI is the leading association for the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and converting industries.
- 4Buyer Authority: Professionals from the global forest products industry will attend to connect and discover innovations.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration details will be available closer to the event date.
Why visit
Attendees will gain insights into the latest innovations in the forest products industry, network with peers, and participate in sessions tailored to improve operational excellence. Professionals from the global forest products industry will attend to connect and discover innovations. Registration details will be available closer to the event.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at TAPPICon offers companies the chance to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of industry professionals. TAPPI is the leading association for the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and converting industries. Professionals from the global forest products industry will attend to connect and discover innovations.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Mill managers and operators seeking operational improvements
Safety professionals focused on enhancing workplace safety
Research and development specialists in the forest products industry
Procurement professionals looking for innovative suppliers
Sustainability experts aiming to drive eco-friendly practices
Industry consultants providing strategic insights
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of pulp and paper machinery
Suppliers of raw materials for the forest products industry
Technology providers for mill automation and efficiency
Consultants specializing in operational excellence
Sustainability solution providers for forest products
Packaging companies serving the pulp and paper sector
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Pulp and paper machinery and equipment
Raw materials for paper production
Sustainability solutions for mills
Automation technology for operational efficiency
Packaging solutions for forest products
Safety equipment and training resources
Location & Facilities
Venue
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis, IN, United States
Facilities
Parking
Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Indiana Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Indianapolis, IN, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-04-24 to 2027-04-28, TAPPICon in Indianapolis, IN covering Pulp and paper machinery and equipment, Raw materials for paper production, Sustainability solutions for mills, Automati gives packaging buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Indianapolis International Airport
Primary gateway for TAPPICON. Rideshare and taxi ranks sit in the ground transportation area; no direct rail link to downtown, so plan a car, shuttle or IndyGo connection
TBA
to venue
15-20 minutes off-peak
by car
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Alternate if a CVG fare or routing is materially cheaper; add a rental car or long-distance transfer to the budget
TBA
to venue
About 1 hour 50 minutes by car
by car
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Use only for a significant fare saving or a stopover; the ground leg is long compared with flying into IND
TBA
to venue
About 3 hours by car, longer in Chicago traffic
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Westin Indianapolis
4-star
Downtown, connected by skywalkUSD 190–270 / night
Approximate band; among the closest full-service options for delegates who want to walk to morning sessions.
InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG
4-star
DowntownUSD 175–220 / night
Captured listing notes breakfast and parking as paid extras and praises location and cleanliness; treat the rate as an approximate band.
Omni Severin Hotel
4-star
Downtown, near Union StationUSD 170–240 / night
Historic downtown property a short walk or skywalk ride from the halls; approximate band, confirm extras.
Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
3-star
DowntownUSD 140–200 / night
Mid-tier downtown base; approximate band, check whether breakfast is bundled into the rate.
Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing
3-star
Keystone Crossing, north IndianapolisUSD 115–145 / night
Captured listing flags it as a good deal, 27% below usual rate; free Wi-Fi, paid parking, indoor pool. Adds a 20-30 minute drive to downtown.
Drury Inn & Suites Indianapolis Northeast
3-star
Northeast Indianapolis, I-69 corridorUSD 115–145 / night
Free breakfast, free parking, indoor pool and hot tub; capture shows 17% below usual rate. Budget for daily driving or rideshare.
Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Northwest Indianapolis
2-star
Northwest IndianapolisUSD 80–115 / night
Budget option with free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, free parking and indoor pool; approximate band, confirm condition and reviews.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forIndianapolis International Airport (IND) to downtown convention district
About 7 miles and 15-20 minutes off-peak; expect surge pricing on peak arrival days during the show.
Taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forIND to Indiana Convention Center
Taxis rank at the IND ground transportation area; fares vary with traffic on I-70 and downtown event closures.
IndyGo bus (local fixed route)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown transit center and city routes to the convention district
IndyGo serves downtown from the Julia M. Carson Transit Center; confirm the current fare, day passes and evening frequency before relying on it.
IndyGo Red Line (bus rapid transit)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forBroad Ripple and midtown corridor to downtown
Handy if you stay outside downtown along the Red Line corridor; stops are a short walk from the convention district.
Rideshare or taxi (short hop)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown hotel to Indiana Convention Center
Most skywalk-linked downtown hotels are walkable; take a car only in rain or with heavy bags.
Parking - downtown garage
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forConvention district garages and surface lots
Event pricing applies; the convention campus does not run one large attached public garage, so pick a garage inside the skywalk footprint and arrive early.
Parking - hotel self-park
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown hotel garages
Valet is usually higher; check whether parking is bundled into your rate before booking.
Rental car
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forIND rental center to downtown hotels
Only worthwhile if you add mill visits or regional travel after the show; downtown parking and traffic add real cost.
Weather
Late April is mid-spring in central Indiana: afternoon highs usually sit near 65-68 F (18-20 C) and overnight lows near 45-48 F (7-9 C), with morning chill that burns off quickly. April is one of the wetter months, bringing roughly 4 inches (about 100 mm) of precipitation and a realistic chance of showery or stormy days during a five-day show. These are climate normals rather than a forecast for 24-28 April 2027, so check a local forecast in the final week and keep a compact rain layer in your bag for the walk between hotels and halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Indianapolis has strong LTE and 5G coverage on the major US carriers, so an eSIM or local prepaid SIM is usually the simplest data option for international delegates. Convention-center Wi-Fi is normally available in public areas and session rooms, though it is not a substitute for a personal hotspot during dense demo traffic. US mains power is 120 V at 60 Hz with Type A and Type B plugs, so European and Asian visitors need an adapter and, for sensitive lab or instrumentation equipment, a transformer. Indianapolis observes Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-4) across the show dates.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Midwest convention attire is generally business casual: collared shirts, chinos or slacks, with a jacket useful for supplier meetings and evening receptions. Mill-engineering audiences dress practical rather than formal.
Greetings and small talk
A firm handshake and first names are normal in US business settings. Conversations often open with travel or weather small talk before moving to technical specifics.
Tipping
US tipping norms apply: 15-20% at restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and small amounts for hotel housekeeping. Tipping is not expected in fast-food outlets or at counter service.
Punctuality and meetings
Meetings start on time and agendas are usually tight. Book booth appointments in advance, keep them to the agreed length, and confirm a follow-up action before you leave the stand.
Alcohol and evening events
Drinks with suppliers are common but optional, and declining alcohol is entirely acceptable. Many industry receptions include food, so arriving on time avoids missing the meal service.
Getting around and distances
Downtown Indianapolis is walkable and partly skywalk-connected, but the wider metro is car-oriented. Comfortable shoes matter more than formal footwear given the size of the exhibition halls.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Indianapolis International (IND) has nonstop service from most major US hubs, so domestic delegates can usually fly direct. International visitors normally connect through Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta, Detroit, Charlotte or a New York gateway. Book six to ten weeks ahead for the 24-28 April 2027 window, and compare a Chicago or Cincinnati routing only if the saving survives the added ground transfer and time. US domestic travellers should carry a REAL ID-compliant licence or a passport; international travellers need a valid passport plus a visa or approved ESTA. Check baggage allowances if you are bringing literature, samples or equipment for the show, and re-check fares, change rules and seat selection before paying.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Indianapolis International Airport: 15-20 minutes off-peak; Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport: About 1 hour 50 minutes by car; Chicago O'Hare International Airport: About 3 hours by car, longer in Chicago traffic. Allow road or rail time to Indiana Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Indiana Convention Center: Downtown, connected by skywalk: The Westin Indianapolis; Downtown: InterContinental Indianapolis by IHG; Downtown, near Union Station: Omni Severin Hotel.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across Indianapolis, and downtown pickups are usually quick except during convention opening and closing peaks. At Indianapolis International, follow signs to the ground transportation area for the rideshare zone rather than hailing at the terminal curb. Expect surge pricing on the main arrival days and after evening receptions; walking between skywalk-linked hotels and the halls is often faster than a two-minute car ride in show traffic. Confirm the app's pickup pin against the venue's designated zone, since convention campus road closures can move the meeting point.
Public transit: Indianapolis has no metro or light rail, so public transport means IndyGo buses. The downtown Julia M. Carson Transit Center is the hub, and the Red Line bus rapid transit corridor links Broad Ripple and midtown with downtown, which helps if you stay outside the convention district. Fares are low, roughly USD 1.75-2.00 per single ride with day passes available, but service is thinner in the evening and on weekends. For airport trips a bus connection with a transfer is possible but slow with luggage; most delegates use a car for arrival and IndyGo or walking once downtown. Confirm current routes and timetables on the IndyGo site before relying on a specific departure.
Parking: The convention campus does not rely on one large attached public garage; attendees use surrounding downtown garages and surface lots, many of which connect into the skywalk system. Expect roughly USD 20-40 per day on show days with event pricing and early fill-up, and USD 25-45 per night for hotel self-parking, with valet higher. Pre-book where the garage offers it, note the height clearance if you drive a tall vehicle, and keep your ticket with your badge so you can exit quickly after evening sessions. Accessible spaces are available in the downtown garages; confirm the nearest one to your hall entrance with the venue.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027, with the show running 24-28 April in Indianapolis, Indiana
Temperature: Late-April normals for Indianapolis are roughly 65-68 F (18-20 C) for afternoon highs and 45-48 F (7-9 C) overnight, so mornings and evenings feel noticeably cooler than midday. Treat these as climate averages and check the actual forecast in the final week before packing.
Seasonality: April is one of the wetter months in central Indiana, averaging around 4 inches (about 100 mm) of precipitation, with showery days and occasional spring thunderstorms. Rain tends to arrive in short bursts rather than all-day drizzle, so a compact umbrella or hooded jacket covers most situations.
Packing: Pack layers: a light sweater or jacket for cool mornings, short sleeves for warm afternoons, and a compact rain jacket or umbrella for showers. Bring comfortable walking shoes for large exhibit halls and the skywalk, plus a US Type A/B plug adapter and, for sensitive equipment, a voltage converter. A refillable bottle and a small day bag work better than a heavy briefcase across a five-day show.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at TAPPICon usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
T-14 days: Book flights into Indianapolis International (IND) rather than routing through Chicago unless the connection saves real money once ground transfer is added.
Day 2
T-10 days: Reserve a downtown hotel within the skywalk footprint if you plan to attend technical sessions from morning through evening.
Day 3
T-10 days: Check passport validity (six months recommended) and confirm any US visa or ESTA approval before paying for non-refundable travel.
Day 4
T-7 days: Review the technical programme and mark the paper-making, tissue, coating or recycled-fiber sessions that match your mill or converting priorities.
Day 5
T-7 days: Build a hall plan by product family - fabrics, rolls, doctor blades, chemicals, coating, instrumentation, converting equipment - and note the booths you must visit.
Day 6
T-5 days: Save the skywalk route from your hotel to the convention center and identify a backup garage in case your first choice is full on a show morning.; T-3 days: Check the Indianapolis forecast and pack layers, a compact rain jacket and comfortable shoes for long days on concrete exhibit floors.
Day 7
T-2 days: Pre-arrange airport transfer or check the IND rideshare pickup zone; taxi and rideshare to downtown typically run USD 30-55.
Day 8
T-1 day: Charge devices, pack a US Type A/B plug adapter if travelling from Europe or Asia, and download any session papers you want to read offline.
Day 9
Collect your badge early, walk the hall once for orientation, then keep your scheduled supplier meetings before the aisles get busy.
Day 10
T-14 days: Confirm your TAPPICON 2027 registration is complete and check tappicon.org for hall assignments, badge pickup hours and any ticketed short courses.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Indiana Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2TAPPICon registration concourse
Indiana Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Indiana Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether TAPPICon fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For TAPPICon, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Pulp and paper machinery and equipment and Raw materials for paper production solutions and benchmarking suppliers at TAPPICon in Indianapolis, IN.
Min. budget
$690.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Pulp and paper machinery and equipment and Raw materials for paper production products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,105.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Indianapolis, IN show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is TAPPICON 2027?
TAPPICON is TAPPI's pulp, paper, tissue, packaging and renewable-materials conference and supplier exhibition, scheduled for 24-28 April 2027 in Indianapolis, Indiana. It combines technical sessions from TAPPI's industry divisions with committee meetings and a hall of process equipment, fabrics, rolls, chemicals, coating and converting suppliers.
When exactly does TAPPICON 2027 run?
The published dates are 24-28 April 2027. Daily session start times, exhibition hours and any short courses are listed on tappicon.org as the programme is finalised, so check the schedule page before locking in flights.
Where in Indianapolis is the show held?
The event is in Indianapolis, Indiana, with the convention-district venues and hotels referenced in the travel guidance. Confirm the specific hall and entrance on tappicon.org once the floor plan is published, because large shows at the convention campus can use several halls.
Who attends TAPPICON?
Expect paper machine superintendents and process engineers from pulp, containerboard, fine paper and tissue mills; converting and packaging operations managers; corporate R&D and sustainability staff; and suppliers of fabrics, rolls, doctor blades, chemicals, coatings, instrumentation and rebuild services.
What subjects do the technical sessions cover?
Typical tracks cover paper and board making, tissue and hygiene grades, coating and graphic arts, recycled fiber and OCC quality, process control and reliability, energy and chemical recovery, plus sustainability and bio-based materials. The 2027 programme on tappicon.org lists the confirmed tracks and paper titles.
Is TAPPICON open to non-members?
Registration is handled through tappicon.org and usually offers separate member and non-member rates, with options for full-conference, single-day and student attendance. Check the current registration page for what applies to your category rather than assuming last year's structure.
Can suppliers and machine builders exhibit?
Yes. The exhibition side of TAPPICON is where equipment makers, chemical suppliers, fabric and roll producers, automation vendors and service companies meet mill decision-makers. Booth space, stand rules and the exhibitor service kit come from the organiser through tappicon.org.
How do I get from Indianapolis International Airport to the venue?
IND is roughly 7 miles southwest of downtown, a 15-20 minute drive off-peak. Rideshare and taxi runs typically land in the USD 30-55 range, and there is no direct rail link, so budget for a car or an IndyGo bus connection with a transfer.
Which hotels are most practical for the show?
Downtown properties connected by the skywalk to the convention district keep you within walking distance of sessions. Keystone Crossing and the northeast I-69 corridor offer cheaper rooms but add a 20-30 minute drive or rideshare each way, which matters on a five-day show.
What is the weather like in Indianapolis in late April?
Late April usually brings afternoon highs around 65-68 F (18-20 C) and overnight lows around 45-48 F (7-9 C), with a realistic chance of showery days. Layering works better than a heavy coat, and the convention halls are air-conditioned.
Is there parking at the Indiana Convention Center?
The convention campus relies mainly on surrounding downtown garages and surface lots rather than one large attached public garage. Expect roughly USD 20-40 per day on show days, and use the skywalk where your garage connects to the hall.
Do international visitors need a visa for TAPPICON 2027?
Most international delegates need either a US B-1 business visitor visa or an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. Register for the show first so you can carry a registration confirmation to any interview, and start the process at least three months before April 2027.
Glossary
- TAPPI
- Technical Association of the Pulp, Paper and Related Industries, the professional body whose technical communities meet at TAPPICON; sessions are organised around its divisions for paper and board, tissue, coating, recycled fiber and process engineering.
- Kraft process
- The dominant chemical pulping route, cooking wood chips in sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide to produce strong long-fiber pulp; kraft pulp quality, yield and recovery efficiency are recurring topics in TAPPICON mill-engineering sessions.
- Containerboard
- The two-part furnish behind corrugated shipping boxes: linerboard facings plus the fluted corrugating medium. Basis weight, strength and recycled content of containerboard are core packaging-track subjects.
- Tissue
- Lightweight, creped or through-air-dried grades used for hygiene, away-from-home and household products; tissue machine operation, Yankee drying and converting lines form a dedicated part of the programme.
- OCC (old corrugated containers)
- Recovered corrugated boxes used as the main recycled furnish for containerboard. OCC quality, contamination and recovery economics drive many recycled-fiber discussions at the show.
- Stock preparation
- The pulping, refining, screening and cleaning steps that turn pulp or recovered paper into a consistent furnish before the headbox; refining energy and freeness control are typical technical-session themes.
- Headbox
- The distributor that delivers fiber slurry onto the forming fabric at uniform consistency, speed and orientation; headbox design affects formation, fiber orientation and cross-direction profiles.
- Forming, press and dryer sections
- The wet end, pressing and drying stages of a paper machine. Machine efficiency, sheet breaks, energy use and rebuild projects across these sections are the daily work of many TAPPICON delegates.
- Yankee dryer and creping
- A large steam-heated cylinder that dries the tissue sheet before a doctor blade crepes it off, setting bulk and softness; creping chemistry and blade wear are frequent tissue-track subjects.
- Basis weight / grammage
- The mass of paper per unit area, quoted in lb per ream in US mill practice and g/m2 (GSM) internationally. Grade specifications and tolerances are set around this measure.
- Caliper and formation
- Caliper is sheet thickness under a defined load; formation describes how evenly fibers are distributed. Both influence strength, printability and converting runnability.
- Coating and calendering
- Surface treatment with pigment or barrier coatings followed by calendering to control gloss, smoothness and porosity; coating and graphic arts sessions cover formulations, drying and barrier requirements.
- Recovery boiler / black liquor
- The unit that burns black liquor from kraft cooking to recover cooking chemicals and generate steam and power; recovery capacity and decarbonisation are central to mill energy discussions.
- MD and CD
- Machine direction and cross direction, the two axes of the paper web. Strength, stretch and shrinkage differ between them, which matters when specifying sheet properties for converters.
- Converting
- The step that turns reels into finished products - tissue converting, corrugating, bag and pouch making, printing and packaging. Converter requirements are a major buyer voice at the exhibition.
- Yield
- The share of wood or recovered fiber that ends up as saleable pulp or paper. Yield gains translate directly into fiber cost and sustainability metrics and are regularly benchmarked in technical papers.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- TAPPICon 2027
- TAPPICon Indianapolis, IN 2027
- Indianapolis, IN United States
- Pulp and paper machinery and equipment
- Raw materials for paper production
- Sustainability solutions for mills
- Automation technology for operational efficiency
- Trade show B2B Trade Expo Indianapolis, IN
- digital transformation expo
- Indianapolis, IN technology expo 2027
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.