Side events

A number of side events have been organised to coincide with this conference and details are given below. Any organisations wishing to hold a side-event at the conference should contact the conference organisers.

Students Conference: Current challenges and emerging career opportunities in wood science and technology
20 October 2011 (09.30 - 12.30)

This event is focused on young people starting their careers or planning a career in wood science and technology. It will provide an opportunity for them to interact with their peers and broaden their horizons. The discussions and presentations will cover the employment opportunities available in the public and private sectors, the requirements and expectations of employers and the career paths available in this field. Participating students may also submit proposals for voluntary papers on any of the themes of the larger conference, about current projects they are working on or about their experiences in general as a student, scholar, or employee working in wood science and technology.

Speakers at this side event include the following:

• Dr Chung-yun Hse (USDA-Forest Service, USA): People and culture.
• Dr S S Negi (FRI University, India): Emerging career opportunities in wood science and technology in India.
• Dr Sudipta Dasmohapatra (North Carolina University, USA): Careers in wood science and technology in America.
• Mr Eyyüp Karaodul (Turkey): Research, education, industry and consumers views about wood in Turkey.
• Ms Ji Qin (China): Furniture design and engineering.
• Mr Xie Jiulong (China): Current situation of Chinese wood.
  

In addition, there will be space for up to 10 more oral presentations and some posters from participating students.

This event is open to young researchers and students of wood science and technology worldwide. Already 40 students from India, China and Turkey have registered for the event and more students are encouraged to attend to share their experiences through presentations, posters, videos and discussions, as well as participation in the larger conference.

Students wishing to participate in the Students Conference should send their personal details (name, organisation, country, email address and telephone number) and any proposed abstracts for presentations or posters to Ms Jinling Su () by 15 September 2011 and the decision on participation in this event will be communicated by 25 September 2011. A few travel grants will be available for students submitting the best abstracts for presentations and posters.

WWF-India, Global Forest and Trade Network (GFTN): Side-event on GFTN activities in India
20 October 2011 (09.30 - 12.30)

The WWF-India Office and GFTN member/partner companies in India will hold a side event to discuss GFTN activities in India. The event will be open to all registered participants at the conference and exhibition. Further details of the programme and speakers will be posted here soon.

Business networking lunch
20 October 2011 (12.30 - 14.00)

A business networking lunch will be held on the second day of the conference. There will be no formal programme for this event. Participation will be by invitation only and will be organised in advance and during registration at the start of the conference and exhibition.