More than 200 engineering and technical students will gather in Birmingham, Alabama, January 17-19, 2026, for the 19th Annual TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit. More than just a career fair, Student Summit helps students interested in the global forest products industry chart their tomorrow with opportunities to network with their peers from across the country, interact with industry leaders and young professionals, and interview with companies that are seeking qualified employees, interns, or co-ops.

 

All weekend long student leadership will be on display. Ten TAPPI Student Chapter Presidents are represented on the planning committee, including returning Student Chair, Michael Reuss, a chemical engineering major at Auburn University.  “Last year [2024] was my first time at the Student Summit. It was great getting to interact with fellow students and learn about industry.”  Planning for the 2026 event, themed Charting Tomorrow: From innovations to impact, is well underway. “There are so many students who [will have] a hand in the programming and team building experiences for this two-day event.”

 

The Student Summit is the industry’s only event that brings together students interested in the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, and converting industries.  Sponsor companies can do more than just conduct traditional on-site interviews with multiple candidates during the weekend event. There are also plenty of opportunities to get to know the students beyond their resume, observe their leadership skills, and be part of the fun – something that is not possible through the average career fair.

 

If your company is interested in recruiting the next generation of talent at the 2026 TAPPI-PIMA Student Summit visit TAPPIStudentSummit.org for more information.