The 2013 Conference Committee would like to cordially invite you to attend the 2013 IEEE IAS Pulp & Paper Industry Technical Conference planned to be held at the Omni in Charlotte, NC on June 23-27, 2013. The Omni is a premium hotel located at the center of Charlotte. Within a very short walking distance you have countless activities, museums, and restaurants. Besides our normal technical events, attendees will have access to a variety of activities covering a large range of interests. The local committee has secured rooms at a $153/night rate and we encourage all attendees to come early or stay late, immersing yourselves in the site-seeing venues offered by this progressive city located at the base of the Appalachian mountains. As the program is not yet finalized, please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions for our local committee. We are also looking for additional folks who are interested in helping with the Local Conference Committee. Please contact me if you are willing to serve. On behalf of our local committee, I encourage you to make plans now to attend our conference next year. The Charlotte Conference will be a fantastic and memorable event. We look forward to making this another learning opportunity for our friends and colleagues attending the technical conference, but also to share our beautiful city, a destination where you can unwind and enjoy yourself before returning to work.