US-based INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has announced that registration and tabletop exhibit reservations are open for the 17th edition of the World of Wipes (WOW) International Conference. WOW 2023 will take place July 17-20 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia. Over 450 wipes professionals are expected to attend the event.

WOW 2023 will feature the latest wipes intelligence on the energy crisis, coping with inflation, and supply chain challenges from material availability to import pressures, market trends, plastics issues such as single use plastics, renegade plastics and microplastics, sustainability and traceability from sourcing to end-of-life, private label vs brand, and flushability developments including legislative and labelling efforts, collection studies, and regulatory topics, INDA said in a media release.

The event includes 11+ hours of networking with industry influencers, thought leaders, and C-suite executives. In addition to two nights of tabletop displays and receptions on July 18 and 19, a highlight of WOW 2023 will be Lightning Talks. Tabletop exhibitors will give ‘supersized elevator speeches’ for five minutes. Participants will have the opportunity to follow up with tabletop exhibitors during the reception.

WOW 2023 begins with the Wipes Academy, July 17-18, led by Heidi Beatty, chief executive officer, and her team of wipes professionals from Crown Abbey LLC. Participants will gain insights on topics ranging from product concept to commercialisation. Participants will also develop insights into materials, design, manufacturing, packaging, and cost implications for industrial, institutional, and consumer wipes applications.

Nominations are being accepted for the World of Wipes Innovation Award. Eligible product categories include raw materials, roll goods, converting, packaging, active ingredients, binders, additives, and end-use wipes. The deadline for submissions is May 5. Finalists will make their presentations to hundreds of decision-makers on July 18, with the award being presented in the morning on July 20.

Cotton Incorporated and Rockline Industries are the sponsors of WOW 2023.