The 98th IFAI Expo attracted more than 4,350 registered participants. In total, 66 countries were represented at IFAI Expo 2018, a 14 per cent increase over last year. Attendees to the show, held during October 15-18, had the opportunity to meet over 800 exhibitors, including those from CAMX, and hear expert advice at more than 69 educational sessions.
IFAI is a leading industrial fabrics expo in North America. IFAI Expo 2018 was co-located with CAMX, the Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, which offered attendees a look at the technology and products within the composites and materials industry. IFAI Expo and CAMX are of comparable size in attendance and number of exhibitors. Both shows benefited from product and attendee crossover, as proved through comparable numbers of badge scans from each.The 98th IFAI Expo attracted more than 4,350 registered participants. In total, 66 countries were represented at IFAI Expo 2018, a 14 per cent increase over last year. Attendees to the show, held during October 15-18, had the opportunity to meet over 800 exhibitors, including those from CAMX, and hear expert advice at more than 69 educational sessions.#
"We attend IFAI Expo every year. It is a great place to meet clients; we are constantly learning and teaching about our industry. Plus, it's a great way to collaborate. Expo helps us innovate by finding new ways to manufacture and bring new products to the industry," Alex Petizian, Naizil Coated Fabric, said.
IFAI Expo included Industrial Fabrics Foundation Night, a brand new event. A highlight of the show was keynote address from Emmy award winning, Hall of Fame keynote speaker Mark Scharenbroich, who talked about the importance of making connections in a disconnected world. The Smart Fabrics Programme at IFAI Expo 2018 offered many educational and hands-on opportunities on and off the show floor. Between sessions at the Pre-Expo Conference and a dedicated E-Textiles workshop space, attendees were provided a wealth of information regarding fabric advancements and e-textiles content.
Thirty-one Campfire-style sessions provided valuable information on advanced textiles, specialty fabrics and shade and weather protection segments.One of the most popular features of IFAI Expo was the Manufacturing for Good demo area where sixteen IFAI member companies collaborated to manufacture a product right on the show floor. Thousands of attendees viewed live equipment demonstrations and live manufacturing of duffel bags to benefit local charity, The Bridge North Dallas, which helps homeless.
"The excitement generated by this year's attendees was palpable from the show floor to packed campfire sessions to the networking available," said Steve Schiffman, CEO and president of IFAI. "Whether you are a canvas fabricator, an engineer working with geosynthetics or responsible for designing the next spacesuit, IFAI Expo is the only place where you can see and experience it all, learn from the industry's top experts and stay at the forefront of innovation."
IFAI Expo's pre-expo conference had more than 46 educational sessions on topics like Advanced Textiles, Specialty Fabrics, Shade and Weather Protection. Attendees enjoyed sessions from NASA engineer, Shane McFarland who spoke on "Developing the Next Generation Space Suit for the Moon and Mars", and Connie Huffa, textile engineer and president of Fabdesigns, who presented on "Digitalised Manufacturing: Will the Fourth Industry Revolution Transform Flat Knitting".
More than 300 attendees participated in 14 Market/Division "Open Meetings" where members and non-members came together to discuss challenges their market segment is facing, new opportunities and technologies. Another unique benefit of attending IFAI Expo 2018 was Mentor Meetings, where attendees scheduled one-on-one mentor meetings which paired an attendee with an industry veteran.
IFAI Expo wrapped up with its exclusive, sold out Shop Tours in which attendees experienced firsthand how shops are finding success through innovation and technology. Attendees learned about production, inventory control, lead generation, estimating projects and staffing at USA Canvas Shoppe and toured the anchor testing lab, the repair centre and tested a few of their newest tools at Hilti North America Headquarters. (SV)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India
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