US' Advanced Textiles Expo witnesses over 4,200 attendees

This year’s expo served as a dynamic platform for innovation, collaboration and business opportunities in the textiles industry, with a show floor of roughly 380 exhibitors between both expos. Exhibitors showcased the latest technological advancements and products, including space for exhibitors to hold meetings with colleagues and customers. 

Steve Schiffman, president and CEO of ATA, expressed his excitement about the continued growth and impact of the expo. “Advanced Textiles Expo continues to evolve and this year set in motion a variety of changes designed to create greater engagement and continuous improvement while keeping people on the show floor. Our community values networking opportunities that introduce them to new people and new ideas, and we’re delighted that expo is the platform where that happens,” said Schiffman.

The expo also included more than 25 educational ‘campfire’ sessions, with education spanning 15 markets. Educational sessions included textiles in the new space age, how to be more environmentally conscious in fields such as medical textiles and fabrics, updates on the Awnings Safety Act and other federal law changes, and general topics such as climate change, succession planning and supply chain updates.   

The final day featured a Marine Fabricators Association Roadshow, which presented a new topic every hour: From how to build a U-Zip with a built-in rain flap, to selecting the best project materials and general tips and tools in marine fabrication.

Exhibitor demonstrations included everything from welding technology to no-weld canopy system demonstrations, new generation cutting, piece cutting machines and more. 

Attendees and exhibitors alike competed in the highly anticipated Textiles Challenge, a fun game show-like activity that put contestants to the test both in their knowledge and skill regarding all things textiles. Dan King of Davey Textile Solutions took home first place, while Felix Arwen from NASA Johnson Space Centre came in second place, and Justin Wagner from Applied Research Associates (ARA) placed third. 

A series of networking events brought together fabricators, manufacturers, suppliers and thought leaders. Attendees and exhibitors alike met to unwind after the closure of the show floor on day one at the opening reception.  

Advanced Textiles Expo devoted its last day to women in the textiles industry, beginning the morning with a women’s networking walk, and continuing with women’s leadership sessions that were both educational and empowering. Connie Huffa, CEO of Fabdesigns, and Michelle Lea, chief marketing and sustainability officer at NILIT, shared both their experiences and the latest from their industries, and answered audience questions about being a woman in the textiles industry. A development session about setting boundaries and prioritising a work-life balance followed the forum. 

“As a woman in textiles, attending Advanced Textiles Expo provides me the opportunity to stay current on all aspects of the textile market by networking with other men and women in the trade. Along with a platform to share hands-on experiences, both good and bad, with vendor reps to positively shape the trajectory of the industry," Camari Henderson-Zenon, a fabricator and owner of Camari’s Custom Canvas, said.

David Fezer, an exhibitor from Alpha Tubular Motors, said being in his company’s ‘hometown’ made Advanced Textiles Expo extra special this year. “We had an incredible experience at Advanced Textiles Expo in Anaheim this September. We’re already looking forward to next year in Indianapolis and can’t wait to see everyone again. Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success,” said Fezer.

As the premier event for the textiles industry, Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 continues to prove itself as the top-tier opportunity for professionals to discover new trends, forge partnerships and explore the future of textile technologies. 

The next Advanced Textiles Expo will be held from November 5–7, 2025, in Indianapolis, US.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RR)