Advanced Textiles Expo Education

Dr. Alexander Laubach, Head of Business Development for Medical Technologies & Biocompatibility, Hohenstein Laboratories

What’s the difference between a healthcare product and a medical device? How are they regulated and what claims can you make? Compliance with the EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and the U.S. FDA requirements for medical devices can be complicated – and avoiding medical claims on consumer products is just as important. We’ll discuss the requirements for both, focusing especially on biological safety and performance.

Lelia Lawson, Founder and CTO, Zylotex Inc

This session explores the early-stage challenges and breakthroughs in scaling lyocell manufacturing using hemp as a sustainable feedstock. Drawing from real-world experience, we’ll examine the technical, logistical, and market-related hurdles that arise when introducing innovative materials into established production systems. The presentation will highlight the critical role of collaboration, persistence, and adaptive problem-solving in advancing sustainable textile solutions. Attendees will gain practical insights into the potential of hemp-based lyocell and the broader implications for the future of eco-conscious manufacturing.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify Key Challenges: Participants will be able to identify at least three specific challenges encountered in the early stages of scaling up lyocell manufacturing using hemp feedstock.
• Understand Relationship Building: Attendees will understand the importance of building strong relationships and partnerships, as well as describe two ways these relationships have helped overcome industry hurdles.
• Apply Innovative Solutions: Participants will learn about at least two innovative approaches used to address challenges in sustainable textile production and will be able to consider how these approaches could be applied in their own contexts.

Dr. Cindy Cordoba, Assistant Professor, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Agricultural workers face extreme heat exposure, increasing the risk of heat stress and reducing productivity. This session explores the development of thermoregulating textiles designed to enhance worker safety while incorporating circular design strategies. The presentation will highlight material selection, modular design for extended use, and system-based approaches to improve heat resilience in agricultural workwear. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of circular strategies applied to functional apparel and their role in advancing sustainable worker protection solutions for extreme heat environments.

Jonathan Crumpler, Assistant Dean, Business and Technologies Division at Western Piedmont Community College; Tom Wright, Lead developer on the NC Textiles Innovation and Sustainability Engine

Join two leading AR/VR developers as they reveal how immersive simulations are revolutionizing operator training in textile manufacturing. You’ll see real-world demos, learn best practices for reducing onboarding time and boosting retention, and discover how these cutting-edge tools attract digital-native talent. Don’t miss this deep-dive into the future of workforce development—where ancient craft meets tomorrow’s technology.

Michael Rein, Ph.D., Director of Engineering, AFFOA

Join AFFOA’s Director of Engineering, Michael Rein Ph.D. to learn about AFFOA’s advancements and collaborative development of e-textile products and tools for advanced textile manufacturing to enable next-generation military and commercial applications.  During the presentation you will see examples of advanced fabric technologies developed to increase safety, comfort, and emergency readiness with vast potential to be commercialized and improve lives.

Learn about:

• Powered soft systems for extreme cold weather
• Bio-degradable PPE
• Universal Design Platform for e-textiles
• Self-Contained, automated and deployable manufacturing lines

Robert Jones, Pressure Garment Engineer, Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch, NASA Johnson Space Center

Learn about NASA’s development of next-generation Lunar space suit fabrics focusing on optical properties and lunar dust resistance. This session will educate the industry on space suit technology, explain technological challenges associated with space suit textile development and identify material characteristics that are most important when designing suit materials.

Morgan Campbell, Soft Goods Developer, David Clark Company

At the intersection of Design and Engineering sits Innovation: more than 50 years after the last human set foot on the Moon, a new era of space exploration, the Artemis Expeditions, carry the legacy of Apollo and the spirit of Gemini. A new group of astronauts, engineers, designers, and technicians is working to return humanity to the Moon, exploring more of its surface than ever before. These next steps will be taken wearing a pair of Axiom Space’s  Lunar Boots.

What does one wear while exploring the dark side of the Moon? What materials are best suited to an entirely alien environment? This presentation will explore the unique demands of lunar exploration from micrometeoroids to moon dust and the fabrics that make the mission possible.

The Lunar Boot Environmental Protection Garment (EPG) is responsible for shielding and insulating the astronaut’s feet as they traverse a surface which, in some areas, has never been touched by the Sun. Beginning with the protective outer layer which provides strength, puncture resistance, and dust resistance; followed by five layers of insulating Mylar; and a lining layer that provides strength, stability, and puncture resistance; the EPG is designed to keep the astronaut comfortable and safe without compromising functionality whilst conducting Moonwalks. Each material was selected to solve a specific set of problems, culminating in a piece of soft equipment capable of withstanding an environment unlike anything found on Earth.

Thomasine Dolan Dow, Thomasine Dolan Consulting, Sustainable Next-Gen Innovation+Design

Valorizing waste to create BioMaterials is revolutionizing the sustainable materials and performance coatings landscape. Not since the 1940s have we seen so much activity in material science. By transforming agricultural and food industry waste, textile waste, and tapping natural resources like seaweed, algae and mycelium into high-performance fibers, we are getting closer to building a roadmap for a circular economy.

This is an opportunity to explore the next generation of sustainable innovation in textiles, materials and performance coatings. You will learn about:

• Agricultural and food industry waste as inputs.
• Harvesting seaweed and algae to become fiber, performance coatings and dyes.
• Growing mycelium to create foams, soundproofing panels and furniture.
• Through biomimicry, scientists have recreated the proteins found in squid and spiders to make filament fibers that drop into existing knitting and weaving infrastructure.

Moderator: Paige Mullis, Consultant
Panelists: Mary Reardon, Vice President Textile Innovation, MMI; Mark Stiver, Senior Director of Commerce, Trivantage

Join a dynamic panel where industry leaders reveal how AI is revolutionizing daily workflows—from marketing and design to sourcing, manufacturing, and product development. Moderated by Paige Mullis, you’ll hear real-world case studies and walk away with actionable strategies for integrating AI tools to boost efficiency, spark innovation, and gain a competitive edge.

Join fellow Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference attendees and speakers for a closing reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, an ideal way to network and unwind after a full day of innovation and insights.

Adam Penner,  Founder and Principle Consultant, AP Consulting

AI doesn’t have to be intimidating—or expensive. This session explores simple, accessible tools that small and medium-sized businesses can start using right away to boost productivity and reduce busywork. From AI meeting notetakers and smart email assistants to spreadsheet helpers and image recognition tools, we’ll look at real-world applications that are already making a difference. You’ll leave with practical ideas you can implement tomorrow—and a clearer understanding of where to keep exploring. AI is a big topic, but this session is a hands-on starting point.

Showcasing the next generation of innovation in textiles, the Student Showcase Series features emerging talent presenting their latest design projects and research. Explore fresh ideas and creative solutions shaping the future of the industry.

Textile-to-Electronics Interfaces: Engineering Next-Generation Wearables
Ayesha Siddika, Graduate Student, NC State University

The presentation will dive into the critical challenges and solutions for seamlessly integrating rigid electronic components into flexible textiles to develop durable, high-performance wearable devices. The discussion will focus on the practical applications of serpentine wire interconnects, rivets as connection points, and robust HDMI connectors that enhance the durability and functionality of textile-based electronics. Participants will experience a demonstration featuring an EMG armband, showcasing how these integrations improve signal quality and reliability in wearable technology. The presentation will provide actionable insights for engineers, designers, and innovators working at the intersection of textiles and electronics while also exploring the future potential of smart textiles in various applications.

Dr. Ahmad Ibrahim, Researcher Chemist – Holder of the Écotextile Chair, Olivier Vermeersch, CEO, Valerio Izquierdo, Vice-President Business development and Partnership, CTT Group

Advanced textiles are high-performance materials designed to meet specific functional requirements in demanding applications such as medical protection, military gear, and firefighting equipment. In these fields, the finishing process plays a pivotal role in enhancing properties like durability, water and oil repellency, thermal resistance, and breathability, all while ensuring safety and comfort for end users.

This presentation will explore the strategic importance of finishing technologies in the production of advanced textiles. We will examine how the choice of finishes is determined by the application, substrate compatibility, and the performance specifications required to meet stringent industry standards. The evolution of finishing processes will be addressed, particularly focusing on the historic reliance on fluorine-based chemistries to achieve superior water and oil repellency.

However, with the growing awareness of environmental and health impacts, global regulations are driving the industry toward PFAS-free alternatives. We will discuss the challenges posed by this shift, including maintaining performance levels and overcoming limitations in durability, while exploring the latest innovations that aim to bridge this gap.

Real-world examples and case studies will highlight the advancements in sustainable finishing technologies, demonstrating how they are being adapted to protect workers in critical sectors. This presentation will provide insights into the future of finishing processes, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that meets technical requirements, enhances product longevity, and aligns with evolving regulatory frameworks and sustainability goals.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the critical role of finishing processes in advanced textiles, particularly in applications for medical, military, and firefighting sectors.
• Identify the key challenges and opportunities in transitioning from fluorine-based finishes to sustainable PFAS-free alternatives.
• Evaluate innovative finishing technologies and strategies for balancing performance, durability, and regulatory compliance in advanced textile applications.

Ben Mead, Managing Director, Hohenstein Institute America

The updated NFPA 1970 standard introduced new requirements for chemical safety, regulating hazardous substances such as PFAS, heavy metals and flame-retardant chemicals that may harm PPE wearers. Suppliers can choose between two compliance pathways—targeted Restricted Substances List (RSL) testing or OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification.

This session will explore both options, outlining key considerations and implementation strategies, along with the broader implications for PPE performance and regulatory compliance. Attendees will gain practical insights to make informed decisions and ensure safer protective equipment.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand Compliance Requirements: Define the restricted substances criteria within NFPA 1970 and their impact on PPE safety and performance.
• Evaluate Options: Compare RSL testing versus OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certification to determine the best fit for you
• Mitigate Risks & Enhance Sustainability: Explore how a strategic approach to chemical safety can balance performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility.

Steve Rye, Senior Technical Services Manager – Global Coated Fabrics, OMNOVA, A Division of Surteco

This presentation will explore the evolving landscape of coated fabrics, with a particular focus on the role of plasticizers and their impact on performance and sustainability. We will navigate the complex terminology surrounding coated fabrics, defining key industry terms such as PFAS, TPE, PU, OEKO-TEX, and phthalates. These terms will be organized around critical topics such as testing, regulation, and product applications, helping attendees to better understand the implications of these terms in real-world contexts and the industry’s advancements in sustainable practices.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand the role of plasticizers in the performance and sustainability of coated fabrics.
• Familiarize with key industry terms and concepts related to coated fabrics.
• Explore the advancements in sustainability within the coated fabrics industry.

Paige Beert, R&D Production Manager and Jasper Rosenau, Associate Sales Manager, Renegade Plastics Corp.

Thermal welding, including hot air, wedge and impulse technologies, are three industry standards for fabricating with coated textiles. However, the fumes emitted during welding can be annoying and smelly, and without proper ventilation or care – can be harmful and affect workplace safety. For these reasons, many fabricators avoid thermal welding when possible, often opting instead for more expensive and less efficient welding solutions. But new polypropylene-based fabrics, like those from Renegade Plastics, are changing the script. Paige Beert an Jasper Rosenau will present about Renegade’s test methods, results, and implications for the industry in a brief 25 minute fireside chat on the show floor.

Wendy Gao, Aerospace Textile Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center JETS II Contract

This talk highlights the critical role of textiles in enabling NASA’s Artemis missions and future deep space exploration. Discover how innovative materials are being developed to meet the unique challenges of the lunar environment and support sustainable human presence on the Moon—and beyond.

David Prange, Partner, Robins Kaplan LLP

The beginning of any joint venture many times is full of optimism and anticipation for the next great product, fabulous profits, and shareholder returns. But the path to that outcome can be fraught with risk and potential loss, particularly when working with a business partner. That risk can be compounded when valuable information is shared, the relationship sours, and it is necessary to recoup some of the investment made by going it alone. And at that stage, the souring relationship can lead to confusion on the rights and obligations of each participant.

But at the beginning, some of these risks may be avoided, and some of these risks may be mitigated. How? Our presentation looks at these challenges and identifies ways to mitigate risk based on our experiences as trial lawyers and litigators of complex high-value trade secret and licensing cases. We consider better ways to keep track of valuable information shared, the tradeoffs of specificity in defining obligations, and how dispute resolution clauses can be structured to provide an advantage and further mitigate risk.

Sara Beatty, President, White Haven Trade

Sara Beatty will update attendees on Congressional and Executive Branch developments with a deeper dive into tariffs and trade, along with updates on government procurement and regulatory matters. Learn about key issues under debate in Washington, DC, that impact advanced textile manufacturers and how you can have your voice heard.

NEW! Networking roundtables will give Advanced Textiles Expo attendees the opportunity to discuss issues facing their businesses. Join your fellow fabricators and suppliers to talk about challenges and opportunities ranging from tariffs to workforce development to overcoming sales objections.

Terry Kelm, President, Sunbelt Re-sales

Selling any business is a long process. Selling a business in the Textile industry presents some very unique challenges. Join Terry Kelm, President of Sunbelt Re-sales, as he illustrates the sales process for a Textile business. Some of the topics in this session include:

• How to value your Textile business
• What buyers look for when deciding to purchase a Textile Business
• The ‘do’s and don’ts’ of Textile business re-sales.

Even if you are years away from potentially exiting your business, this webinar will provide useful information for that inevitable transition that all Textile business owners will face.

Dr. Brian Jing, Senior Scientist, Exponent

Microplastics are an emerging environmental challenge with complex and far-reaching implications for many industries, including textiles. These tiny particles, which can originate from a wide range of sources (e.g., synthetic fibers or intentional additives in consumer products), are increasingly detected across diverse environmental settings. However, the absence of consistent regulations and standardized testing methods has led to significant uncertainty in defining, identifying, and quantifying microplastics. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of microplastics, including their definition, environmental presence, and primary sources. It will examine the current regulatory landscape, evaluate existing testing standards and quantification methods, and offer insights into future directions for the industry.

Robin DuBroy, Director of Sales and Marketing, Wholesale Shade

We’ve all been there, a shade sail design that seemed like a good idea on paper turns out terrible in execution! We’re giving you the opportunity to learn from our mistakes. Save yourself time, money, and headaches by catching these errors before you get to the installation phase of your project.

Extend the Life of Your Shade Sails – Don’t Make These Mistakes!

Amy Berg, Partner, Ice Miller LLP; Elizabeth Denly, Vice President, PFAS Initiative Leader & Chemistry Director, TRC

PFAS are a group of more than 10,000 man-made chemicals resistant to heat, water, and oil that have been used in the manufacturing of a number of consumer products, including stain-, water-, and oil-resistant fabrics. The regulatory framework and science of PFAS are rapidly evolving, creating business and environmental risks related to storage, management and use of PFAS-containing materials. Designed and formulated for persistence, PFAS resist decomposition and can migrate from manufacturing process, various waste streams and emissions to our drinking water and atmosphere. Health concerns have influenced many states to sample water supplies and establish guidelines and/or enforcement limits. Environmental regulations and product bans surrounding PFAS continue to be developed.

The textile industry is especially targeted due to their use of water, grease, and stain resistant chemicals such as PFAS on finished textiles, as these properties are often used and preferred by consumers. USEPA is planning to target approximately 2,200 textile manufacturing facilities within the United States with a mandatory information collection request (ICR). This ICR is anticipated to focus on facilities that perform one or more of the following operations and discharge process wastewater to surface waters or to publicly owned treatment works (POTWs): Wool scouring; Wool finishing; Yarn and unfinished fabric manufacturing; Woven fabric finishing; Knit fabric finishing; Carpet finishing; Nonwoven textile products of wool, cotton, synthetics, or blends of such fabrics. USEPA may also require wastewater sampling from a subset of these facilities, based on the responses, to characterize wastewater discharges from the textile industry. Ultimately, the responses may also support USEPA’s efforts to develop and propose new regulations if deemed appropriate. USEPA plans to estimate current pollutant mass loads and achievable reductions for available technologies for the industry and to determine if the effluent limitations guidelines (ELGs) limiting pollutant discharges from industrial point source categories under the Clean Water Act should be revised.

This presentation is designed to give industry professionals a practical understanding of the complexities and challenges PFAS can introduce to strategic planning, risk liability evaluations, and environmental sites and approaches to manage these in an uncertain technical, regulatory, and legal environment. This presentation looks beyond the PFAS basics.

Discussion will be provided on the following topics:

• Site risk/liability assessments: Do you have to be concerned with PFAS and is there a way to determine this without sampling? If your site is determined to have a higher PFAS risk, how can you mitigate and manage this risk? What risk management tools are available? What kind of changes have we seen with the new administration?
• Federal and state legal requirements, prohibitions, and implications for the textile industry: What are the issues/tensions for the parties in a transaction? The scope and requirements of the TSCA 10-year look-back notification requirements. How will a CERCLA Hazardous Substance designation and MCLs for certain PFAS affect our actions? Will the TRI Supplier Notifications for PFAS change my facilities’ reporting? Are PFAS going to be added to NPDES permits? What state laws/regulations drive some of the bigger challenges?

Andrew Nasarczyk, Global Director – Research and Development, Gale Pacific Ltd

Globally, the coated technical fabric market is dominated by reinforced flexible polyvinyl-coated fabric (fPVC). The majority of companies supplying these fabrics design them based on what their clients want in terms of functionality, aesthetics, and cost. A significant challenge with fPVC is that the product is complicated and costly to recycle, often condemning most end-of-life products to landfills or incineration. Circular products, however, are designed with radically different parameters in mind. A significant amount of time is spent in the design phase, which reduces the cost, complexity, and resources required at the end of the product’s life. The product is therefore more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible throughout its entire life cycle.

This session will provide real examples of markets and applications in Australia where fPVC products have been successfully phased out, with end-of-life products being diverted to recycling, rather than landfill or incineration. We will also discuss a future where true product circularity is possible, enabling the reuse of end-of-life products into new-generation technical fabrics.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the alternative materials that can be used in applications traditionally served by flexible PVC.
• Product design and development will be discussed, taking into account the full product lifecycle.
• Examples and case studies will be provided to illustrate how circularity can be achieved, based on real-world experiences within the Australian market.

Adam Rosen, Founder, Radar Talent Solutions

In today’s competitive labor market, attracting and retaining top talent requires more than just posting a job. This session will walk attendees through a comprehensive, proven approach to modern recruitment. We’ll start with developing a compelling value proposition that resonates with today’s workforce. Next, we’ll explore how recruitment marketing amplifies your employer brand and reaches the right candidates. We’ll examine ways to reduce application process friction to avoid losing qualified applicants. The session will also cover designing an effective assessment process to accurately evaluate candidates’ skills and fit. Finally, we’ll discuss strategies for a structured onboarding process that drives engagement and retention from day one. Whether you’re new to talent acquisition or looking to refine your existing practices, this presentation will provide actionable insights to help you build a recruitment engine that delivers real results.

Matt Clark, President, W&W Associates, Inc

In this insightful presentation, we explore the essential role of labels in the textile industry, focusing on their impact on branding, information dissemination, and product identification. This session will highlight how businesses can leverage labels to enhance their products and customer experience.

Key Topics Covered:

Branding with Labels – How labels reinforce brand identity, communicate quality, and differentiate products in a competitive market.

Providing Critical Information – The importance of compliance with regulations, care instructions, material content, and safety labeling.

Textile Identification – How labels facilitate inventory management, traceability, and authentication in various industries, from apparel to military applications.

Innovations in Labeling – The latest advancements in durable materials, printing technologies, and eco-friendly labeling options.

ATA will present results from its annual industry survey looking at trends, markets that are poised for growth and other data. The session will be followed by a compilation of testimonials on how ATA member group programming benefits members based on content specific to their markets and business interests.

Valerio Izquierdo, Vice-President Business development and Partnership, CTT Group

Description coming soon!

The textile industry’s associations are working together as part of the Alphabet Soup Collective. Representatives from Advanced Textile Association and other industry groups will discuss the effort, what it means to members and how it will impact the entire industry.

Women’s Leadership Empowerment Session: More Details Soon

Marine Fabricators Association presents a series of three topics. Selecting the appropriate materials for a variety of marine projects, a look into recent Tools, Tips and Tricks submissions and hands-on fabrication training.

Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Roadshow Schedule:
Emcee: Julie Tinsman, Strataglass

9:30 am:  Marine Fabric Overview – Ron Paratore, Trivantage
10:30 am:  Traditional Patterning – Kyle Van Damme, Marine Tops Unlimited
11:30 am:  Building a U-Zip – Jeff Newkirk, Precision Custom Canvas