Advanced Textiles Expo Education

David Proctor, Ph.D., Technical Director, International Antimicrobial Council

This presentation will explain the differences between microbial and non-biocidal odor control technologies being used in the textile industry from three perspectives: technologies that are being used and how they work, regulation of these technologies in different locations, and how these technologies are tested. The presenter will also answer attempt to address what the appropriate options are for the specific textile product uses of presentation attendees.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how microbial odor control differs from non-biocidal odor control for textiles.
2. Understand key regulatory considerations that differ for biocidal and non-biocidal odor control technologies for textiles.
3. Understand how testing non-biocidal odor control technologies differs from testing biocidal odor control technologies used on textiles.

Frank Henderson, CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Co., Inc

Supply chains today have been disrupted more in the last few years than at any time in our history and will remain, unstable, within the textile supply base, until we understand Local for Local manufacturing, Automation integration and Technology innovation and not simply, relentlessly obsess in chasing low-cost Goods, at whatever quality level is required, which we equate to low- cost labor, expensive carbon footprints and long order lead times. Robotics, Technology and Automation can help our industry attain the real objective of driving profits, sustainable growth, sustainability and circularity of textile products within the Textile value chain.

Learning Objectives:

1. Robotic Integration into sewn products is possible today
2. Shortened order lead times are possible
3. Over production is Not Acceptable today
4. Sustainability and Circularity of textile products is attainable

Tammie Miller, Managing Director, TKO Miller LLC

Tammie has spent her career helping family and founder owned businesses navigate the world of mergers and acquisitions. This session will examine the current marketplace, valuations and what “not to do” if you are approached by a potential buyer. Tammie will discuss better ways to do business and who the different players are.

Learning Objectives:

1. Business owners will understand current market valuation multiples
2. Business owners will know the difference between strategic, private equity and quasi-strategic buyers and what they bring to the table
3. Business owners will be enlightened on how to respond to an unsolicited offer and best practices when they do ultimately decide to exit their company

Kevin Croneigh, Quality Manager, Situ Biosciences LLC

The presentation will cover two general topics: Antimicrobial Testing requirements for various Textiles, as well as an introduction to ISO 17034 Certified Refence Materials (CRMs) designed for use as Test Controls in Standard Antimicrobial Methods. We will review what methods are commonly used for testing Textiles for Antimicrobial properties, how to utilize CRMs in Antimicrobial Methods, the benefits of utilizing Certified Test Controls for both testing laboratories and manufacturers, and how they can be utilized to gain insight into product performance and streamline the production and R&D processes.

Learning Objectives:

1. How Manufacturers can utilize Certified Test Controls to verify a laboratory’s performance, streamline R&D and production processes, and allow for long term tracking of a product’s performance.
2. How Laboratories can utilize Certified Reference Materials to train employees, assess measurement uncertainty, and gain/maintain ISO 17025 accreditation
3. How Certified Test Controls can be created to increase the level of quality throughout the textile industry

Anders Hall, Owner, Shade Academy

Dynamic solar shading must be considered as an active part of the facade today as we know it brings dimensions and values like energy efficiency, sustainability, resilience and will help to manage the thermal balance creating a healthy and livable indoor climate. What have been seen as “nice to have” in the past – has become a “must have” today – due to our environmental political circumstances and we must maximize the benefits by utilizing natural, free, resources and mitigate the use of air-conditioning.

Fundamental factors in this approach of Adaptive Daylight Management are that the shading is automated and that it is combined with the use of modern types of glass.

Successful implementation of these strategies starts with understanding your own role in the broader perspective. But is also depending on a more open co-operation in the building sector driving a holistic responsibility.

Co-operation means working together – not working at the same time.

William Rooney, Vice President Strategic Development, Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

The presentation will cover conditions in the global sea logistics market including cargo volume, operational conditions, rates, government/regulatory involvement, labor, carrier activities, industry capacity and industry metrics. There will also be a look forward focusing on cargo volume, available capacity, operating conditions and industry structure.

Learning Objectives:

1. Cargo market volume
2. Available vessel capacity
3. Operational capabilities and limits

Cory Schug, Patent Attorney and Jack Hicks, Patent Attorney, Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP

Iconic inventors from Thomas Jefferson to Steve Jobs credit their genius to improving upon the ideas of others.  But for the unwary, improving upon another’s concept can lead to patent lawsuits, injunctions, damages and attorneys’ fees.  Careful analysis and, where needed, product re-design can help insure that a successful inspiration does not become a painful infringement.

King Mukherjee, President, Global Impex USA and Professor, St John’s University; Bob Gazich, Vice President, Global Impex USA

The presentation will focus on how to create a successful internship program for a corporation. It will showcase how to recruit, mentor and grow a future workforce for the corporations. We will share tips where to and how to look for new pipeline of young professionals for our textile industry. We will touch on the topics of mentoring, retention strategy and diversity, equity and inclusion within a corporation’s recruitment strategies. As company CEOs and President, we will share how to lead the new generations of young professionals and motivate them for success. We will share some of the personal experiences. how to create a social incubator program through a successful internship program.

Learning objectives:

1. Create an awareness of Internship program
2. Showcase successful internship program through case study
3. Retention strategies
4. Mentoring strategies
5. Creating a pipeline of young professionals for future workforce
6. Showcase how to create an ecosystem of successful internship programs

Caitlin Knowles, E-Textile Device Engineer, Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA); Dr. Matthew Trexler, Director of Technology Validation, Under Armour; Graham Sullivan, Founder and CEO, Seddi Inc

The textile industry has seen a strong push to digital product design in recent years motivated by factors including improved quality, reduced time to market, reduced cost, and sustainability. While great leaps have been made in digitizing the textile product design process, several barriers remain. In this session, participants will gain insights into the current state of technologies and software tools for designing, prototyping, and manufacturing advanced textiles, including both traditional fabrics/apparel and e-textiles. Topics will include textile digital twins, the importance of material libraries and accurate material parameters, multidisciplinary digital product development workflows, and the state of the art in current software.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the current state of the art in textile digital engineering.
2. Identify opportunities to utilize digital technologies in advanced textiles design workflows.
3. Describe the current capability gaps of digital design tools.
4. Recognize the need for the industry to develop supporting infrastructure elements.

Dr. Andre West, Director of Zeis Textiles Extension, North Carolina State University Wilson College of Textile

The legalization of hemp production in the United States (US) in 2018 triggered a research and development boom to apply the newfound resource. The textile industry, one of the most notable polluters in the world, looked to hemp as a more sustainable alternative to a multitude of fibers, including cotton. After discovering the numerous benefits of hemp, demand for hemp textile production rapidly increased.  However, currently, there is little to no guidance in the US for evaluating the properties of hemp to determine its ability to be made into a fiber. Fiber properties are measured for natural and synthetic fibers to ensure that the final product will perform adequately and is a necessary step in the textile production process. Therefore, to aid in developing more efficient industrial hemp production in the US, this research aims to evaluate the current characterization methods used for cotton, flax, wool,  hemp, etc. And determine their applicability for hemp textile fibers in the United States. The measurements chosen were based on the necessary information for spinning mills to produce high-quality hemp fiber. Test methods of fiber length, width, linear density, tensile strength, cohesion, cleanliness,  density, oil content, and color were reviewed and discussed. This review may shed new light on the hemp fiber characterization and measurement in the textile industry.

Learning Objectives:

1. Knowledge about hemp fibers for textiles
2. How hemp fits the sustainability model
3. What is needed to move hemp into a viable alternative textile product

Nelson Bruton IV, President, ManufacturingChats

In this educational and interactive session you will be reminded that the fundamentals of business have not changed, but the methods in which we communicate have.  Marketing in the digital landscape continues to evolve and generational shifts and new technology platforms have been accelerating this change at a rapid pace.

Attendees will leave the session with the full knowledge of how to apply conversational marketing to their current marketing mix and immediately double their quote requests. The session will teach the learned best practices that have been applied over 20 years by many of their manufacturing industry peers (some of which are even here at the trade show!)  The session will also teach 4 things NOT to do when deploying a conversational marketing strategy.

They will leave this session with the knowledge and direction to ultimately improve their company’s bottom line growth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Why being proactive is better than being reactive.
2. That simplicity is better than overcomplicating.
3. The importance of response time.
4. Why people prefer to do business with people.

Jason Smith, Customer Solutions and Business Development Lead, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.

What if the next great discovery to improve textiles came from research off the planet? In this presentation, let’s explore an out-of-this-world opportunity to reimagine the design, testing, production, and use of advanced textiles: textiles that last longer, perform better, and are more environmentally friendly – made possible through an easily accessible new technology platform…SPACE!

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the opportunity to utilize space for advanced material design and testing.
2. Learn how space can help us build products with unique attributes that can’t be built terrestrially because of the lack of gravity.
3. Recognize why advanced materials R&D is so important to US competitiveness both on earth and in space.

Adam Penner, Owner AP Consulting, AP Consulting and Technical Services

This presentation will introduce Rhino3D and its prevalence in the Marine Canvas industry. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Rhino3D compared to other software and why it’s implemented in so many canvas applications. We will then look at a quick demonstration project. If time allows, we will look at the tools available for making custom programs and software to automate processes unique to your business. The technology is better, cheaper, and easier to learn than ever, so now is a great time to push digital methods no matter a company’s size!

Learning Objectives:

1. An understanding of what Rhino3D is and how it can be used for canvas projects
2. A basic understanding of the workflow and learning curve
3. Where to find appropriate learning resources to bring this technology to your business

Session sponsored by:

Nate Bolin, Partner, DLA Piper LLP and John V. Macisso, Legal Counsel and Director of Global Trade Compliance, Albany International Corp

In this presentation, a panel of industry and government speakers will explain how textile companies can benefit from US Trade Agreements, reduce their tariff liability, and understand what new trade opportunities may soon result for future trade agreements under negotiation. The presentation will also cover what companies need to do to protect their supply chains and sell their products globally free from export control liability.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand key features of US trade agreements relevant to textile companies.
2. Understand how to reduce tariffs on imports into the United States and take advantage of new trade opportunities
3. Learn how to stay compliant with US export control and national security laws relevant to advanced textile technologies

Panelists: Robin Dubroy, Director of Operations, Shazeebo; Mar Ricketts, Principal and founder, GuildWorks; William Bransford, Owner, Boatswain Locker
Moderator: Tom Aurer, President, Bearse USA

In this campfire discussion, Demo Area presenters come together to talk about fabric selection and favorite tools for product success. What should be considered in fabric selection? What’s a good tool to save time without sacrificing quality? The panelists will offer tips on achieving product excellence.

Dr. Cristina Acevedo, Director, Acteev MED by Ascend Performance Materials

The health care textile industry demands more from materials and suppliers. Functionality goes beyond mere coverage or support, with materials expected to promote recovery, regulate moisture and temperature and offer antimicrobial properties. However, these benefits should not harm the environment or rely on unnecessary chemicals.

The industry is shifting toward cleaner solutions that minimize chemical use. Improvements in the patient’s experience is also crucial, requiring materials with enhanced breathability, moisture management, durability, and comfort. Innovations are emerging in polymer production, yarn development, and fabric construction with the goal of enhancing muscle recovery, lymphatic drainage, and wound healing. We’ll explore recent materials and technologies in health care and discuss key success factors in this market.

Learning Objectives:

1. The changing needs of the health care industry around skin contact applications such as compression, wearables, elastics and more.
2. Textile trends that address the new needs – including new reimbursements.
3. New technologies and fabric constructions – and traditional ones that are resurfacing.

Representative from UltraCut

Fabric cutting and impulse welding demonstration to simulate making a side retention screen system with equipment specifically designed to meet fabrication requirements of internal and external window covering products.

Brydon Roe, Lead Shade Architect, Shade Sails Canada Inc.

You may have heard about Shade Sails, seen them here or there and think there might be a business opportunity there, well you are right!

Although Shade Sails are out there, there are many many markets where they are either unknown and certainly under utilized.

You don’t have to know how to make Shade Sails or consider the manufacturing of Sails to get in the business…. Learn what you need to know and do to start your Shade Sail business or Add to your existing business.

The market is largely untouched in North America, there is opportunity, join this session to learn and ask where and what these opportunities are.

Learning Objectives:

1. Better understanding of the support channels to help you stay out of manufacturing yet still be in the Shade Sail Business.
2. Education is the key to your Success in Shade Sails
3. Persistence, visualizations and customer service- keys to success

William Bransford, Owner, Boatswain Locker; Karina Bransford, Part Owner, Boatswain’s Locker

Learn how using the right tools can make your marine canvas easier! Boatswain has implemented a variety of tools over the years. Some of the tools are ones they created and developed, other tools they had manufactured for their shop and others are power tools they implemented to streamline processes and save their hands from excessive wear and tear.  This is a 2-part session featuring templets, pre-folders, edge strippers, variable speed motors, and a hand-bending table. Ideas and methods you’ve implemented are welcome to be shared in this interactive session.

Evelyne Orndoff, Non-metallic Materials Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC)

The “Thermal Challenges of landing in the South Pole of the Moon” explores the region and its geology, its “climate” with the associated thermal challenges for machines and visitors, the daylight and night times, and the points of interest. This sessions will include recommendations on what to wear for outdoors adventure, and what to wear indoors to be safe and comfortable inside the Lunar Lander.

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

Globally, the 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 incredibly difficult and costly to recycle, condemning most end-of-life products to landfill. Circular products however are designed with radically different parameters in mind. There is much more time spent in the design phase which reduces the time and cost spent at the end of the product’s life. The product is therefore more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible throughout its life. The design phase does not differ from the waste management phase, they are all incorporated into one.

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. We will also talk about a future where true product circularity is possible, returning end-of-life products into new-generation technical fabrics.

Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will gain a better understanding of what alternate materials can be used in applications traditionally serviced by flexible PVC.
2. Product design and development will be discussed taking into account the full product lifecycle.
3. Examples and case studies will be provided from experiences within the Australian market.

Join for an update on ATA’s member Divisions and Groups. Members and non-members are encouraged to join ATA staff for an update on how member programming and other offerings can serve your company. This is a chance to engage with your division leaders and learn more about the other market segments that ATA serves.

Representative from Renegade Equipment

Stop by booth 1048 for a demonstration of Renegade Equipment welding Renegade Plastic’s novel polypropylene (PP) based fabric, a sustainable alternative to PVC fabrics. Renegade Equipment provides safe, efficient, cost-effective bar welders as an alternative to RF and Impulse. Renegade Equipment is capable of welding a wide range of materials.

Bill Sismour, DLA Troop Support

Communication between DLA and the industrial base requires active participation of both entities. In this presentation, Bill Sismour from DLA’s Clothing & Textiles Industrial Capability Office provides discusses and provides examples of DLA’s and DoD’s outreach to industry. Additionally, he discusses the information DLA needs from industry to manage risks that impact DLA’s ability to support the Warfighter.

Brydon Roe, Lead Shade Architect, Shade Sails Canada Inc.

The demo features the introduction of a Simple Shade with minimal need for hardware, that’s  great for homeowners flying small Sails. Hardware can be a tricky component of flying your Shade Sail.  Shade Sail Canada aims to simplify this and take out the common challenge points or hurdles to getting your Sail to fly right. Take in a demo a sail and try your hand at a challenge!

Representative from Miller Weldmaster

Be sure to stop by the Miller Weldmaster Booth #706 to get your annual Miller Weldmaster Bucket! Mason will be showcasing our T300, Our Most Versatile Welder. Using Hot Air technology, Mason will be making our classic buckets for you to use while at ATA Expo.

Billie Whitehouse, CEO & Creative Director, Wearable X

When design & technology touch the results allow for truly human experiences. This session will cover how to consider new enabling technology when designing textiles & apparel.

Don’t miss the Next Generation Networking event immediately following Billie Whitehouse’s 2 pm emerging technologies campfire session on Wednesday, Nov. 1.

Frank Keohan, Senior Technology Manager, Bolger & O’Hearn, Inc.

Liquid repellents based on perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are rapidly being regulated out of existence for many industrial applications. The PFAS regulatory climate is complex and changing rapidly. Replacements for fluorochemical-based repellents have been developed that provide some of the required properties. Their application often requires process variation from standard fluorochemical repellents. The choice of fluorine-free product and application conditions are critical for obtaining the maximum performance from these new PFAS-replacement technologies. This is especially true for critical applications in medical and outdoor textile applications. Attendees will learn the basics behind different fluorine-free repellents, regulatory issues, and the evolving technology for increasing the performance of these products.

Learning Objectives:

1. Repellent product regulatory environment
2. Industry specifications, test methods and performance differences
3. Development history of fluorine-free repellents and application methods

Join us in the Hub to discuss ATA’s newest member group, the Workforce Development Council (WDC). We want to hear from members and attendees on what the greatest challenges and successes are within workforce development and acquiring talent. WDC will form its initiatives and programming based on feedback to best serve our members the longevity of industry.

Piril Ertem, Ph.D., Director, Functional Materials, Claros Technologies

Though ultraviolet (UV) protection is highly desirable for garments and other textile products, many UV protective garments are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, which can have deleterious effects on the environment. Developing a greener alternative can be challenging as natural fibers like cotton and bamboo are difficult to functionalize for high UV protection performance. Join us for a discussion of UV protection factor (UPF), natural fiber chemistry, and how chemistry inspired by nature can be used to increase UPF on natural fibers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define UPF and common methods/considerations of measuring UPF.
2. Describe the basic chemistry of fiber materials.
3. Identify conjugated organic molecules with photoprotective properties.

Robin DuBroy, Director of Operations, Shazeebo and Patrick Howe, Owner, Shazeebo

Everything you wanted to know about hooking up a shade sail but were afraid to ask. In this demonstration, we will show you the proper tools you need to keep in your tool kit to install and secure a typical shade sail corner. We will walk you through step by step how to attach the hardware to the sail, attach the hardware to your connection point, and securely lock down your hardware to avoid hardware failure.

World’s first shade sail competition! Test your skill at hooking up a shade sail at our hands-on competition to see who can properly install the shade sail hardware the fastest!

Learning Objectives:

• Discover which tools you should always have on hand for a shade sail installation.
• Learn the proper order to connect and install the hardware for an efficient installation.
• Avoid hardware damage and failures with these safety techniques.
• Compete for the title of Fastest Shade Sail Installer In The Nation!

Andrew Medley, Regional Sales Manager, Trivantage

In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, businesses and consumers alike want to set themselves apart through unique personalized displays. This comes in the form of different expressions, and one trend that helps differentiate the look of businesses is digital printing solutions. Digital printing offers both personal and commercial customization, and requests for custom awning products is estimated to be as high as 40%. This presentation will answer a fundamental question – what is digital printing? – and demonstrate how, if you can imagine it, it can be printed. Anything is possible, from basic patterns/stripes to photography that shows intricate details – all with photo-quality results. Digital printing is ideal for commercial applications looking to brand themselves and draw consumers’ eyes to their business.

Erika Simmons, Technical Director, AATCC

Embark on an exciting journey into the world of technical textiles, where cutting-edge standards are reshaping the industry, unlocking potential, and driving innovation. Gain valuable insights into revolutionary standards that are transforming design, manufacturing, and performance. Learn how to leverage these standards for growth and innovation in your own area of expertise. Join us to embrace the future of technical textiles and unlock limitless possibilities.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the significance of testing standards
2. Explore practical applications of innovative standards
3. Identify potential opportunities for leveraging textile testing standards

Katie Bradford, Owner, Custom Marine Canvas

Have you ever thought this is stupid, there’s got to be an easier way? That’s what Machinist Barry Hull said when he was given the task of putting a zipper coil together.  Then a light bulb went on and a device known as the zipper jig was born.  In this demo, you will learn how to use this handy tool that holds all kinds and sizes and types of zippers used in the textile market. Come try it out for yourself!

Hosts: Kyle VanDamme, MFC, Marine Tops Unlimited and Mark Tyrrell, LaSalle Canvas Inc.
Guests: Jeff Sponseller, Miller Weldmaster; Michael Woody, Transtex LLC; Erin Parker, North Carolina State University

Co-hosts Kyle Van Damme and Mark Tyrrell will meet up with guests on the show floor for this live recording of ATA’s Talking Textiles Podcast! Join us in the Hub to take part in a lively discussion from our panel guests about the Advanced Textiles Expo to gain perspectives from first-time, student, exhibitor to attendee. We will venture the conversation alongside other textile biz themes to bring forth insider views and advice from existing and next generation textile professionals!

Ike Dosch, Senior Multimedia Specialist, Exponent and Dr. Marika Walker, Manager, Research Consultant, Exponent

Every year, mountain rescue teams are dispatched to aid individuals in distress. These teams treat a variety of injury and ailments, including cases of moderate to severe hypothermia. While there is general guidance on the appropriate attire for outdoor sporting activities, as well as body positioning during an emergency, it is unclear what and how much impact winter protective garments have on clothing microclimates (i.e., volume, temperature, and humidity), and how these factors influence thermal comfort. This study explores the use of a novel 3D scanning method to quantify microclimate volume, void volumes, and garment compression, which are directly correlated to a garment’s ability to trap body heat. This method has the potential to aid in understanding how clothing microclimate is impacted by body positioning, and to recommend preferential body positioning in winter protective garments for optimal heat conservation.

Learning Objectives:

1. The definition of microclimate volume
2. An understanding of how 3D scanning can be used to quantify microclimate volume in winter protective gear
3. Potential applications of this method in investigating the impact of body positioning on microclimate volume in winter protective gear

Representative from UltraCut

Fabric cutting and impulse welding demonstration to simulate making a side retention screen system with equipment specifically designed to meet fabrication requirements of internal and external window covering products.

Sara Beatty, President, White Haven Trade

Sara Beatty will update attendees on legislative developments concerning tariffs and trade, government procurement of textiles, and regulatory matters. Learn about the policy issues under debate in Washington that are relevant to domestic advanced textile manufacturers and how you can engage.

Robin DuBroy, Director of Operations, Shazeebo Shade Sails

Do you keep getting calls from customers asking about “those triangle fabric things”? What is so great about shade sails anyways? Robin is here to help demystify shade sails! She will cover all of the amazing benefits of shade sails, from the practical – like UV protection and energy efficiency- to the visual, and beyond.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain why shade sails are a great shade solution.
2. Discuss the various practical and visual/aesthetic benefits of shade sails.
3. Describe (and thus sell!) shade sails as the appealing shade solution that they are!
4. Understand the basics of shade sail installation – it’s so easy!

William Bransford, Owner, Boatswain Locker; Karina Bransford, Part Owner, Boatswain’s Locker

Learn how using the right tools can make your marine canvas easier! Boatswain has implemented a variety of tools over the years. Some of the tools are ones they created and developed, other tools they had manufactured for their shop and others are power tools they implemented to streamline processes and save their hands from excessive wear and tear.  This is a 2-part session featuring templets, pre-folders, edge strippers, variable speed motors, and a hand-bending table. Ideas and methods you’ve implemented are welcome to be shared in this interactive session.

Representative from Leister Technologies, LLC

Leister Technologies will be demonstrating the Seamtek W-900 AT the hot wedge welder that is energy efficient, versatile, and safe.

Safe and simple to use:  Wedge heats up and cools nearly instantaneously.

Energy efficient: Up to 10x less energy consumption than comparable machines during the welding process.

Silence is golden: Quiet operation.

Innovative: Variable speed during welding process like a sewing machine.

High-quality welds: Get flat and precise seams, even when welding curves.

Ron Ellis, Director Product Management, Lectra USA, Inc

The recent disruptions in the supply chain and critical changes in the labor market have affected industrial manufacturers. On top of that, the demand for advanced textiles is rapidly growing due to the rising need for safety, security, and an increase in government spending on the military.

To keep up with the increase in demand, complex fabric management, and getting garments to the market faster, manufacturers who develop products made from advanced textiles, such as protective gear, safety apparel and uniforms, will need to streamline and optimize their production. Investing in the latest and most trusted advanced technologies, such as automated cutting solutions, automated nesting, cloud nesting, and subscription software, will help further improve the cutting room to overcome any recent supply chain challenges or complexities.

Advanced technologies, such as cutting room automation in these industry segments allows businesses to focus not only on what is out of their control, but instead on the optimization of what is within their control. By looking inward, it is possible to identify many small things that can improve or speed up processes, and reap some of the following benefits:

1. Material Savings
2. Increase in cut quality and accuracy
3. Speed to Revenue
4. Become agile towards labor challenges and the supply chain

We will also showcase how one of our customers, one of the fastest-growing manufacturers, stays proactive toward supply chain disruption with advanced cutting and nesting solutions, allowing them to improve efficiency, increase cutting capacity and optimizes its cutting room.

A shift in automation is critical to achieving today’s objectives

1. Material Savings
2. Increase in cut quality and accuracy
3. Speed to Revenue
4. Become agile towards labor challenges and the supply chain

See how these improvements can better position industrial garment businesses to withstand shipping delays and logistical challenges

How automation can optimize businesses

Holly Bloom, Senior Managing Partner and Damien Cannaday, Senior Managing Partner, CB Wealth and Insurance Solutions

Health Insurance, Group Benefits, and Retirement Plans tend to be one of a company’s top expenses behind payroll overheads. If costs aren’t the problem, who has time these days to administer them?  We will be giving a market update as we move towards 2024 and discussing ways to improve your benefit offerings while reducing costs and streamlining efficiencies.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo entrepreneur or have hundreds of employees- we have strategies for you.  Learn how to gain a competitive advantage through your workforce.

Representative from Renegade Equipment

Stop by booth 1048 for a demonstration of Renegade Equipment welding Renegade Plastic’s novel polypropylene (PP) based fabric, a sustainable alternative to PVC fabrics. Renegade Equipment provides safe, efficient, cost-effective bar welders as an alternative to RF and Impulse. Renegade Equipment is capable of welding a wide range of materials.

Brett Baird, Southern Regional Sales Manager, Trivantage

This Campfire will discuss the overall value of presenting to the architectural community and the resources that are available to PAMA members to help in their presentations. Will delve into the differences between the two presentations and which audiences would drive benefit for each. Will relay past experiences as it relates to presenting to this community along with some hard learned do’s and don’ts. Finally the discussion will dive into WHY we all need to get involved in this valuable educational opportunity.

Moderator: Haskell Beckham, Ph.D., VP, Innovation, Columbia Sportswear

Panelists: Jason Smith, Customer Solutions and Business Development Lead, Aegis Aerospace, Inc.; Matthew Reid, Industrial Market Manager, Vectran Fiber Division, Kuraray America, Inc.; Chyree Batton, Ph.D., Commercial Innovation Strategy Lead- Advanced materials, In-Space Solutions, Axiom

What if the next great discovery to improve textiles came from research off the planet? In this presentation, let’s explore an out-of-this-world opportunity to reimagine the design, testing, production, and use of advanced textiles: textiles that last longer, perform better, and are more environmentally friendly –  made possible through an easily accessible new technology platform…SPACE!

Learning objectives:

• Understand the opportunity to utilize space for advanced material design and testing.
• Learn how space can help us build products with unique attributes that can’t be built terrestrially because of the lack of gravity.
• Recognize why advanced materials R&D is so important to US competitiveness both on earth and in space.

Mar Ricketts, Principal and founder, GuildWorks

A brief overview of the process of fabric structure building. Starting with design/ engineering, we will fabricate a small membrane and install it in a frame under tension to keep the membrane under proper pretension.

Representative from Miller Weldmaster

Stop by Miller Weldmaster’s Booth #706 to grab your on-the-spot made Notebook!  Learn about our Radio Frequency technology and the RFlex Press machine!  Christian will be there to showcase the ease of use and how to optimize your production process.

Harry Centa Jr., Senior Program Manager, PartnerShip

Saving money on shipping expenses for your business is more important than ever in this challenging economy. You have options and decisions to make when it comes to shipping to receive the best value and savings.

PartnerShip, the ATA-preferred shipping provider that manages your member-exclusive shipping benefits, will explore 6 hidden hacks that members can use to save more with FedEx. Here’s your chance to learn how to get the most out of this free member benefit, and what you can do to lower your small package shipping expenses.

Learning Objectives:

1. The 2023 UPS & FedEx rate increases.
2. How to get the most out of My FedEx Rewards.
3. How to get free package testing with FedEx.
4. FedEx Multiweight pricing and much more!

Eric Petersen, Director of Marketing, Spradling International, Inc. and Steve Rye, Senior Technical Services Manager, Global Coated Fabrics, OMNOVA Solutions, Inc.

You have undoubtedly encountered vinyl coated fabrics on seating and surfaces in many applications. Exterior marine applications, such as boats and personal watercraft, require products that meet the most demanding performance requirements for the outdoor environment. Due to the way vinyl coated fabrics are constructed, they can stand up to abrasion, tough stains, exposure to sunlight, low temperature flexibility (cold crack), and daily wear and tear. The top finish or topcoat is a very thin layer, yet it provides critical properties to the finished product, such as abrasion resistance, flex resistance, and impermeability.

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize how the chemical and structural composition of vinyl coated fabrics delivers durable and reliable fabrics for marine applications.
2. Evaluate vinyl coated fabric product properties that are suitable for marine applications.
3. Learn how vinyl coated fabrics are engineered to help reduce the occurrence of pink stain and mildew growth.

Seonyoung Youn, Ph.D. Student, North Carolina State University

The presentation aims to evaluate and compare advanced textile digitization and virtualization technology using drape. 3D virtual prototyping has been actively used in the textile and apparel industry, improving work efficiency, cost management, and seamless communication. Typically, the virtual simulators require the input of objective physical properties of textiles, which takes about 20 minutes per fabric. Recently, researchers developed an AI model based on image scanning, which takes about 5 minutes to virtualize fabric. We compare and evaluate the virtualized materials obtained from conventional and state-of-art technology using a drape as an indicator of the accuracy of simulation technology because a drape is a total visual representation of the fabric’s inherent mechanical and physical properties. The result will benefit 3D garment simulation users (e.g., apparel/textile designers, product developers, and technical engineers) to optimize the ability of simulator technology by understanding digitized physical properties and digitization tools.

Learning Objectives:

1. Textile digitization process: how to virtualize fabric in a 3D environment
2. Conventional digitization vs. State-of-technology digitization
3. Drape comparison methods

Join us for a new marine fabrication topic every hour! Topics include, zipper installation, fabric selection, tips, tricks and more.

• 10–11am
       Marine Fabrics 101: Selecting the right material for your project | Mike Hendrix, Director, MFA Board
• 11 am–noon
       Tools, Tips and Tricks | Charlene Clark, Signature Canvas, Vice-Chair, MFA Board
• Noon–1pm
       How to Build a U-Zip with a Built in Rain Flap | Keith Purves, Chairman, MFA Board

Representative from UltraCut

Fabric cutting and impulse welding demonstration to simulate making a side retention screen system with equipment specifically designed to meet fabrication requirements of internal and external window covering products.

Representative from Leister Technologies, LLC

Leister Technologies will be demonstrating the Seamtek W-900 AT the hot wedge welder that is energy efficient, versatile, and safe.

Safe and simple to use:  Wedge heats up and cools nearly instantaneously.

Energy efficient: Up to 10x less energy consumption than comparable machines during the welding process.

Silence is golden: Quiet operation.

Innovative: Variable speed during welding process like a sewing machine.

High-quality welds: Get flat and precise seams, even when welding curves.

Representative from Renegade Equipment

Stop by booth 1048 for a demonstration of Renegade Equipment welding Renegade Plastic’s novel polypropylene (PP) based fabric, a sustainable alternative to PVC fabrics. Renegade Equipment provides safe, efficient, cost-effective bar welders as an alternative to RF and Impulse. Renegade Equipment is capable of welding a wide range of materials.

*Requires an add-on purchase during registration.

Toby Payne, Partner, Sales Trainer & Consultant, Sandler Training – Portland, Maine

Do you want to identify, attract, and onboard salespeople with a winning mindset, while ensuring their accountability, unwavering motivation and commitment to your company revenue goals and objectives?

Or do you ever find yourself struggling with existing salespeople who don’t achieve and exceed their quotas – let alone maximize their true selling potential?

Join us for an educational, methodical, and inspiring sales leadership program that will revolutionize the way you approach onboarding and nurturing your sales team. Our expert speaker, Toby Payne of Sandler Training will guide you through proven strategies and techniques to develop an effective and unstoppable team that consistently exceeds targets.

This program will cover:

1. Understanding your salespeople and unlocking their potential.
2. Streamlining the onboarding process.
3. Creating a culture of accountability that empowers salespeople to take ownership of their targets and outcomes.
4. Sustaining Motivation.

Learn more about deep dive workshops

*Requires an add-on purchase during registration.

Dr. Melissa Furman, Owner/Consultant, Career Potential, LLC

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill needed to maximize professional and leadership success–including attributes such as self-awareness, assertiveness, empathy, flexibility and impulse control. This practical workshop will provide participants with tools and strategies to enhance their own emotional intelligence to positively impact decision-making, teamwork, productivity, stress management, and problem-solving. Participants will also obtain tools and strategies for developing and managing emotional intelligence in others.

This workshop includes an emotional intelligence assessment that will need to be completed prior to the workshop and instructions will be provided upon workshop registration.

Learn more about deep dive workshops