Explore everything Advanced Textiles Expo has to offer. Use the dynamic schedule below to build a personalized experience for you and your business.
Sessions marked with an asterisk (*) are part of the Emerging Technologies Conference, the pre-expo event that provides deeper insights into the innovations shaping the future of the industry.
Events
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*Engineering Anti-Smoke Textiles: Insights from Controlled WUI and Battery Fire Simulations
Prof. Guowen Song, Professor and Lloyd Chair in Textiles and Clothing, and Dr. Rui Li, Assistant Research Professor and Project Manager, Iowa State University
The increasing frequency of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires and lithium-ion battery incidents generate highly toxic smoke containing metal- and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-enriched ultrafine particles (UFPs)...See full session details. -
*Tina & Tara Turn Tense: Digital Tension Twins for Textile Machines
Dr. Topher Anderson, Owner, Textile.org
Digital tension twins provide a practical way to make textile machines perform more consistently by measuring, comparing, and matching actual thread or yarn tension...See full session details.
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*Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference
Orange County Convention Center West Buliding
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*Engineering Non-Wood Dissolving Pulp: What It Really Takes to Make Agricultural Feedstocks Spin
Lelia Lawson, Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Zylotex Inc.
As the textile industry prepares for a shift beyond wood-based cellulose, agricultural feedstocks are emerging as viable — but technically demanding — alternatives...See full session details.
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*Enhancing Adhesive Strength Between Fabric and an Additive Manufactured Composite
Dr. Rebecca Ruckdashel, Research Engineer III - Textiles, FASTR Lab, Advanced Structures and Composites Center, University of Maine
Additive manufacturing part strength is limited by the bonding between layers...See full session details.
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*Emerging Technologies (ET) Conference Lunch
Orange County Convention Center West Buliding
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*Plants: The Original Textile — Lessons and Applications for Biomimicry
Daryl L. Thompson, Director of Scientific Initiatives, Global Research and Discovery Group
Plants represent some of nature’s most advanced material systems, evolved over millions of years to manage heat, moisture, structural strength, and environmental stress...See full session details.
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*From Fiber to Finish: High‑Performance Biobased Fire Retardants with Sustainable, Clean Chemistry
Satish Hodage, Chief Technology Officer, YUJ Labs LLC
This session introduces a new class of high performance biobased fire retardants engineered through clean chemistry formulations that integrate seamlessly from fiber to finish...See full session details.
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*Functional Textiles, Current Gaps, and Opportunities for Innovation
Saloni Purandare, Ph.D., Program Chair and Instructor, Textile Technology Program, Gaston College
This presentation will introduce the audience to categories of textiles engineered for predetermined applications, that go beyond body covering or aesthetics...See full session details.
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*Flexfactory and SUSTAIN: A Comparison of North American and European Pathways to Successful Collaboration and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Amanda Mills, Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University; Dr. Marie O'Mahony Programme Leader, MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technologies, Knowledge Exchange Enterprise (KEE) Champion Fashion and Textiles, WSA, University of Southampton, UK
What makes for successful collaboration, one that results in a clear pathway to entrepreneurship, IP or product commercialisation?...See full session details.
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*Unfolding Power: How Origami-Inspired Fabric is Creating the Next Generation of Self-Powered Sensors
Dr. K.R. Sanjaya D. Gunawardhana, Postdoctoral Researcher, Dublin City University
The wearable technology industry is at an inflection point: demand for clinical-grade joint monitoring is surging, yet every current solution forces a compromise between sensitivity, comfort, and power...See full session details.
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*Don’t Let Your Color Expertise Retire: Building an AI Tool That Learns and Diagnoses in the Dye House
Yuan Sun Ph.D., Candidate Student, Color Science and Imaging Laboratories, North Carolina State University
Coloration defects in dyeing and printing are difficult to diagnose because the root causes span fiber type, machine configuration, processing parameters, and dyestuff selection...See full session details.
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*Emerging Technologies Networking Reception
Orange County Convention Center West Building
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Pub Night
Join us at Pub Night
Three great forces are coming together to bring you one unforgettable evening! Join Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, ATA Canada and Fabric Structures Association at Main Event to network, collaborate and most importantly, have fun! Whether you’re a member of PAMA, ATA Canada or the FSA group, this event is the perfect opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas and expand your network in a relaxed atmosphere. -
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Do It Right: Water Repellency Testing for Shade and Awning Fabrics
Robert Hinsch, Vice President of Business Development, TVF Inc.
Water repellency testing requires equal parts precision, expertise, and patience...See full session details.
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Beyond Aesthetics … The Role of Print and Color Performance in Textile Architecture
Steven Huisman, Managing Director, ColorArmor Systems
Printed textiles have become a powerful design tool in textile architecture, enabling architects and designers to shape visual identity, integrate structures into their environment, or create bold visual statements...See full session details.
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Utilizing Technology in Workforce Training to Retain, Expand, and Transfer Knowledge
Tanya Wade, Textile Resource Lab and THREAD-X Project Manager, Manufacturing Solutions Center (MSC)
Across the US, industries are navigating a massive knowledge transfer gap, where institutional expertise is leaving faster than it can be passed on or replaced...See full session details.
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The Future of Advanced Manufacturing
Frank Henderson, CEO, Henderson Sewing Machine Co. Inc.
The Future of advanced manufacturing transformation is not a distant possibility requiring future attention– it is occurring now and accelerating rapidly...See full session details.
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How Larger Funding Models Are Driving Innovation and Technology in the E-Textiles Industry
Dr. Amanda Mills, Assistant Professor, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University; Dr. Marie O'Mahony, Programme Leader, MSc E-textiles and Wearable Technologies, Knowledge Exchange Enterprise (KEE) Champion Fashion and Textiles, WSA, University of Southampton, UK
The establishment of an e-textile value chain is one of the most challenging barriers to commercialisation facing the sector...See full session details.
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Designing and Manufacturing Advanced Medical Textiles: Lessons learned from Bally Ribbon Mills
Ted Fetterman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Bally Ribbon Mills
The Medical Device industry represents a strong market sector for the US textile industry now through 2035...See full session details.
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Networking Roundtables
Networking roundtables give Advanced Textiles Expo attendees the opportunity to discuss issues facing their businesses...See full details.
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How AI, Cloud Connectivity, & Smart Cutting Workflows Are Transforming Tech Textile Manufacturing
Aimee Heuschkel, Marketing Director and John Gerohristodoulos, Vice President Sales Industrial Manufacturing, Lectra
Explore how Industry 4.0 technologies, specifically AI‑driven automation, cloud‑based production management, and connected cutting workflows, are reshaping the landscape of technical textile manufacturing...See full session details.
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Chemical Regulations Reshaping the Textile Industry
Shannon L. Gainey, Ph.D., Director of Global Regulatory Management, JM Huber Corporation
Textile chemical regulations are shifting fast, reshaping material selection and sourcing...See full session details.
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Long-Life and Durable Nonwovens Market Overview
Matt O'Sickey, Director of Education and Technical Affairs, INDA - Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
This presentation will provide an overview of the supply and demand of nonwoven fabrics used in the durable or long-life applications...See full session details.
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Overcoming the Challenges of Selling a Textile Business
Terry Kelm, President, Sunbelt Resales
Selling any business can be a complex endeavor...See full session details.
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Expo Opening Reception
Network with fellow attendees and exhibitors after the first day of Advanced Textiles Expo at the Opening Reception. Enjoy refreshments and great conversation to wrap up the first day of the show.
Included with all registration types!
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**Industry Night
Industry Night returns for a night filled with live music from ATA member band Hangin’ by a Thread. Attendees will enjoy live music, conversation with fellow attendees, and delicious food at Ole Red. Industry Night requires an add-on ticket. Tickets are limited! Don’t wait to buy.
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Textiles Challenge Qualifying Rounds
Registration Lobby
Back for 2026! Textiles Challenge is a hands-on activity to test your skills. Participate in various textile challenges and earn your way to the final round.
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Show Floor Education
Check out informal, interactive, and informative education sessions across the show floor. Schedule in development.
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Women in Textiles Leadership Sessions
Join us for a morning designed to inspire, connect, and empower women in the textiles industry.Learn more about the 3 sessions.
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Choosing Shade Sails as an Art Medium
Patrick Howe, Owner and Founder, Wholesale Shade; Priscilla Lustig, Artist; Steef Crombach, Curator, Educator, and Soft Sculpture Artist
This session explores how shade sails can be approached not just as a product, but as a flexible medium for large-scale public art...See full session details.
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Panel Discussion: Real-world AI applications in the textile industry
Moderator: Mike Boatman, Owner, Boatman Marine Canvas; Panelists: Ethan Halpern, President, American Awning & Blind Co.; Hunter Wells, Sales Manager, Snyder Mfg Inc.
Join a panel of industry experts as they share real-world applications of artificial intelligence across textile design, manufacturing and supply chains...See full session details.
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From Manual to Digital: Practical Pathways for Fabric Structure Businesses
Alan Stewart, C.E.O., MPanel Software Solutions
Many fabric structure businesses still rely on manual methods, 2D workflows, or outsourced patterning, approaches that can limit accuracy, increase rework, and slow down project delivery...See full session details.
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State of the Industry Update
ATA will present results from its annual industry survey looking at trends, markets that are poised for growth and other data...See full session details.
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Inside the Signage Industry’s Awning Frustrations—and the Opportunity Waiting for You!
Brad Turpin Jr., Associate Director of Content & Training, International Sign Association (ISA)
This session, presented by the International Sign Association, pulls back the curtain on where sign companies struggle most...See full session details.
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Engaging the Next Generation of Textile Professionals
Karl Aspelund Ph.D., Associate Director, URI Honors Program; Associate Professor, Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design; Michael Woody, CEO, Trans-Tex LLC and Chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN); Robert Finnegan, M.Ed., Head of Education and Workforce, Manufacturing USA Innovation Institute: Advanced Functional Fabrics of America
The RI Textile Education & Innovation Initiative is a partnership between the University of Rhode Island (URI), the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN), and Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) that aims to connect regional industry and local students...See full session details.
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Textiles Challenge Finals – Championship Round
ATA Hub Booth 847
Back for 2026! Textiles Challenge is a hands-on activity to test your skills. Participate in various textile challenges and earn your way to the final round.
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Industry Podcasts Live
Listen in as textile industry podcasters chat with featured guests about the latest trends, insights, and stories shaping the industry. Everyone loves a good story—come hear theirs. Different podcasts will be recorded live throughout Expo at the ATA Hub. Schedule in development.
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