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.
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.
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.
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.
Dr. Debashis Chanda,Trustee Chair Professor, University of Central Florida
Structural coloration offers many advantages over conventionally used pigment-based colors due to their non-toxic, fade-resistant, and environmentally friendly nature...See full session details.
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.
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.
Additional registration required.
This interactive workshop is designed to give fabric manufacturers, fabricators, and industry professionals a practical introduction to lean principles....See full session details.
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.
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.
Dr. Kedena Henriques-Thompson, Postdoctoral Research Scholar-Clothing Biophysics and Textile Testing, Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science, Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University
Performance footwear is engineered for comfort, energy return, protection, and durability, yet little industry attention has been given to what happens to these material systems after prolonged wear and at end-of-life...See full session details.
Bobby Jones, Pressure Garment Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center
This session presents one element of an ongoing NASA technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a new outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration...See full session details.
Samantha Horsley, Deputy Product Manager, Program Executive Office Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
The U.S. Army is modernizing how it develops, sources, and sustains soldier clothing and individual equipment—and industry collaboration is essential to that effort...See full session details.
main event orlando, fl
9101 International Dr Ste 1032, Orlando, FL
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.
Pub Night requires an add-on ticket. Space is limited. Don't wait to get your ticket.
Michael F. Sullaway, P.E., President and CEO, Sullaway Engineering, Inc.
Tension Fabric Structures Made Simple is an educational webinar presentation designed for manufacturers, architects, contractors, and project managers seeking a clearer understanding of modern tensile membrane and fabric structure engineering...See full session details.
Charlene Clark, IFM, CEO, Signature CanvasMakers
The presentation will focus on how to build a resilient, scalable business by aligning vision, culture, and operations...See full session details.
Jeff Newkirk, MFC, Owner, Precision Custom Canvas Inc.; Jeff Viehmeyer, Owner, Alameda Canvas & Coverings
Learn how shop layout impacts production efficiency, along with ideas for adapting to the space you have to make the most of it for your team...See full session details.
Charlie Vuong, President, Wholesale Shade
A lot of shops in this industry never built a real website because the process felt out of reach...See full session details.
Jeff Viehmeyer, Owner, Alameda Canvas & Coverings
This session offers a practical introduction to the machines, tools, and foundational techniques used in industrial sewing for a range of marine and general applications...See full session details.
Join Talking Textiles for a live podcast recording exploring the role of rebranding in business growth and industry identity. Hear perspectives and experiences from host Tony Ehrbar of American Tent/Renegade Plastics and guests Jim Ennis of Ennis Fabrics, Mike Boatman of Boatman Canvas and Desiree Friedman. See full session details.
Panelists from across the U.S. military textiles industry will discuss how the Berry Amendment supports the full domestic textile supply chain...See full session details.
Discover how fabricators can make strong, flexible, waterproof repairs without removing the fabric, transporting it back to the shop, or using a sewing machine. This live demonstration will showcase Trivantage’s Fast Fabric Liquid RF and Canvas Epoxy for shade, awning, and marine applications, including field repairs, rafter band installation, reinforcements, and no-sew patches. Attendees will see the adhesive application process firsthand and learn how these solutions can save time and simplify fabric repairs.
Wendy Gao, Textile Materials Lead, NASA’s Johnson Space Center
As NASA prepares for the next era of human space exploration, it is advancing the development of next-generation fire-resistant textiles and softgoods...See full session details.
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.
Tanya Wade, Business Development and Special Projects 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.
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.
Join Mike from Stimpson for a live demonstration of grommet and washer installation, with time for questions. See the J-25 with 5RRGSW if compressed air is available, or the J-21 with a compressor if not. Discuss setting techniques and applications.
Join Talking Textiles for a live podcast recording exploring how awning and textile professionals can better communicate with architects. Hear industry perspectives, practical insights, and stories from Scott Luttrell of Victory Awning, Inc., Ethan Halpern of American Awning & Sign and Ann Marie Logue of Trivantage. See full session details.
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.
Bryan Choe, Sales Demonstration Manager, Miller Weldmaster
Join Miller Weldmaster to explore how fabric welding can help manufacturers improve seam quality, increase efficiency, reduce labor demands, and create more consistent finished products...See full session details.
You are already in the shade sail business, or want to be. You want to make sure you are making the best use of your time and creating the best reflection of your business, right? In a few minutes on the Expo floor, we can show you the entire process of professionally designing, selecting the fabric, fabricating and installing a shade sail on a frame canopy. The following experts will show you what they know: MPANEL SOFTWARE – The latest and greatest in design and rendering software to make it easier to get that order! WHOLESALE SHADE – Patrick Howe and his team will discuss cutting, sewing and installing shade sails; VOLM COMPANIES – An American company will discuss knitting shade fabric in Wisconsin, and a new product that might just be the right product at the right time? POLYFAB USA – As a world leading wholesaler of premium fabrics, hardware and trimmings for shade sails, they want to make sure the products that go into your project are the best quality, and available from the best suppliers in the industry!
Aimee Heuschkel, Vice President Marketing, Americas 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.
Demonstrate that the new RFL fabric will not distort or deform when exposed to temperatures up to 400°F using an approved heating element. The fabric is already rated and tested for this temperature. The demonstration will not produce flame, smoke, or residue.
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.
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.
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.
Advanced Textiles Expo’s Annual Fun Run/Walk is back! No separate registration required. Participants will be guided on a morning fun run or walk by experienced locals through Orlando. Experience all the local views at your desired distance! Meet at the intersection of Convention Way and International Dr., near Hyatt and Rosen Centre Hotels.
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.
John Nicholson, Director of Textile Business Development and Training, Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center
This interactive introduction to TextileREADY, a workforce development initiative created through a collaboration between Gaston College's Textile Technology Center and NC State University's Wilson College of Textiles...See full session details.
Mike Erickson, President, Canvas Designers; Brydon Roe, Shade Architect, Shade Sails Canada
This fast-paced presentation will explore the commonalities of sail shades in both the Commercial shade industry and the Marine Industry...See full session details.
Ron Houle, Founder and President, Pivot Step Consultants LLC; Lee Moritz, Regional Program Manager, Hickory and Reena Bhatia, Regional Program Manager, Raleigh, North Carolina Military Business Center
Understand trends in the Military market and government contracting in these back-to-back sessions...See full session details.
Arnold Kravitz, Chief Innovation Officer, O-HIVE
Quality inspection is critical in textile manufacturing, but manual inspection can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and difficult to scale
Vince Innocenzi, President, Chicago Marine Canvas; Andy Moon, Owner, Baraboo Awning
A practical look at two digital measuring technologies that help capture complex spaces accurately...See full session details.
Every material comes with accepted wisdom, and most of it deserves a second look. Stop by our booth and we’ll put those assumptions to the test—live, hands-on, and right in front of you. No slides, no spec sheet you have to take on faith. Just our lineup of non-toxic textiles that can be recycled, side by side with the legacy materials it’s built to replace, settling the old myths in real time. Bring your most stubborn belief about what fabric can do ... Renegades love a good challenge!
Join Talking Textiles for a live podcast recording on building stronger partnerships with general contractors. Hear practical perspectives and industry insights from host Ethan Halpern of American Awning & Sign and guests Scott Neville of Welhener H.B. Wall, Brad Turpin, Matthew Disalvatore and Jason Buxton of ISA. See full session details.
Charles Freeman, Ph.D., Erin Tillery, Ph.D., and Leslie Browning-Samoni, Ph.D., Professor,Texas Christian University; Robert Finnegan, M.Ed., Advanced Functional Fabrics of America
What does it take to prepare the next generation of professionals to work across textiles, materials science, and engineering?...See full session details.
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.
Greg Keeler, Owner, Oyster Creek Canvas
This session will explore practical techniques for fabricating windows using polycarbonate and clear vinyl...See full session details.
Moderator: Mike Boatman, Boatman Marine Canvas; Panelists: Mike Erickson, Canvas Designers, Inc.; Ethan Halpern, American Awning & Blind Co.; Johannes Lombard, Canvas Designers, 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.
Join Talking Textiles for a live podcast recording exploring how professionals in the textile industry navigate the demands of work and life. Hear personal experiences and perspectives from host Tony Ehrbar of American Tent/Renegade Plastics and guests Rachal McCarthy of NTI Global, Jess Flegel of Oyster Creek and Jason Storozum of Tek-Knit Industries. See full session details.
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.
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.
Maya Innis, Product Application Expert, Thermoplastic Welding Solutions, Leister
New to hot air welding? Discover how incorporating this technology into your manufacturing process can increase productivity...See full session details.
Participants will see a hands-on demonstration of how SunPatch can be used to repair tears, rips, and holes in awning, marine, and tent fabrics, helping extend the life of the finished product rather than replacing it. The demonstration will show how heat and pressure are used to apply a SunPatch in approximately two minutes. Sample kits will also be provided for participants to take home and try.
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.
Join Talking Textiles for a live podcast recording exploring FutureTEX and Gaston College’s opportunity to rebuild and help shape the future of textile education. Hear from host Jasmine Cox and guest Dr. John Hauser of the Textile Technology Center at Gaston College, along with additional guests, about the initiative and its impact on the textile industry. See full session details.
Karl Aspelund Ph.D., URI Honors Program; Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design; Michael Woody, Trans-Tex LLC; Chair of the Rhode Island Textile Innovation Network (RITIN); Robert Finnegan, M.Ed., 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.
The Real Cost of Installing Grommets: Is Your Equipment Costing You Money? 1. The Hidden Costs of Grommet Installation: Most companies focus on the price of the grommet itself. However, the true cost includes labor, downtime, scrap, maintenance, and quality issues. The metric that matters is not the cost per grommet, but the cost per installed grommet...
John Nicholson, Director of Textile Business Development and Training, Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center
This interactive introduction to TextileREADY, a workforce development initiative created through a collaboration between Gaston College's Textile Technology Center and NC State University's Wilson College of Textiles...See full session details.
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.
Start your day with this instructor led yoga session, no separate registration required. All experience levels welcome. Limited yoga mats provided. Location: Rosen Plaza | Poolside Upper Deck
Mike Boatman, Owner, Boatman Marine Canvas
Dive into the world of craftsmanship as we explore the art of creating custom trailerable boat covers that fit any type of watercraft...See full session details.
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