Speakers

Apurba Banerjee is a Textile Research Scientist at Standard Textile Corporation (STC) in Cincinnati, Ohio. At STC, she is part of the Research and Development Group that helps bring sustainable, value-added products to market in the field of Hospitality, Healthcare, and Interiors. Prior to STC, Apurba has had a diverse career in Sourcing, Product Development, Polymer Research while leading projects at companies such as Glowforge, Milwaukee Tool and brrr˚Inc. Outside of work, Apurba volunteers in leadership positions of many international standards organizations such as AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) and ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials

She is a 2017 graduate of the PhD program of Polymer, Fiber, and Textile Science from the University of Georgia and a 2013 graduate of the master’s program of Apparel and Merchandising at Colorado State University.

Session Details
Women in Textiles Leadership Sessions
Panel Discussion: Next in Textiles—The Future is Female
Friday, November 7, 2025
10–10:55 am
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Sara provides government consulting services and trade analysis to U.S. manufacturers and associations and works in government relations advocating on behalf of the domestic textile industry. Her work focuses on tracking pending trade initiatives and pressing for strong textile rules in U.S. free trade and preference agreements. Sara represents the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI), two divisions of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), and the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) as well as serving on the Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Textiles and Clothing (ITAC 13).

Session Details
Washington Policy Update: A Closer Look at Tariffs, Trade, and Industry Regulation
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
2–2:50 pm
Education Booth 748
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Paige Beert is the R&D Production Manager at Renegade Plastics, a company dedicated to designing coated textiles for a circular economy. She leads the pilot R&D line, combining technical expertise with a commitment to climate tech and sustainable manufacturing. A graduate of NC State with degrees in textile and chemical engineering, Paige brings experience from both startups and global manufacturers and is passionate about advancing environmentally responsible innovation in the textiles industry.

Session Details
Welding Fumes No More! How polypropylene fabrics change the story for thermal welding
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
12:30–1 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Amy Berg is a Partner at Ice Miller LLP assisting clients with complex environmental regulatory and compliance issues. She counsels clients in the permitting, operations, and reporting processes of federal and state regulatory programs and contributes her experience to litigation and administrative proceedings, including matters related to emerging contaminants such as PFAS.

Session Details
PFAS & the Textile Industry: 2025 Challenges, Solutions, and Regulatory Updates
Thursday, November 6, 2025
11:30 am–12:20 pm
Education Booth 748
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Morgan Campbell is a designer and textile researcher with experience ranging from Australian Fashion Week to prototypes for future missions to the Moon. She earned her BFA in Fibers with minors in Fashion and Design for Sustainability from Savannah College of Art and Design. She specializes in creating garments that accomplish tasks and keep the wearer safe in extreme environments. Morgan currently works at the David Clark Company on the Aerospace Life Support Systems research and design team.

Session Details
The Next Small Steps: Creating the Artemis Lunar Boots
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
2:40–3:20 pm
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Matt Clark is the president of Millark Inc., including W&W Associates, Inc., and Identity Plus. Millark is a family-owned business specializing in custom labels and branding solutions, from woven to PVC labels. Since acquiring the two companies with his wife, Lisa, W&W Associates (2017) and Identity Plus (2023), Matt has leveraged over 55 years of industry expertise to transform the customer experience in sales and manufacturing from the W&W Associates and Identity Plus team. Matt holds an undergraduate degree from UNLV and an MBA from Roosevelt University. He has worked in sales, sales development, and executive management for the last 25 years, from food services, hearing device sales, and now in the textile industry

In addition to his role at W&W Associates, Matt serves as the President of the Fox Valley Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR). Under his leadership, the chapter has engaged in various community initiatives, including honoring local heroes and promoting historical preservation. Matt is also actively involved with the Pingree Grove and Countryside Fire Protection District, where he serves as Secretary. He also serves on the Three Fires Council Board, working with the local scouts in his community with programs, fundraising, and leadership training with youth.

Session Details
Unlocking the Power of Labels: Branding, Information, and Textile Identification
Thursday, November 6, 2025
1–1:30 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Cindy Cordoba is an Assistant Professor at Cal Poly Pomona, a functional apparel designer, and PI of the HeatShield Apparel project, a California Climate Action Corps-funded initiative to design circular thermoregulating textiles for agricultural workers facing extreme heat. She holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University and an M.S. from Louisiana State University. She integrates fiber science, circular design, and user-centered research to develop next-gen protective clothing.

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Circular Thermoregulating Textiles: Protecting Agricultural Workers from Extreme Heat
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
10–10:50 am
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Jonathan Crumpler serves as Assistant Dean for the Business and Technologies Division at Western Piedmont Community College in Morganton, North Carolina. He oversees three digital media creation degree programs that provide training for area college students in both linear and streaming media productions and interactive simulations. He is currently serving as team leader for mixed reality research and implementation for a regional NC Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine funded through the National Science Foundation. Jonathan works with area industry partners on training needs and requests and provides guidance for interactive training models.

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Reweaving Skills: Harnessing AR/VR to Empower Next-Gen Operators
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
10–10:50 am
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Elizabeth Denly serves as TRC’s PFAS Initiative Leader and Chemistry Director and leads a group of scientists devoted to staying informed of current PFAS issues, science, and regulations. She works on many different types of PFAS investigations with a specific focus on risk/liability assessment and management, chemistry, data interpretation, forensics, and analytical methodologies. Ms. Denly is an active leader on the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council (ITRC) PFAS team and she won the 2017 and 2022 ITRC PFAS Team Member of the Year Awards for her contributions.

Session Details
PFAS & the Textile Industry: 2025 Challenges, Solutions, and Regulatory Updates
Thursday, November 6, 2025
11:30 am–12:20 pm
Education Booth 748
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Thomasine is a seasoned expert in fashion and sustainable materials with 30 years of industry experience. More recently she served as Director of Material Innovation + Design at the Material Innovation Initiative (MII), a think tank focused on accelerating the development and commercialization of next-gen sustainable materials for the fashion, home, and automotive sectors. At MII, she worked closely with global innovators for brand readiness and led efforts to educate stakeholders across the industry. Previously, Thomasine worked at leading brands including Ralph Lauren, Armani Exchange, Banana Republic, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Sperry where she held directorial and VP roles in design. She currently consults with material start-ups and global brands to accelerate the integration of sustainable innovation into mainstream fashion.

Session Details
Valorizing Waste and the BioMaterial Revolution
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
3:35–4:25 pm
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Robin DuBroy brings over 10 years of educational and training experience to Wholesale Shade. As Director of Operations at Shazeebo, a division of Wholesale Shade, she oversees all aspects of being a shade sail contractor from designing, selling, and marketing to training and project management giving her invaluable hands-on experience. Being a teacher at heart, Robin wrote the book on the shade sail industry and enjoys supporting the trade through training and education as part of the Shade Sail University system.

Session Details
Shade Sail Designs That Bombed - Don’t Make These Mistakes!
Thursday, November 6, 2025
11–11:30 am
Education Booth 2049
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Will is the Executive Director of SEAMS, the U.S. Sewn Products Industry association, where his firm manages all functions. With over 230 members, including top U.S. fashion brands, retailers, manufacturers, and tech providers, SEAMS has been driving the growth of the MADE IN AMERICA movement for over 50 years. It is the leading force in supercharging the American supply chain and reshaping U.S. manufacturing.
Will and his team at WDA help companies optimize their people, processes, and technology. With 40 years of experience in plant engineering, team-based manufacturing, and process improvement in the sewn products industry, Will is a recognized speaker and consultant. He excels in culture change, business development, team building, and process alignment for brands, retailers, and manufacturers. Will has led numerous successful lean manufacturing initiatives and launched industry-specific training programs globally. Over his 31-year consulting career, he has helped companies across Central and South America, Mexico, and the US improve operations from the boardroom to the factory floor.
Will holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from North Carolina State University. He was a former Executive Board member of [TC]², Director of Education and Board Member of SEAMS, and Chairman of the HR Leadership Council of the American Apparel Footwear Association. Will also served on Apparel Magazine’s Editorial Board for nine years.

Session Details
Alphabet Soup Collective Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2:30–3 pm
Education Booth 748
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Wendy Gao is an Aerospace Textile Engineer with NASA Johnson Space Center JETS II Contract. Wendy is responsible for the selection and development of advanced textile materials for NASA space hardware, with a primary focus on softgoods applications used in Intravehicular Activity (IVA) and parachute systems.

Session Details
Engineering Textiles for Artemis: Surviving the Moon and Beyond
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
1–1:30 pm
Education Booth 748
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Xochil Herrera Scheer, founder of The Chicago Pattern Maker, collaborates with brands and factory partners, bringing technical expertise, guidance, and genuine care to the pre-production process of design, patterns, prototyping. An analytic creative, she works hard to create beautiful and functional products ready to take to market, and works across multiple apparel categories including knit and woven sportswear, performance activewear, swim, workwear, plus-size, and accessories. Xochil serves on the Board of Directors for the SEAMS Association; and is Secretary for the Apparel Industry Board of Illinois. She was named a “Rising Star” by SPESA in 2021, and was honored with the Sarah Friedman “Person of the Year” Award by SEAMS in 2024. Passionate about education, Xochil is an Adjunct Professor of Instruction at Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion, where she leads industrial sewing and tech pack workshops, and taught the Senior Capstone course for 5 years. She has notably been involved with several industry trade shows and conferences, planning, speaking and moderating educational sessions and panels. She writes a mi-monthly column “X-Files” for the SEAMS newsletter, co-hosts a podcast called “Bobbin Around,” and has contributed to e-Textile Communications.

Session Details

Panel Discussion | AI in Everyday Business: Real-World Use Cases from Industry Leaders
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
4:35–5:25 pm
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Women in Textiles Leadership Sessions
From Technical Expert to Industry Leader: How to Build Your Influence and Lead with Your Expertise
Friday, November 7, 2025
11–11:30 am
Education Booth 748
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Mr. Ibrahim holds a Doctorate in Chemical Physics from the University of Haute-Alsace (France), an Engineering degree in the chemistry of formulations from ITECH Lyon in France as well as a Master in Management, also from the University of Haute-Alsace. His expertise serves many aspects of materials chemistry both in the technical aspect and during the administrative phase of research and development projects.

Session Details
The Critical Role of Finishing in Advanced Textiles: Transition to Sustainable PFAS-Free Solutions
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
11–11:30 am
Education Booth 748
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A graduate in textile engineering from ITECH Lyon in France, Mr. Valerio Izquierdo supervises a team of experts to identify development opportunities for CTT Group clients, while supporting initiatives from institutional and industrial partnerships. Valerio joined the CTT in 2001 as a project leader in the textile laboratories and worked on a daily basis with standard test methods, state-of-the-art equipment, technical specifications, and R&D industrial projects. He participated to various standard committees such as CGSB, CSA, for personal protective equipment and textile test methods.

Session Details
Textiles Circularity in Canada : challenges, examples, and opportunities
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2–2:30 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Dr. Brian Jing is Senior Scientist at Exponent in their Polymers & Chemistry Practice. He completed his undergraduate degree at UMass Amherst and doctoral degree at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. During his doctoral studies, he performed research on designing recyclable thermosets to act as functional materials, expanding their capabilities beyond self-healing and recycling. At Exponent, Dr. Jing utilizes his expertise in polymer science and engineering to assist client with complex problems relating to a variety of polymeric materials that include material selection, failure analysis, structure-property relationships, reliability, and long-term field performance.

Session Details
Microplastics in Textiles: Contributors, Challenges, and the Path Forward
Thursday, November 6, 2025
10:30–11 am
Education Booth 748
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Robert (Bobby) Jones earned his BSME from the University of Kentucky in 2005 where he worked on a multidisciplinary team developing an unmanned aerial vehicle for Mars. His first job out of college was with ILC Dover in their space suit design group. He worked there for 11 years with a focus on Phase VI gloves and advanced suit development like the Z-2. Next, he worked with Redwire for 7 years, a company that builds experiment payloads (like a 3D bio-printer) and roll out solar arrays for ISS. For the past four years, he's worked as a contractor for NASA’s Advanced Suit Team. Work there has included the design and development of the Environmental Protection Garment for the xEMU suit and he has been the technical lead for a project developing ASTM testing for space suit gloves and fabrics. His current project involves developing a novel textile to protect astronauts from hazards at the south pole of the moon as part of the Artemis mission program. He’s married and has a daughter from China. Most of his free time is spent with them although he does find time for running, biking and swimming.

Session Details
Nasa’s Development of Next-Generation Lunar Space Suit Fabrics
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
12:45–1:35 pm
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Terry Kelm is the President of Sunbelt Business Broker’s Re-sales program. That program is specifically geared toward assisting business owners with their transition at the end of their business life cycle. Terry started with the division in 2003 and became President in 2014. Sunbelt’s Re-sales program works with over 120 trade associations, buyer groups, franchises and name brand concepts, and has been a part of well over 500 transactions during Terry’s tenure.

In 2020, Terry was recognized with the Career Achievement Award in Dealmaking by the industry publication Franchise Times. Terry is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and along with his wife and 3 daughters, lives in St. Paul Minnesota.

Session Details
The Challenges of Selling a Textile Business
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
2:30–3 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Akira Kumada is the SOLAMENT® Product Manager- High-performance product development and sales section of TAKISADA-NAGOYA CO.,LTD., Japan. Akira started his job career with Sumitomo Metal Mining CO.,LTD., leading company of inorganic nano functional materials development after he graduated from Chuo University. After 20 years experience of semiconductor material business, he moved to infrared ray absorbing nano-materials research & development and expanded his working field to the global technical marketing of remarkable IR absorbing material, SOLAMENT® in recent 10 years. He tried to explore the business of SOLAMENT® to heat blocking industrial application such as window film, automotive interlayer, transparent plastic roof etc., and other functions such as heat generation. His new challenge of IR absorbing yarn/textile innovation started with TAKISADA-NAGOYA company in 2025, and now he is focusing on world-wide commercialization of SOLAMENT® textile.

Session Details
Infrared-Responsive Textiles: Advancing Functionality for All Seasons
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
1:40–2:30 pm
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Dr. Alexander Laubach is the Head of Business Development for Medical Technologies & Biocompatibility at Hohenstein Laboratories. He works closely with manufacturers to support the development, testing and safety evaluation of medical devices, with a focus on biocompatibility and toxicological risk assessment.

With more than 10 years of laboratory experience across regulated industries, Dr. Laubach brings deep technical expertise in the documentation and compliance requirements for medical devices. His background spans analytical chemistry, toxicology, and regulatory science, helping ensure product safety and market readiness.

Dr. Laubach holds a Doctorate of Natural Sciences in Chemistry from the University of Hamburg.

Session Details
Medical Products vs. Medical Devices
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
9–9:50 am
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Lelia Lawson is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Zylotex Inc, a pioneering company in the textile industry. She is also the Research & Development Specialist at Davey Textile Solutions Inc. With a BSc and MSc in Human Ecology (Textiles & Clothing) and currently pursuing a PhD in the Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta, Lelia's research focuses on regenerated cellulosic fibres from hemp feedstock. Her extensive experience in the textile industry spans over 20 years, specializing in industrial personal protective clothing. Lelia's continuing passion lies in hemp and its potential to become a cornerstone of the bioeconomy revolution. Under her leadership, Zylotex is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to advancing sustainable lyocell manufacturing and fostering collaborative efforts for a greener future.

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Lyocell from Hemp: A Journey from Concept to Production Reality
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
9–9:50 am
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As product manager of textiles at National Industries for the Blind (NIB), Donielle Lorelli works to create employment opportunities for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. Over the last seven years, Donielle has expanded her role to include managing multi-million-dollar textile programs and contributing to the creation of over 400 jobs for people who are blind. The Department of Defense is NIB’s biggest textiles customer, and as the spouse of a Marine Corps veteran, Donielle is proud to champion NIB’s support of the armed forces. When she is not working with NIB's associated nonprofit agencies, customers, and vendors, Donielle spends her time reading and playing games with her husband and son.

Rachal McCarthy is President of NTI Global, a privately owned and operated industrial textile converter since 1983. She was named President at the age of 25 and has spent her tenure modernizing the manufacturing process. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts at 20 and co-filed her first patent at 18. She has revolutionized the temporary HVAC industry with 4 patents in 3 countries. A captivating and insightful speaker, Rachal brings her wealth of knowledge and influential voice on subjects including succession planning, working with multi-generational workforces, and how to service multi-billion-dollar customers as a small business. Rachal's refreshingly candid approach has made her a sought-after speaker, online educator, panel leader and strategic communicator. She is an avid reader and enjoys spending leisure time with her husband, their two dogs, and large extended family. Her go to quote is, “The measure of a (wo)man is determined by the size of the problem that alters their course."

Session Details
Women in Textiles Leadership Sessions
Coffee & Conversation
Friday, November 7, 2025
9:30–10 am
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Maggie McDonald serves as SPESA’s Vice President of Communications, a role she’s held for the past six years. She oversees SPESA’s ongoing integrated communications strategy, including marketing, advertising, event promotions, and member and association awareness. A Raleigh, N.C. native, Maggie has spent more than fifteen years working across multiple communication divisions including public affairs, public relations and brand marketing. In a past life, she served as an account director at a midsize comms agency where she managed brand marketing efforts on behalf of VFC Jeanswear. Prior to that, Maggie worked on behalf of major global brands including The Clorox Company, Hershey’s and FedEx, during her five-year tenure at Ketchum’s Washington, D.C. practice. Maggie received her Master’s in corporate communication from the beautiful College of Charleston and a Bachelor’s in psychology from North Carolina State University. Let’s Go Pack!

Aside from her work with SPESA, Maggie keeps busy wrangling three rambunctious boys including her six- and four-year-old sons, plus her husband and SPESA President, Michael McDonald.

Session Details
Alphabet Soup Collective Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2:30–3 pm
Education Booth 748
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Ben Mead serves as the Managing Director of Hohenstein Institute America. In this role, he is the company’s liaison with industry collaborations, government agencies and trade associations, while leading a team spread over North and Latin America. He also oversees OEKO-TEX® responsibilities for the U.S. Prior to joining Hohenstein in 2014, Ben consulted with various brands and industry associations, including Textile Exchange and AFIRM. In those roles, Ben established partnerships with industry leaders and experts to increase industry engagement in green chemistry and sustainable textile processing.

While working for Nike, Ben helped develop a restricted substances program and was involved in the implementation of sustainable materials and water programs.

Ben holds degrees in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry from North Carolina State University and a certificate in Green Chemistry from the University of Washington.

Session Details
Meeting NFPA 1970 Chemical Requirements
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
11:30 am–Noon
Education Booth 2049
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Paige is a creative leader who thrives on forging connections between talented designers, engineers, technologists and well-known brands. Together, complex challenges are tackled through experimentation and innovation. Her leadership approach emphasizes flexibility and empathy, fostering an environment where unique ideas flourish and translate into tangible solutions. With over 30 years of experience in textile design and development and a skilled communicator, she has developed impactful programs and forged strong partnerships around the world. As a technology enthusiast, she is constantly on the lookout for new and emerging technologies that can be applied to the textile industry and has led the development of various smart fabric concepts resulting in a patent. She is the immediate past President of the Emerging Technologies Council of the Advanced Technology Association, served as Vice President of the Marine Leadership Alliance, served as Chairperson of the White Oak Legacy Foundation “Denim 101” activation, is a member of the Fulbright Specialist roster, serves on the advisory board of the Doherty Center of Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship at Elon University and provides mentorship to international students of SKEMA Business School.

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Panel Discussion | AI in Everyday Business: Real-World Use Cases from Industry Leaders
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
4:35–5:25 pm
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Andrew Nasarczyk is the subject matter expert at GALE Pacific on both coated and knitted Technical Textiles. He has been involved in various production, technical, and development roles over his tenure, including a three-year assignment to establish GALE’s world-class knitting plant in Ningbo, China. Leveraging over 20 years of manufacturing experience, Mr. Nasarczyk is GALE’s Director of Research and Development and enjoys exploring new materials, technologies, and innovations to propel the company and broader industry into the future. Andrew sits on the Standards Committee for Australia’s Synthetic Shade Standard and has a Bachelor of Engineering in Polymers.

Session Details
Designing Circularity into Technical Coated Textiles
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Noon–12:30 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Matt joined INDA in September 2022 after holding leadership positions in technical, marketing, and operations with RKW North America and Tredegar Personal Care. At INDA, he is responsible for leading professional development, conference technical programming, nonwoven standards and test methods, and collaborating with government relations on regulatory topics. Matt earned a doctorate of chemical engineering from Virginia Tech and a bachelors degree from Purdue University, with focus on the processing-structure-property relationships of polymers. He is firm believer that innovation occurs at the intersection of invention and marketing.

Session Details
Alphabet Soup Collective Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2:30–3 pm
Education Booth 748
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Adam Penner is an Authorized Rhino Trainer, CNC technician, and consultant who works to help businesses of all sizes transform their processes.

After graduating from the Colorado School of Mines in 2017 with his degree in Engineering Physics, Adam went to work at Paul's Custom Canvas. In 2019 Adam was part of the team at PCC to receive an MFA Outstanding Achievement award. Afterward, Adam went to work for SDS Automation where he installed and repaired automation equipment all over the world.

Combining all this experience at AP Consulting, Adam takes digital fabrication to the next level. He specializes in taking manual processes and digitizing them, combining artistry and craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques so that businesses can work more efficiently and profitably.

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AI for All: Practical Tools to Streamline Your Business
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10–10:30 am
Education Booth 748
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David is a skilled courtroom advocate and trusted business advisor for technology-focused companies facing high-stakes commercial and intellectual property disputes. As a partner in the IP & Technology Litigation Group at Robins Kaplan LLP, and a leader of the firm’s trade secret litigation practice, David provides pragmatic advice that aligns legal strategies with business goals, guiding his clients through complex legal disputes. David’s clients appreciate his leadership, integrity, and proven ability to deliver business-minded solutions for their most sophisticated commercial and IP-related challenges.

As an experienced trial attorney and counselor, David has represented clients from individual inventors and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies in the assertion and defense of their intellectual property and contractual rights. David’s record of success includes a judgment of more than $12 million for infringing upon patents covering audio player technology, as well as multiple confidential settlements in the maritime navigation industry involving the assertion of navigation and display patents applicable for navigating aircraft.

As defense counsel, David was lead trial counsel for two small-business clients in a jury trial on claims of copyright infringement, breach of contract, and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage; on the plaintiff’s jury demand of $27.4 million, a jury delivered a complete defense verdict in favor of our clients. The plaintiff had initially demanded over $160 million.

When not practicing law, David can be found on the sideline of a soccer, hockey, or softball game, or a dance competition, for one of his three children.

Session Details
Joint Ventures and Minimizing Risk: Simple Steps to Protect Your IP Interests
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
1:30–2 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Mary Reardon is a seasoned textile industry professional with over 25 years of experience across fabric development, manufacturing management, sales, and quality control. She currently holds a senior leadership role at MMI Textiles, where she has been since January 2022.

Before joining MMI, Mary spent 22 years at Gehring Tricot Corp/Tweave, rising from General Manager of Dyeing & Finishing to Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Earlier in her career, she spent six years at Duro Industries, concluding her tenure as Dyehouse Manager.

Mary brings a deep well of technical and commercial expertise, with specialized strengths in fabric development, government contracting, color matching, and production operations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Textile Chemistry from Southeastern Massachusetts University.

An active advocate for the industry, Mary currently serves on the ETC committee of ATA and is a regional committee member of AATCC.

Outside of work, Mary has been married to her husband Dan since 1990 and is the proud mother of her son, Logan, along with their beloved dog, Nestle. She’s a lifelong New England sports fan who also enjoys Broadway shows, music, and game nights with family and friends.

Session Details
Panel Discussion | AI in Everyday Business: Real-World Use Cases from Industry Leaders
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
4:35–5:25 pm
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Dr. Michael Rein is the Director of Engineering at the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) manufacturing institute. Dr. Rein is leading technology and product development that introduce advanced multifunctional fibers and electronics into textiles to enable a high-tech transformation of the US textile industry. Dr. Rein received a BSc degree in Materials Engineering and a BA in Physics from the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, MSc in Chemistry from the Weizmann Institute and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT.

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Advanced Textile Technologies: Pushing the Boundaries for Dual Use Applications
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
11–11:50 am
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Adam is the founder of Radar Talent Solutions, a firm dedicated to bringing Fortune 5 efficiency to businesses of all sizes. With 15 years of corporate experience, including 8 years as a leader at Amazon, Adam spent four years building Amazon’s logistics recruiting programs, scaling high-volume hiring across the country. His transition into entrepreneurship began when his son was placed on a waitlist for afterschool care, inspiring him to use his expertise to support his son’s school with effective talent solutions. That success led to the creation of Radar Talent Solutions, which now partners with organizations to design recruiting processes that deliver speed, quality, and operational excellence.

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Winning the Talent Race: Best Practices for Recruiting Success
Thursday, November 6, 2025
12:30–1 pm
Education Booth 748
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Jasper Rosenau is the Associate Sales Manager at Renegade Plastics, a company pioneering coated textiles to create a circular economy. He oversees sales and logistics across the Midwest and supports R&D initiatives. With a background in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and experience in early-stage startups, Jasper brings a well-rounded perspective and a passion for driving positive change.

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Welding Fumes No More! How polypropylene fabrics change the story for thermal welding
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
12:30–1 pm
Education Booth 2049
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Steve Rye is the Senior Technical Services Manager – Global Coated Fabrics at OMNOVA, A Division of Surteco. Steve has over 20 years of experience in the coated fabrics industry and 5 years of yarn manufacturing experience. His expertise includes product development, quality assurance, and global operations. He spent three years in Thailand as Director of Operations for OMNOVA and has received 5 technology awards over the past 8 years for innovation and new product commercialization.

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Decoding Coated Fabrics: Sustainable Practices and Key Industry Terms in Focus
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Noon–12:30 pm
Education Booth 748
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Steve Schiffman is CEO/President of the Advanced Textiles Association, a not-for-profit trade association serving the global marketplace for specialty fabrics and technical textiles. ATA supports its 1,400 member organizations with a range of products and services, including relevant education, advocacy, and networking opportunities, all designed to foster business growth, professional development, and industry connections. Before joining ATA, Steve’s career included key leadership roles at various media organizations, where he consistently delivered outstanding results. Steve's dedication to the industries he has served is evident through his service on various Association Boards of Directors, including two terms as Board Chair.

Session Details
Alphabet Soup Collective Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 6, 2025
2:30–3 pm
Education Booth 748
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Hasan Shahariar, PhD is a textile material scientist and product innovator specializing in sustainable fiber and polymer science. He earned his PhD in Fiber & Polymer Science from NC State University in 2017, following an MS in Polymer Engineering and a BSc in Textile Engineering. His research spans functional coatings, nonwovens, bio-based leather alternatives, and printable sensors, with multiple patents and peer-reviewed publications. He has led R&D and commercialization projects across academia, startups, and industry—including Diversey, Bolt Threads, and Fibre52.His work integrates enzyme chemistry, textile wet processing, and product sustainability, contributing to both academic knowledge and industrial adoption. He actively collaborates with universities, startups, and global manufacturers to advance eco-friendly textile technologies.

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Advancing Cotton for Performance Textiles: Bio-Based, Low-Temperature Preparation Pathways
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
1:40–2:30 pm
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Ayesha Siddika is a PhD student in Fiber and Polymer Science at NC State University and a Research Assistant at the Smart Holistically Integrated Functional Textiles (SHIFT) lab. Her work focuses on textile-based electrodes for sensing applications, emphasizing conductive inks, durability, and washability and signal accuracy. With a minor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, she integrates electronics into fabrics to advance smart textiles that combine functionality and comfort, bridging textiles and wearable electronics for next-gen wearable applications.

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Student Showcase Series | Textile-to-Electronics Interfaces: Engineering Next-Generation Wearables
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
10:30–11:20 am
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Bailey Smith is the Extension Coordinator at Zeis Textiles Extension in NC State University's Wilson College of Textiles, where she oversees logistics for major industry and academic events, assists with special projects on major grants, and leads strategic marketing initiatives. With a B.S. in Fashion and Textile Management and a concentration in Brand Management and Marketing, Bailey drives revenue through professional training, fosters partnerships with national manufacturers, and supports economic development initiatives. Her expertise spans event management, stakeholder relations, and brand elevation for the textile sector.

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Revitalizing the Textile Industry Through the Textile Innovation Engine of North Carolina
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
11–11:50 am
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Mark Stiver serves as the Senior Director of Commerce for Trivantage, where he leads the e-commerce and customer service strategy and operations. With over 15 years of experience in digital transformation, Mark has leveraged technology to drive measurable business results. His leadership has played a key role in modernizing digital platforms, streamlining operations, and enhancing the customer experience. Mark enjoys working across departments to find practical, customer-focused solutions that move the business forward. He is known for bringing a collaborative, customer-first mindset to every initiative and a commitment to making it easier for customers to connect with Trivantage.

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Panel Discussion | AI in Everyday Business: Real-World Use Cases from Industry Leaders
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
4:35–5:25 pm
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A graduate of the Sud-Alsace National School of Engineers (ENSISA) in France and the University of Haute-Alsace (France), Mr. Vermeersch has worked in the technical textiles industry since 1990 with the CTT Group. He is the author of several patents in addition to having been co-editor-in-chief of The Textile Journal from 2008 to 2016. Appointed President and CEO in October 2020, he also holds the NexTex Industrial Chair at Cégep de Saint-Hyacinthe. and received in 2014, the prestigious Award of Excellence from the Quebec Research Fund – Nature and Technologies (FRQNT).

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The Critical Role of Finishing in Advanced Textiles: Transition to Sustainable PFAS-Free Solutions
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
11–11:30 am
Education Booth 748
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Thomas Wright serves as the lead developer on the NC Textiles Innovation and Sustainability Engine. His experience in the film and game industry span over twenty years working major studios including Disney, DreamWorks, Sony Imageworks, Naughty Dog, Activision, DICE, Illfonic Retro Studios (Nintendo) and Epic Games. Notable films include Meet the Robinsons, Green Lantern, Madagascar 2, The Ant Bully and The Golden Compass, which won an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Notable games include Uncharted 2 & 3, The Last of Us, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4 & Hardline, Robo Recall, Fortnite, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed and Metroid Prime 4. Tom’s expertise in game asset creation and emerging AI assisted programming is leading WPCC’s efforts in creating sustainable training and workforce development in mixed reality training for the NC Textiles Innovation Engine.

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Reweaving Skills: Harnessing AR/VR to Empower Next-Gen Operators
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
10–10:50 am
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