IFAI To Host Specialty Fabrics & Advanced Textiles Expo

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) announces a host of dynamic education offerings and events for its leading international trade event, Specialty Fabrics Expo and the expanded Advanced Textiles Expo, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 14-16, 2014. The event is the largest specialty fabrics and technical textiles trade show and conference in the Americas.

The flagship Specialty Fabrics Conference will feature a number of targeted sessions and market-specific programs designed for solidifying business practices, presented by IFAI's divisions, including:

• A special Architect Education session, presented by the Fabric Structures Association, will focus on incorporating fabric into design. A session presented by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) will highlight functional and nano finishes for industrial textiles. Attendees can also take advantage of hands-on equipment workshops focusing on cutting, welding and sewing in the manufacturing and maintenance arenas. A number of free bonus sessions round out programming at this year's event. Events are subject to change. Fore information, visit ifaiexpo.com.
• On the show floor attendees can discover the world of extreme sports and the specialty and technical textiles that make it up at the Extreme Sports Display. The popular ShowStoppers competition is back and attendees are invited to vote on the newest and most innovative ideas in specialty and advanced fabrics. A special Fiber and Yarn Zone will be dedicated to finding producers and distributors of fiber and yarn.
• On Tuesday, Oct. 14, attendees and exhibitors will be invited to cap off a successful day on the floor and in education sessions at the combined Opening Reception & Awards super event. The event will feature hors de oeuvres, beverages, entertainment, the popular International Achievement Awards, the ShowStoppers results and more.