Spacious outdoor venue featuring white tents and a circular building, bathed in warm sunlight, near a waterway.

Tent Expo 2026 showcases innovation, education and industry momentum

February 17th, 2026

The Tent Rental Division (TRD) of Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) brought energy, education and collaboration to Tent Expo 2026, held Jan. 27–29 at Margaritaville Resort Orlando. With certification courses, expanded exhibits and high-energy networking events, this year’s Expo demonstrated the strength and connectivity of the tent and event rental industry. “ATA Tent Expo continues to […]

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Logo for the ATA International Achievement Awards featuring "IAA" in bold with colorful circular accents, accompanied by the full award name beside it.

2026 IAAs, Fabrication Excellence Awards accepting entries

February 10th, 2026

The 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs) are now accepting entries. Exclusive to Advanced Textile Association (ATA) members, this competition—now in its 79th year—celebrates the best projects in the specialty fabrics industry. With a reduced entry fee of just $25, it’s easy to enter. Showcase your technical skills and gain industry-wide recognition by entering your best […]

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A speaker in a red blouse gestures while presenting at the Advanced Textiles Expo. Colorful geometric patterns form the backdrop.

Call for presentations open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2026

January 28th, 2026

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is seeking speakers for Advanced Textiles Expo in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 3–5, 2026, and for the Emerging Technologies Conference on Nov. 2. Proposals are due Feb. 20. Presentation content categories Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine Fabrication General Business Presentation types 25-Minute Show Floor SessionsConcise 25-minute sessions on […]

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Registration open for USINFI Advocacy Days 2026

January 14th, 2026

Registration is now open for USINFI Advocacy Days 2026, March 17–18, in Washington, D.C. The event is exclusive to members of USINFI, a member group of Advanced Textile Association (ATA). To learn more about membership, visit textiles.org/membership. Members will discuss issues impacting the U.S. textile industry—such as the Berry Amendment, PFAS and trade—with Congress and […]

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Kyle Van Damme, MFC draws on a pattern on his demo boat.

MFA Roadshow offers preview for marine fabricators 

November 13th, 2025

The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Roadshow ran Nov. 7 on the final day of Advanced Textiles Expo. This multi-session education serves as a taste of what attendees can expect at the Marine Fabricators Conference, held annually in January.  This year’s roadshow began with an overview of marine fabric by Ron Paratore, senior account manager at […]

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2025 International Achievement Award winners announced

November 10th, 2025

Advanced Textiles Association® has announced the winners of the 2025 International Achievement Awards (IAAs). These winners represent the best in specialty fabrics and technical textiles from around the world, showcasing innovation and excellence driving the industry. This year’s awards drew more than 130 entries across 46 categories, with winners chosen for their complexity, design, workmanship, […]

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Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 Show Stoppers winners announced

November 5th, 2025

The winners of the 14th annual Show Stoppers Awards program were recently announced at the 2025 Advanced Textiles Expo® in Indianapolis, Ind. The Show Stopper Awards are designed to recognize the most popular new products each year from Advanced Textiles Expo exhibitors. The awards acknowledge the newest, most innovative, useful and exciting, effective, efficient and […]

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Steven Wayne shows a demonstration to a standing crowd of fabricators.

2025 MFA regional workshops provide hands-on education

November 3rd, 2025

The 2025 Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) regional workshops offered practical advice that fabricators could bring back to their businesses from an engaging lineup of speakers. The Southwest regional workshop was held Sept. 12–13, 2025, at Paul’s Custom Canvas in Denver, Colo., and the Great Lakes / Northeast Regional Workshop was held Oct. 3–4, 2025, at […]

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Registration open for Women in Textiles Summit

November 3rd, 2025

Photo: Advanced Textiles Association It's time to grab your spot at the Advanced Textiles Association's Women in Textiles Summit. This is your chance to be part of something that’s as energizing as it is impactful. From March 30 to April 1 in Asheville, NC, you’ll dive into thought-provoking sessions, practical takeaways and candid convos with […]

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Seven MFA Excellence Awards winners holding their plaques.

Entries due for 2026 MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards

October 23rd, 2025

The deadline to submit projects for the 2026 Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Fabrication Excellence Awards is closing soon. Entries are due Friday, October 31. “The MFA Awards are an incredible opportunity to celebrate the craftsmanship, creativity and innovation within our industry,” says Charlene Clark, IFM, chair of the MFA advisory board. “As the submission window […]

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