The 2010 Regional Outreach Workshop will take place at A & R Tarpaulins in Fontana, Calif. The free educational event will include frame and fabric welding workshop seminars, followed by a free lunch hosted by the Western Canvas Products Association (WCPA) and the annual meeting. The event is open to members and nonmembers.
Will be held at the Indoor Sports Center in Rockford, Ill. Visit www.showtimeproduction.net for more information.
Will be held at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minn. Visit www.northwestsportshow.com for more information.
Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association will have its annual convention at the Capitol Hotel in Little Rock, Ark., U.S.A. SWIFA serves fabricator members from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, with supplier members from across the U.S. For information, visit www.swifa.org.
Will be held at the Outer Banks Mall in Nags Head, N.C. Visit www.nmma.org for more information.
To be held in Atlanta, Ga. For more information visit www.spesa.org.
Will be held in Nanjing, Jiangsu. Visit www.china-ship.com for more information.
Trade show for everyone involved in Australia’s textile industry. Show will be held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. For details, visit www.acaspa.com.au.
Conference will be held at the Spencer on Byron Hotel in Takapuna, Auckland, New Zealand. For information, e-mail ofpanz@quicksilver.net.nz.
Will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. Visit www.ibexshow.com for more information.
Fabric suppliers see the marine market in a severe downturn because of the weakening U.S. and world economy, as well as cautious customer purchasing for the remainder of 2009. Until the economy does rebound, the OEM market segment will be sluggish. Price-conscious marine fabricators will continue to seek less expensive imported fabrics. This continued influx of imports (not just from Asia) will erode market shares for the market leaders. If the weather is warmer and sunnier in 2009, the marine fabric market may still face decreases, but not as much as in 2008.
Marine fabricators see the market slowly coming back if the economy begins to improve in 2009. The current slump in boat sales will change how they market their products and services. There will be more use of the Internet, discounting of prices, increasing advertising budgets, and increasing product features as they relate to sustainability trends. Technology will continue to improve, particularly in stitching and hot and dielectric welding. Fabricators see raw material prices remaining high compared to the past (before 2007). Like fabric manufacturers, they see more fabric being sourced outside of the U.S. They also feel that their industry will continue to have a hard time finding skilled craftspeople for custom work.
From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.