Calendar

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  • AATCC 2012 International Conference

    • March 21–23, 2012

    The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists will hold their annual conference at Hilton University Place in Charlotte, N.C., U.S.A. Conference will include three educational tracks (Concept 2 Consumer®, chemical applications and materials), poster session, student paper competition and an awards luncheon.

  • IFAI Expo Canada 2012

    • March 29–30, 2012

    The annual IFAI Canada Expo features dedicated exposition hours on the exhibit floor, combined with a compelling and interactive program. The 2012 event will take place at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centrein in Mississauga, ON.

  • 2012 SWIFA Convention

    • April 26–28, 2012

    Southwest Industrial Fabrics Association will hold its convention at the Hilton Garden Inn, Austin, Texas, U.S.A. The annual meeting, a market day, walking tour and a golf tournament will be included, as well as a workshop sponsored by PAMA on Friday, April 27: “Value-Added Selling and New Technologies.”

  • IFAI Outlook Conference 2012

    • May 7–8, 2012

    Will be held at the Reynolds Plantation, Greensboro, Ga., U.S.A. The premiere leadership forum for the specialty fabrics industry, developed by the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute and the Narrow Fabrics Institute. For information, visit
    www.usifi.com or www.narrowfabrics.org.

  • The Fiber Society’s Spring 2012 Conference

    • May 23–25, 2012

    Scheduled for the Empa facilities, St. Gallen, Switzerland, with the theme “Fiber Research for Tomorrow’s Applications.” Registration will be online through the Fiber Society website, www.thefibersociety.org. Up-to-date information about the conference, hotel accommodations, travel and more is also available at Empa’s conference website, fs2012empa.ch.

  • IFAI Expo Americas 2012

    • November 7–9, 2012

    Scheduled for the Boston Convention Center in Boston, Mass., U.S.A., to co-locate with JEC Americas 2012. The largest specialty fabrics trade show in the Americas. This year marks IFAI’s 100th anniversary, and the celebration will continue throughout the show, culminating with the Chairman’s 100th Anniversary Gala. For information, visit www.ifai.com/events/item/36.

  • FABTECH 2012

    • November 12–14, 2012

    The American Welding Society’s metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event; the largest in North America, combining four previously independent shows. It will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev., U.S.A.

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  • Industry Outlook: Marine Fabrication

    Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

    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.