Calendar

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  • 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.

  • Specialised Textiles Association Expo 2012

    • May 26–28, 2012

    The Specialised Textiles Association  hosts this expo at the Melbourne Exhibition Center in Melbourne, Australia: “An Australian Industry Exhibition for Manufacturers and Wholesale Suppliers of Fabrics, Components and Equipment.”

  • OFPANZ Conference and Trade Expo

    • June 8–10, 2012

    The Outdoor Fabric Products Association of New Zealand annual trade show will be held at Chateau on the Park, Christchurch, New Zealand.

  • FGA Graphics Workshop

    • July 17, 2012

    Will be held at the Mimaki facility in Boston, Mass., U.S.A., organized by the Fabric Graphics Association, a division of IFAI. Attendees will learn about printers, inks and application methods for various markets, including awning and marine products.

  • Sustainable Textiles Conference

    • October 4–5, 2012

    Conference is scheduled to take place at the Wan Chai Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong, the show is a collaboration between two major events—Planet Textiles and the Textile Exchange Annual Conference. Located close to major textile manufacturing hubs in southern China, the event will bring together brands and retailers to convene around environmental issues.

  • 2012 MFA Great Lakes Workshop

    • October 19–20, 2012

    Event will be held in Erie, Pa., for marine professionals to learn new fabrication techniques, better customer relations and see the latest products from exhibitors.

  • 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.

  • Canvas Products Association 2012 Conference

    • December 5–7, 2012

    Zone 7 event will be held at the Hilton Columbus Downtown, Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. The membership of approximately 100 firms represents the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Western New York and Northern Kentucky.

  • 2013 MFA National Convention

    • January 18–20, 2013

    The Marine Fabricators Association annual conference will take place at the Resort at Marina Village in Cape Coral, Fla., 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.