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 Trivantage and member of the MFA advisory board. He outlined the benefits and possible roadblocks using cotton, polyester, vinyl and acrylic for marine projects, as well as how to best use each fabric in different jobs. 

Next, Kyle Van Damme, MFC of Marine Tops Unlimited LLC in Omro, Wis., and member of the MFA advisory board, demonstrated traditional patterning with a small boat model he brought with him to the show. Finally, Jeff Newkirk, MFC of Precision Custom Canvas in St. Catharines, Ont., Canada, shared how to build a U-zip, showing several key details with a sewing machine. 

Attendees were heavily engaged in all demonstrations, asking thoughtful questions and examining samples provided by presenters. This mirrors the experience registrants can expect at the 2026 Marine Fabricators Conference, which is Jan. 8–10, 2026, in Savannah, Ga.