The 2018 MFA conference in Savannah, Ga., Jan. 25-27 included Australian guests who presented educational sessions on a variety of upholstery and patterning techniques. Presenters David Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers Pty Ltd.; Neil Hancock, Aussie Boat Covers; and Shane Beashel, SB Marine Trimming, encouraged participants to create unique products and to also add value and efficiencies to their operations. “It’s important to distinguish your shops from others and to charge accordingly,” said Elliot, “I’m expensive and it’s my job to help customers understand why better materials are important and are also expensive.” The presenters encouraged fabricators to find a great, unusual idea and to run with it. They also lauded the benefits of sharing ideas and techniques. “A better educated competitor, makes a better marketplace,” Hancock told the crowd. “Embrace technology and focus on the business side of things as much as technique.”