Volunteers make events like the Marine Fabricators Conference possible. Photo: Advanced Textiles Association This seems like a perfect spot to place the old Uncle Sam poster pointing at you and asking you to join the U.S. military, because we need you! We need you to get involved, give us your opinions, make your voice heard, [...]

If you’re like most people, the thought of giving a presentation ranks somewhere between a root canal and rush-hour traffic on the list of things you’d rather avoid. In fact, studies estimate that nearly 75 percent of the population experiences some level of anxiety about public speaking. The good news, though, is that with the [...]

Your most valuable asset may be your business. A business owner can spend decades building a business and reputation. As they approach retirement age, they likely have questions such as: How do they value their business? How do they maximize the value and minimize taxes upon sale or succession? Determining value So what is the [...]

As of this writing, I am reaching the finish line of my first year at Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and Marine Fabricator. My standout impression is that I felt so immediately welcomed by so many folks in this industry; whether it was engaging with me in digital spaces or at my first Marine Fabricators Conference, [...]

All calendar events are subject to change. Please check websites for updated information. Feb. 4-5, 2026Midwest Fabric Products Association 2026 Zone ConferenceEmbassy Suites by Hilton O’Hare – RosemontChicago, Ill.midwestfabricproducts.com/convention Feb. 19–21, 2026Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators AssociationHyatt Regency ChesapeakeCambridge, Md.cmcfa.org Mar. 30–Apr. 1, 2026Women In Textiles SummitEmbassy Suites Asheville DowntownAsheville, N.C.textiles.org/women Nov. 3–5, 2026Advanced Textiles Expo 2026Orlando, [...]

© Milllda | Dreamstime.com The marine fabrication industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, from multinational corporations to small mom-and-pop and one-person operations run out of garages or basements. Regardless of size, there are hardworking people everywhere with a passion for making products and/or providing services to customers. The work is rewarding, but it often [...]

Owner Mike Charlton moved to this 2,000-square-foot space in 2025 from his first shop, which was just 500 square feet and where he also had to share a table. Photo: Charlton’s Marine Canvas There are many routes to take when it comes to opening a fabrication business, and no one way is necessarily better—or easier—than [...]

The Time Standards Manual was developed in 1996 by the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA), a member group of Advanced Textiles Association, to serve as a benchmark that shop owners can use to set fabrication times, with which they can generate competitive labor costs. The manual is an ongoing project that continues to grow and change [...]