Campfires

Sara Beatty, White Haven Trade
Auggie Tantillo, SRG & Associates

Sara Beatty and Auggie Tantillo will update attendees on policy and legislative developments to include PPE procurement, the National Defense Authorization Act, the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill, and other trade related matters. Their presentation will also incorporate a look ahead as to how the 2020 Presidential election might impact policy issues of concern to domestic manufacturers of technical and industrial textiles.

Patrick Howe, Owner/Founder, Wholesale Shade
Robin DuBroy, Director of Customer Training Programs, Wholesale Shade
Gregg Burrows, Sales Manager, Wholesale Shade

We will review 2 or 3 projects that solved a unique shade sail problem using creative designs.

Key Takeaways:

·         Explore shade sail problem solving with creative designs

·         Examine the process used to troubleshoot and create solutions

·         Evaluate the results achieved and steps for next time

Courtney Cruzan, VP Sourcing & Product Development, brrr°

This presentation will discuss recent advances in thermoregulation technology in the textile industry such as new dispersion techniques and the application of micro minerals to create more surface area that amplifies the cooling sensation and heat transfer of fabrics. These new technologies help people feel more comfortable at work and at home, which makes them less likely to lower thermostats on energy-guzzling air conditioning systems.

These developments and the rising use of sustainably sourced raw materials and recycled fabrics can help reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment. Other simple tasks like air drying clothes being more cognizant of what we buy and how it’s made are also taking on increasing importance in this era of intensifying global warming.

Chris Fredericks, President, TVF

All business owners eventually have to transition it to new owners eventually. Sometimes selling to the employees through an ESOP is a great option. This presentation will explain why to consider selling to an ESOP, the pros and cons compared to other options, and a step by step process of an ESOP transaction.

Zoe Newman, Graduate Student, Wilson College of Textiles, North Carolina State University

The hemp (cannabis sativa) plant has many more uses than you might think – including fiber. This presentation will introduce the idea of using hemp fiber as a means to increase sustainability in textiles and contribute to a circular economy. How does the integration of a natural fiber such as hemp change the properties of common knit footwear structures?

Specifically, attendees will understand:

1. The natural fibers market, specifically with relation to hemp

2. Sustainability initiatives in the footwear market

3. The impact of hemp fiber on the physical properties of knit fabrics

Evelyne Orndoff, Textiles Engineer, NASA

NASA has developed flammability standards for the use of materials in space programs.  The selection and the development of textiles suitable for space applications are driven by these flammability standards. These standards are unique as they address the burning behavior of materials in various atmospheres and gravitational environments.   Atmospheres enriched in oxygen and with reduced pressure in micro-gravity present a great challenge for the use of textiles since few types of fibers are available.

Steve Christenson, Head of National Accounts, Marsh & McClennan Agency

This session will focus on the challenges and hurdles IFAI members are facing in response to the hardened commercial insurance market including what creative solutions and guidance MMA can provide as a strategic partner.

Sponsored By:   

Jeff Sponseller, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, Miller Weldmaster

This presentation will cover the many different technologies available to the industrial fabrics product manufacture. We will discuss the differences between hot air welding, hot wedge welding, impulse welding and radio frequency welding. We will talk about applications that each welding technology applies to. We will talk about the importance of versatility and the value each technology can bring to your business. We will also present on different ways and examples of automating your production.

Andrew Medley, Regional Sales Director, Trivantage

In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, businesses and consumers alike want to set themselves apart through unique personalized displays. This comes in the form of different expressions, and one trend that helps differentiate the look of businesses is digital printing solutions. Digital printing offers both personal and commercial customization, and requests for custom awning products is estimated to be as high as 40%.

This presentation will answer a fundamental question, what is digital printing? and demonstrate how, if you can imagine it, it can be printed. Anything is possible, from basic patterns/stripes to photography that shows intricate details, all with photo-quality results. Digital printing is ideal for commercial applications looking to brand themselves and draw consumers’ eyes to their business. This presentation will outline:

1. How to work with the client

2. How will I fabricate it?

3. What is the right product?

4. Where do I get this completed?