The Advanced Textile Association’s (ATA’s) annual conference will take place in Indianapolis in November.
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The COVID pandemic halted the Advanced Textiles Association’s (ATA’s) plans to host its annual trade show in Indianapolis, Ind. The year 2020 was the association’s 100th anniversary and it was looking forward to a standout event to mark the occasion. While COVID had other ideas, ATA is excited to host the 2025 edition of the AT Expo at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Education sessions begin on November 4 and the show floor is open November 5-7, 2025.
What To Expect
The show will again be collocated with Messe Stuttgart’s Sun Shading Expo North America. According to ATA, the collocation of the events for these two complementary industries offers value in terms of connecting with customers, suppliers, end-product manufacturers, and industry counterparts, as well as providing growth opportunities. Attendees have access to both events including the combined show floor, show floor education and networking receptions. The only exceptions are AT Expo’s Emerging Technologies (ET) conference, which is only open to AT Expo registrants; and Sun Shading Expo classroom education, which is only open to Sun Shading Expo registrants.
The show floor will feature the ATA Hub, which is a great place to learn more about ATA or join a member division open meeting.
Education
For an add-on charge, attendees can arrive one day early to kick off their expo week at the ET Conference. On Tuesday, November 4, a full day of presentations will conclude with the ET Networking Reception from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Topics will cover a variety of subjects from medical textiles and bio-materials to space innovations and artificial intelligence. A full lineup of speakers and topics is available on the AT Expo website.
Education continues on the show floor stage beginning Wednesday morning. These more informal, 30-minute sessions are designed to be interactive and digestible.
New In 2025
ATA has planned several new features for attendees at the upcoming expo. Networking Roundtables will allow fabricators and suppliers to engage in topic-driven and candid conversations. It’s free to attend these peer-to-peer sessions that will cover topics such as tariffs, workforce development and overcoming sales objections, among other topics.
ATA also will present a State of the Industry Update, which highlights findings from its annual State of the Industry survey. This session, to be held on the show floor, is open to all expo attendees. In addition to the economic outlook, growth markets and industry trends content, the presentation will include testimonials about ATA programming and how it helps support member success.
“Talking Textiles” — a daily live podcast — will be recorded on the show floor. According to ATA, visitors will be able to hear “textile leaders, innovators and changemakers” as they are interviewed on subjects such as trends, challenges and industry stories for the podcast. ATA will publish a full schedule of hosts and guests as the expo date draws closer.
Other Notable Events
Returning to AT Expo is the Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Roadshow. Julie Tinsman from Strataglass, Jeff Newkirk from Precision Custom Canvas and Kyle Van Damme from Marine Tops Unlimited, will host sessions on marine fabric selection, traditional patterning techniques and U-Zips. The roadshow is free to attend, but registration is required to save a seat.
ATA is again giving women a chance to meet and network during the expo. On Friday, November 7, before the show floor opens, the Women’s Networking Walk will take place. Later the same morning, women also can participate in the Women’s Leadership Empowerment session. Under the title “Balancing Priorities for Success,” the session will impart advice and ideas on managing work and life while building a career.
Nighttime Social Events
To kick things off, the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), ATA Canada and the Fabric Structures Association (FSA) are hosting Pub Night at Pins Mechanical Tuesday, November 4, from 7-9 p.m. Members of PAMA, ATA Canada and FSA are welcome to connect with peers and network in a relaxed atmosphere. The event is sponsored by Herculite®, Trivantage® and Sunbrella®.
On Wednesday, November 5, AT Expo will host the official opening reception at 4 p.m. The reception is included with all registration types to give all participants the chance to mix and mingle to wrap up the first full day. The reception is sponsored by Herculite.
Attendees who opt to purchase a separate ticket during registration can move from the opening reception to Industry Night at 7 p.m., which this year will be held at the Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indianapolis. As always, live music will be provided by ATA member band Hangin’ by a Thread. Event sponsors are Herculite, Sunbrella, TVF and Weathermax®.
For more information about Advanced Textiles Expo — including the full conference schedule with speakers — as well as to register, please visit advancedtextiles expo.com.
2025 Quarterly Issue III
