IFAI To Host Advanced Textiles Conference In Berlin

IFAI has announced its first conference organized in Germany--
Advanced Textiles '08|Outstanding Materials and Applications
June 12-13, 2008 | Berlin

This exciting one-and-a-half-day conference will unveil market-ready innovations and provide attendees with the resources they need to stay ahead of the competition. Attendees will examine emerging technologies, material developments, and will expand their knowledge about worldwide advanced textiles.

Discussion topics focus on textile reinforced materials and smart technologies for:

• - Lifestyle, active sports and professional garments
• - Person and object protection
• - Healthcare and medical use
• - Lightweight construction
• - Automobiles
• - Agriculture and landscaping

Dr. Isa Hofmann, CEO of IHofmann and manager of this inaugural event believes the timing is right for this conference: "The fastest growing sector in the textile industry is technical textiles. The world market leaders are Europe--led by Germany--and the U.S. New user market applications are emerging, and worldwide demand is driving a wave of innovation in new materials, technologies and the development of smart solutions. IFAI's ambitious inaugural conference will illuminate the fascinating world of textile materials for multiple uses in everyday life and industrial applications. Attendees will hear about these market-ready innovations and how they are opening up new business horizons and cooperation for U.S. and European companies"

• For speaking opportunities: Contact Dr. Isa Hofmann at info@ihofmann.com.
• For program and registration information: Contact Jill Rutledge at +1 651 225 6981 or jmrutledge@ifai.com.

The conference will take place at the relaxa hotel Stuttgarter Hof Berlin.

2008 MFA National Convention Was The Largest In Over A Decade

The largest Marine Fabricators Association National Convention in more than a decade was held January 13-15 in Stuart, Florida. The Jimmy Buffet-themed convention ("Join Us In Margaritaville") offered participants the chance to learn new techniques and tricks of the trade by participating in educational sessions, and provided copious opportunities to network.

There were over 100 fabricator attendees with full registration, and an additional 50 VIP passes were issued for fabricators who came to walk the show floor. The 35 exhibiting companies were very pleased with the lively turnout. MFA Division Director Beth Hungiville said that "many exhibitors and attendees commented that this was our best show ever!"

A major part of the convention's excitement was created by the announcement of a new MFA consumer boating Web site which will launch in the beginning of March. The home page will feature a two-minute video starring one of television's most popular boating personalities, John Greviskis, star of "Ship Shape TV," now in its 12th year (airing on Speedvision Network, Public Television, and regional networks including Fox Sports Net and Comcast Sports, along with a classic show on Sun Sports). Greviskis occasionally features selected manufacturers' facilities, and viewers are taken straight to the source to see how some products, which are manufactured on boaters' behalf, are produced and created.

Another convention record was set with 130 entries in the MFA Fabrication Excellence Awards--the largest participation in eight years--with over 20 awards given out. In addition, three people tested for certification--two Certified

Craftsmen (CC) and one Master Fabric Craftsman (MFC).

A crew videotaped the pre-convention sessions and all the seminars, which will be available for purchase in the near future on the MFA website.

The MFA Excellence Award winners, the certification announcements and the "MFA National Convention Highlights and Wrap-up" will be featured on the MFA Web site and in the March/April issue of Marine Fabricatormagazine.

Transitions - Past Chairmen of IFAI Board Kirk & Duerk Retiring

Jeff Kirk, President of The Astrup Co. & Immediate Past Chairman of IFAI

Retiring Jan. 31. Jeff eloquently referenced the Lao Tzu adage at the IFAI Expo 2007 Gala Dinner: "A leader is best when people barely knows he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: 'We did it ourselves.'"

IFAI President Steve Warner commented that "no truer words were spoken when I think of Jeff's leadership. People cannot appreciate the commitment and time Jeff put into governing this organization."

During his tenure as chairman:

• - IFAI has had the two largest Expos in our history
• - Membership has remained strong
• - A new publication was launched--Fabric Graphics magazine
• - IFAI has expanded internationally, and into new market segments
• - IFAI has added value to membership

Congratulations and thank you, Jeff. Those are all terrific accomplishments under your two-year term.

Steve Duerk, President of International Textile Group - Automotive Safety

Retired Dec. 31, after 42 years with the company. His accomplishments within IFAI are many:

• - He was the first person to receive the Industry Fabric Manager (IFM) certification
• - He was named the Review magazine "Man of the Year"
• - He was the first supplier member to become IFAI's Chairman of the Board
• - He was the founding Chairman of the Industrial Fabrics Foundation
• - He was the founding Chairman of United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI)

Congratulations and thank you, Steve, for your major contributions to the growth and success of our association and the many ways you have benefited our membership.

IFAI Japan Accepting Applications For Product Showcase Japan 2008 - Deadline April 30th

IFAI Japan has announced that applications are now being accepted for companies wishing to participate in the annual Product Showcase Japan 2008, scheduled for July 24, 2008 in Osaka.

Product Showcase Japan 2008 is a unique opportunity for companies to introduce their products and services to key leaders in the Japanese specialty fabrics industry," says IFAI Japan Executive Director Kiko Tagawa. "It is the best and most cost effective way to find the business partners and the customers you need to expand your business into the Asian market."
Past Showcase participants include Jeff Sponseller of Miller Weldmaster, USA, and Evelyn Woerdemann of Julius Heywinkel GmbH, Germany.
The 2008 Showcase follows the IFAI Japan Annual Meeting and Forum. This year IFAI Chairman of the Board Scott Campbell is the featured speaker at the Forum.
Showcase participants will have the opportunity to give a PowerPoint presentation about their company's products and services to an audience of representatives from approximately 80 companies. An English/Japanese interpreter is provided for the presentations and IFAI Japan leaders will assist in making arrangements for you to meet with the top executives of Japanese companies during the networking reception that follows the presentations.
Product Showcase Japan 2008 is being limited to a maximum of three presentations. If you are interested in learning more about participating or in submitting an application, please contact Ms. Kiko Tagawa, Executive Director of IFAI Japan, ktagawa@ifai.com
The deadline for submitting an application is April 30, 2008. For information about IFAI Japan visit www.ifaijapan.com.

IFAI Publisher Announces New Look and Name Review Magazine

IFAI Publisher Mary Hennessy announced this month that after 41 years IFAI has decided to change the name of the Industrial Fabric Products Review magazine--launching a brand new era. Review has undergone three name changes since it began in 1915--

• - National Tent & Awning Manufacturer's Review (1915)
• - National Canvas Goods Manufacturer's Review (1924)
• - Canvas Products Review (1958)
• - Industrial Fabric Products Review (1966)

According to IFAI President Steve Warner, "Each name change reflected a better capture of the magazine's editorial content. We think 'Specialty Fabrics' better defines our industry and the editorial content to readers and advertisers." There will be three exciting new changes in both the print and online versions. Says Mary, "I can't wait to send you the first "new look" Review in March. It's going to knock your socks off!"

Introducing--Specialty FabricsReview

newname

Emphasizing the importance of innovation and real business solutions with fabric. The last time Review changed its name was in 1966. We thought it was time for a new name that better reflects the industry we cover.

newlook

We'll be spotlighting the people who make up the industry...showing off the results of the extraordinary partnership between our industry's suppliers and end-product manufacturers.

neworganization and navigation

Inside you'll find a reorganization of columns and articles that makes it easier to navigate, with a focus on a breadth of niche markets. Review will continue to have the same commitment to content excellence that has won it many prestigious publication awards year after year. Last month Review proudly accepted another Gold award, this time in the trade association publication category from the national 2007 Association TRENDS All-Media Contest sponsored by Association Trends magazine.

special advertising invitation to suppliers:ad close deadline january 29

Be a part of the buyer buzz surrounding this exciting issue. Advertise by contacting Sarah Hyland at schyland@ifai.com or 800 319 3349 (US & Canada) or +1 651 225 6950.
Click here to view the Advertising Rate Card.

Inner Space To Outer Space: High-tech Textiles Today

Wright Part of Spring Exhibition at University of Minnesota College of Design

May 17-July 27, 2008

ruce Wright, editor of IFAI's Fabric Architecturemagazine and design minor teaching fellow at the University of Minnesota (U of M), and Karen LaBat, professor of clothing design at the U of M College of Design, are the curators for an exhibition on new developments in extreme textile engineering and sophisticated fabric uses that extend human capabilities in the smallest and largest areas. The exhibition, entitled "Inner Space To Outer Space: High-tech Textiles Today," is being held at the Goldstein Museum of Design in McNeal Hall on the U of M campus; and will include an outdoor installation of fabric structures.

Karen LaBat has previously served as a technical director to IFAI. The exhibitions are combined with a series of lectures on architecture and design, and all are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.design.umn.edu or call +1 612 626 9068.

IFAI Welcomes New Membership Manager - Nora McLellan

Nora McLellan joined the IFAI Membership sales team as Membership Manager this month. Nora comes to IFAI with a wealth of sales experience and background in managing association membership retention and recruitment. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education from the College of Human Ecology, specializing in Occupational Textiles and Clothing. She is also certified in Interaction Management by the American Management Association.

An avid global business traveler, she's on the Advisory Committee for the Retail Marketing Program/College of Design for the University of Minnesota; she served as the Vice President of Memberships/Partnerships for The Association of Women in Communication from 1999-2006 (awarded the "Rising Star" award in 2003), she also co-chaired the "Trends Forum" for the Advertising Federation of Minnesota.

We know that Nora's enthusiasm, drive, get-it-done attitude and marketing savvy will continuously add significant value to the IFAI Membership Department. She has already hit the ground running and has hinted that new IFAI Member benefits are coming which will be announced next month. Stay tuned for exciting new services to enhance your business.