Distinguished International Speaker Lineup Set For First IFAI European Conference

IFAI's Advanced Textiles Conference 2008, June 12-13 in Berlin, is an entrepreneur networking conference unveiling outstanding textile-reinforced materials and smart technologies. The event is designed to bridge the gap between the U.S. and Europe technical textile industry through networking opportunities and high-caliber sessions. A solid, engaging roster of important industry leaders from Europe and the U.S. will serve as speakers for the conference. This week IFAI announced the invited keynote speakers:
Luis Felipe Girao, Head of Unit, Directorate General Enterprise & Industry, European Commission
Matthew Priest,U.S. Commerce Deputy Assistant Secretary For Textiles and Apparel

Session speakers include representatives from the following distinguished organizations:

• Dow Corning
• Philips Design
• ESA - European Space Agency
• SDH Consult
• Faserinstitut Bremen e.V. 
• SolarNext AG
• Hightex Group plc
• Ten Cate Protective & Outdoor Fabrics
• Hollingsworth & Vose
• Texbor S.A.
• Julius Heywinkel GmbH
• Texcon GmbH
• Lenzing AG
• Textronics Inc.
• Mectex S.p.A.
• University of Marburg, Applied Chemics
• P-D Interglass Technologies Ltd.

Presentation topics will include: Sustainability, embedded high-tech textiles, nanotechnology, architecture and lightweight structures, automotive and protective apparel. European and U.S. companies can use this opportunity to attend sessions covering the latest innovative advancements in the technical textiles industry and network. To learn more or to register for this world-class event click here for the most up-to-date information. Register before 3 April to received reduced fees. Note: The schedule is subject to change.

IFAI Expo Updates Here's Why You Cannot Miss IFAI Expo 2008!

• Click to see the Exhibitor Video Overview (20-second download)
• Click to see the Attendee Video Overview (20-second download)

2008 - Charlotte Convention Center - Oct. 21-23
2009 - San Diego Convention Center - Sept. 23-25

Symposiums & Workshops Announced For IFAI Expo 2008

IFAI Expo 2008 will showcase everything from green and recycled products to the latest high-tech innovations, and will also offer outstanding educational opportunities with over 100 expert presentations such as:

• - 6th International Conference on Safety & Protective Fabrics (pre-conference on Oct. 20-21)
• - Fabric Graphics - Your Environmental Edge (Oct. 21)
• - Materials in Transportation - Land, Sea & Space (Oct. 21)
• - Awning Business - How To Grow Your Bottom Line (Oct. 21)
• - Medical Textiles - Ingenious Nonwoven Technologies (Oct. 22)
• - Fabrics & Finishes for Consumer Demands (Oct. 22)
• - Expanding Business Markets - China, India, Brazil (Oct. 22)
• - Gov Biz 201 (Oct. 22)
• - Going Beyond Green - Saving Tomorrow Today (Oct. 23)

Special Session:

Architects - How To Get Started With Fabric Structures (Oct. 22).

Hands-on Workshops:

Fabric Welding Workshops (Oct. 21-22); Graphics & Printing Workshops (Oct. 22-23); and Marine & Upholstery Workshops (Oct. 23).

Sponsorships Available At IFAI Expo 2008--Get Your Product Name In Front of 8,000 Attendees

IFAI Conference Management has announced a terrific list of Sponsorship opportunities to give you that stand-out advantage to new and existing customers during the show. With 8,000 attendees packing the show floor and attending the networking/social events, sponsorships are also a great way to attract and reward your new and established customers.

3 "Champion Level" Keynote Speaker Packages:

• - Bronze--$15,000
• - Silver--Doris Kearns Goodwin - $20,000
• - Gold--Lou Holtz--$29,000

A la carte sponsorships available after May 1st:

• - Cyber Cafe/Landing Page: $4,000
• - Aisle Footprints (up to two Sponsors): $3,000 each
• - Interior Banners: $2,500 each, limit 3
• - Directional Kiosks: (1) $1,100 | (2) $1,900
• - Welcome Reception: $1,000 each
• - Exhibit Hall Snack/Coffee Stands: $1,000 plus exhibitor pays for snacks and signage
• - Aisle Signs: $900
• - Symposiums: Please inquire for price.
• - IFAI Expo/Specialty Fabrics Review Magazine Show Bags: Donated, must pay cost to produce
• - Lanyards: Donated, must pay cost to produce

Many Textile Industry Organizations Will Converge At IFAI Expo 2008

The National Textile Association (NTA) is holding its Board of Director meeting on Monday, Oct. 20, followed by the Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) golf tourney. There will be a reception on Monday evening, and on Tuesday they will have a Steering Committee meeting, a coalition meeting surrounding a military contracting topic, and also their regular meeting on Tuesday from 10:00-4:00. For more and largest information contact David Trumbull, dtrumball@nationaltextile.org. NTA is the nation's oldest association of fabric-forming companies. Its members knit and weave fabric in the U.S.; supply fibers, yarns to the fabric-forming industry; or supply other materials or services to the American textile industry.

"The National Textile Association Government Textiles Committee is pleased to join with the Industrial Fabrics Association International for this important three-day trade show and seminars event," said NTA Chairman Jim Robbins of Elastic Fabrics of America. "Through this partnership, our valuable work on government procurement will be available to a large textile audience. Our military and government guests will be able to meet with the representatives of every sector of the U.S. textile industry during our networking events and seminars."

The Textile Bag and Packaging Association (TBPA) will hold its Executive Board Meeting Monday-Tuesday, Oct. 20-21. There will be a Cocktail Reception for TBPA members on Monday from 6:30-8:00. The General Session Meeting and Committee reports will be held Tues., Oct. 21, attending the IFAI Welcome Reception on Tues. from 5:00-7:00 pm. For more information contact is Maxine Shapiro, SCCAShapir@aol.com. The TBPA is a trade association whose membership supplies all types of bags and flexible packaging products.

National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) - Meetings during Expo. NCTO is a unique association representing the entire spectrum of the textile sector. From fibers to finished products, from machinery manufacturers to power suppliers.

AATCC and the NCSU Team Up For IFAI Expo 2008 Symposium

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and North Carolina State University (NCSU) are co-organizing the Medical Textiles symposium on Oct. 22nd with IFAI at Expo. The AATCC knowledge and application of colorants, chemicals and polymers in the textile industry. The College of Textiles at NCSU has over 107 years of teaching, research, and extension, and is the leading textile college in the world.

IFAI Expo 2009 Awarded International Buyer Program Status

IFAI Expo 2008 (Sept. 23-25, at the San Diego Convention Center), has been awarded the prestigious International Buyer Program (IBP) designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce, one of only 28 trade shows to receive the designation for 2009. The International Buyer Program was created by the U.S.
Department of Commerce to bring international buying delegations to U.S. trade shows, benefiting U.S. companies and encouraging trade and business partnership worldwide. IFAI President Steve Warner said, "We are very honored that IFAI Expo has again been recognized as an outstanding marketplace, bringing the highest concentration of specialty fabrics industry suppliers and buyers together under one roof." IFAI also received the IBP designation for IFAI Expo 2008 and 2006.

Did You Miss the IFAI Expo 2007 High-Tech Fashion Show?

One of the highlights of last year's Expo was a highly creative presentation of electronic and conductive textiles used in applications such as physiological monitoring and a jacket with built-in electronics; electro-luminescent products for high visibility and signage; advanced flame retardant fabrics for military uniforms; electric arc and flash fire protections; impact protection using shear thickening fluid and many other ingenious new products.

Click here on High-Tech Fashion. You might see something that you can use in your business to provide a high-tech advantage.

GeoAmericas 2008 Drew Large International Attendance

GeoAmericas 2008 was a sensation according to Conference Manager Beth Wistrcill. "This far exceeded our expectations! It was an absolute pleasure to have been so intimately involved in the development and execution of such an exciting and influential geosynthetics event for the Americas."

GeoAmericas 2008 Fast Facts

• - 960 attendees and 74 exhibitors
• - 239 papers presented
• - 26 countries attended - major international presence, large Latin American attendance
• - Most popular topics/sessions: Mining topics, GRI-21, Keynote Lectures

Buzz at the show: Participants were motivated, excited to meet and interact with new people, exhibitors. "It was very apparent that commerce was taking place between attendees and exhibitors throughout the conference," said Andrew Aho, Managing Director of the Geosynthetic Materials Association, a division of IFAI.

Dr. Robert Koerner attracted a big audience during his keynote lecture. Koerner, Emeritus Professor at Drexel University and Directorthe Geosynthetic Institute), has spent over 25 years in the geosynthetics industry teaching, in research and development, counseling and advising for every segment of the industry. He holds his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from Duke University. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania, an Honorary Member of ASCE, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering. He has authored and co-authored more than 600 papers on geosynthetics and geotechnical topics in journals and for national and international conferences. His most widely used publication is the fifth edition (2005) of the textbook titled "Designing with Geosynthetics."

What Attendees Were Saying

"GeoAmericas 2008 was the best organized and run geosynthetics conference that I have attended in a long time (and I have been to many since 1977). In particular, the easy and practical Web site made registration, transport and accommodation arrangements a pleasure. Congratulations to the organizing committee."

Peter Davies, International Marketing Manager, Kaytech Engineered Fabrics, South Africa

"I came all the way from South Africa and it was definitely worth the effort. A world class conference. Thanks."

Rob McIlwraith, Kaytech, South Africa

"I think GeoAmericas 2008 organisation was very successful. Session themes were interesting and well-scheduled. Keynote lectures, technical session and discussions were focused in a wide range of the principal topics of the geosynthetics including applications and recent research."

"This was an excellent example of a well-managed and smart conference and we will attend future conferences when become aware of them."

"I have been quite disappointed with some of the geosynthetics conferences in the last few years, this one however was excellent, well-attended, and a great venue."

"A lot of excellent information was presented and available at the conference!"

"One of the best conferences I have attended in the last 10 years."

"The turnout was great, and as a geomembrane installer I was able to meet with many of my suppliers in one trip. It was a busy trade show which proves that geosynthetics is a thriving business."

"A large effort as put into organizing a very good conference. Keeping the conference running on schedule I am sure was a challenge due to cultural differences, but well-achieved and important to the overall success of the conference."

Did you miss GeoAmericas 2008?

the GeoAmericas 2008 Conference Proceedings held in Cancun Mexico, March 2008. Price: $ 195.00 Click here to order.

These proceedings on CD-ROM contain the collaborative efforts of over 450 authors. Offers 238 searchable papers presented at 44 technical sessions. The topics include: Geo-Environmental Laboratory and field performance Pavements Walls and Slopes Mining Hydraulics & Erosion Control Also includes the special session papers from the symposium by Robert D. Holtz.

Get the GRI-21 2008 Conference Proceedings hosted by Dr. Robert Koerner, PhD. On CD-ROM. Price: $ 75.00 Click here to order.

Coming Next Year

Geosynthetics 2009, Feb. 25-27, is the largest geosynthetics industry event in North America. Attendees will explore important issues affecting the water resources, mining, construction, and regulatory communities in the US, Canadian and Mexican markets. Engineers, environmental specialists, water or transportation regulators will have a menu of technical programs, workshops and courses to select from.

Visit www.geoshow.info for updated conference and exhibiting information contact Conference Manager Beth Wistrcill: +1 651-225-6956, Fax: +1 651-631-9334 or bbwistrcill@ifai.com.

IFAI Japan's Board invites all IFAI members from around the world to do a Product Showcase presentation at its next event scheduled in July in Osaka.

IFAI Japan Exhibits at Canvas Japan 2008 in Tokyo

Canvas Japan 2008

was a very busy and exciting show according to IFAI Japan Executive Director Kikuko Tagawa, who was there hosting the IFAI Japan booth. There were 260,588 attendees at Canvas Japan, and the Japan Shop and Construction Material Show (with 154,503 attendees) was on the same floor.

Mega-crowds kept Ms. Tagawa very busy distributing IFAI magazines and information about the International Achievement Award competition; IFAI Expo 2008; and membership. Many IFAI members exhibited at the show, and a lot of new products were introduced. IFAI Japan also held the IFAI Japan Spring Meeting on March 6.

IFAI Japan Update

IFAI Japan New Year Meeting Features IFAI Member Product Showcase

IFAI Japan's Winter Meeting featured a review of IFAI Expo 2007 activities such as the IFAI Japan Business Tour 2007 and IFAI Japan Annual Meeting. Members also viewed a presentation on the projects honored in IFAI's 2007 International Achievement Awards.

A special Product Showcase was presented by Douglas To from Scovill Fasteners (HK) Ltd., an IFAI member company. Mr. To gave an overview of the DOT line of industrial fasteners. The Product Showcase gives all IFAI members the opportunity to introduce their products and expertise to an international audience of IFAI Japan members and Japanese industry people.

IFAI Notices

Call for Candidates For IFAI Board Positions

The Nominating Committee of IFAI is now seeking candidates to be considered for positions on the IFAI Board of Directors. We are now accepting applications to fille two Director positions, each of which is for a three-year term. To be considered a candidate must:

1. Be employed by either an End Product or Supplier member in good standing
2. Submit written confirmation that he/she wishes to be considered
3. Complete an application form and return it to Nominating Committee Chairman Jeff Kirk, IFM, no later than May 19, 3008.

To obtain an application form contact Cherie Schmit at IFAI Headquarters: cmschmit@ifai.com, +1 651 225 6985 or 800 225 4324 (U.S. and Canada). The Nominating Committee will meet in June to consider the qualifications of the candidates. The membership will be notified of the committee's recommendation shortly thereafter.

Coming Up...
IFAI's State of the Indusry Report

A two -part series in the May and June issues of Specialty Fabrics Review magazine.

IFAI 2008 Trade Mission To China

If you are interested in participating in an IFAI Trade Mission to China in November this year, please contact Cherie Schmit at cmschmit@ifai.com, +1 651 225 6985 or 800 225 4324 (U.S. and Canada).

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Green Roofs Conference in Baltimore - April 30-May 2

Co-hosted with the City of Baltimore, this high-profile conference is organized by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) a not-for-profit industry association working to promote the green roof industry in North America. The three-day conference will consist of plenary and specialized sessions focused on four main topic areas:

• - Policies and Programs to Support Green Roofs
• - Green Roof Design and Implementation
• - Research and Technical Papers on Green Roof Performance
• - Networking & Information Forums on Current Green Roof Topics

This conference is designed for architects, landscape architects, roofing professionals, green roof researchers, horticulturalists, urban planners, facility managers and developers, policy makers and anyone with an interest in green roofs and green buildings. For more information go to www.greenroofs.org/baltimore.