Myriad range of speciality fabrics at IFAI Expo 2008

30 Oct '08

7 min read

Attendees saw such fascinating applications as:

*Survival gear for small animals
*Jackets that can float on air
*Carbon fibers in bicycles, providing excellent weight-to-strength ratio
*Bobble camouflage fabric used as anti-radar camouflage for military equipment
*Combinations of concrete and textiles
*Vibrant wall coverings printed on the finest Mylar and Flame Retardant Jacquard weaves
*Smart garments embedded with sensors and actuators

"Advanced textiles and processes are at the heart of this exhibition," according to Professor Marie O'Mahony, Exhibition Curator. "This is an exhibition that celebrates the positive achievement that design is bringing to our lives." Marie O'Mahony is a Professor of Advanced Textiles at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), and visiting Professor at Chelsea College of ARt and Design. View the IFAI Design Exhibition 2008 Catalog with full descriptions of the exhibits and designers.

The spirit behind building a successful event like IFAI Expo lies in the behind-the-scenes work of IFAI's staff to provide the kind of quality content that inspires and educates its manufacturer audience. According to IFAI Director of Events, Jill Rutledge, "We're transforming the trade show--creating a new kind of place where ideas converge with science. It's an exciting combination when technology connects with creativity!"

IFAI Expo 2008 also featured two world-class keynote speakers: Legendary coach, team leader and sports commentator Lou Holtz, who gave a humorous and inspiring talk on having a "Game Plan For Success;" and acclaimed Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin who kept the audience enthralled with a presentation on "Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln," based on her best-selling book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln."

As an international association, IFAI's creative crown jewel at IFAI Expo is unquestionably the annual announcement of the International Achievement Awards. Now celebrating its 61st year, the International Achievement Awards recognize design, technological innovation and excellence in the specialty fabrics industry.

This year IFAI received a record 387 entries in 28 categories, from 14 countries. Award winners are selected for their design, complexity, workmanship, uniqueness and function. The goal of the event is to promote awareness of the specialty fabrics used in thousands of products. Year after year IAA winners inspire awe and raise the standard for excellence in the special fabrics industry. View all the projects and the award winners.

Summing up IFAI Expo 2008 Todd Lindemann said, "The exhibitors had a good show this year. Despite the economic turmoil of the times, we had a great turnout and are already 70% booked for IFAI Expo 2009 in San Diego--which has been the most popular show destination we've ever had in the past. Many exhibitors have increased their booth size for next year."

Industrial Fabrics Association International

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