IFAI Expo 2009 gathers global specialty fabrics marketplace in San Diego

IFAI Expo 2009 was held during Sept. 22-25, 2009 at the San Diego Convention Center, USA. The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is the only trade association in the world representing the entire technical textiles industry value chain. IFAI was founded in 1912 and is today comprised of 2,111 member companies in 58 countries.

 According to IFAI President and CEO Stephen Warner, "Our main goal is to provide a compelling business experience for our attendees. As you can see by the activity around the exhibit hall, the speed of technology transfer and innovation is getting faster and faster. Serious industry players can't afford not to be here. Buyers are here planning for 2010."

 Some 344 suppliers provided an impressive showcase for the increasing worldwide demand for high-performance textiles. While this industry might not be on everyone's radar, specialty fabrics (a.k.a technical textiles) happen to include materials that are leading the world into ever new products in such areas as--

• High-tech apparel/e-textiles (sports, medical, military, first-responder)
• Green building (green roofs, sustainable design, passive solar shading).
• Biomedical (surgical fabrics for tissue and bone).
• Aerospace applications for rockets and rovers used in space exploration, and even astronaut apparel.

Despite the economic downturn felt by manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, this year's IFAI Expo was a stirring testament to the business acumen and skill of both the exhibitors and attendees in fielding a tough year. Many of them have explored new markets to discover new customers and revenue streams.

 Warner continued, "In times like this, success demands a shift in thinking that can only be realized with exposure to new thoughts and ideas that are showcased at IFAI Expo 2009. Companies today cannot afford just to stay the course if they are going to compete in the post-recession marketplace."

Based on the booths booked for next year's Expo, the turnaround really did start at IFAI Expo 2009.

Already 230 exhibitors have signed up for IFAI Expo Americas 2010, which takes place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

A new addition to next year's show will be "Advanced Textiles"- an offshoot of the successful entrepreneur networking conferences IFAI began in Europe three years ago which unveiled market-ready innovations and new technologies.

Courtesy: www.ifaiexpo.com.