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IFAI EXPO - 1998 NEW ORLEANS
If you have been wondering what the
future of the technical-fabrics industry has in store, IFAI Expo 1998 was the perfect
place to be. With renowned futurist and keynote speaker Daniel
Burrus offering insights into how business will be done in the
next century, an impressive selection of industry-specific
seminars, and an unmatched trade show exhibition, IFAI Expo 1998 offered
technical-fabrics industry professionals solutions to meet the
challenges the industry is sure to present in the next millennium.
5,797 participants from 1,789 companies found their way to New
Orleans on October 8-10 for North America's largest most
comprehensive technical-fabrics conference and trade show. The
86th annual exposition was organized and sponsored by the Industrial Fabrics Association
International (IFAI).
Encompassing more than 85,100
square feet of space, the exhibition featured a record 379
exhibitors, 91 of which were new to the show. They displayed
products and services encompassing the traditional awning, tent,
and tarpaulin markets as well as the leading-edge technology of
safety and protective, medical, and athletic fabric markets. All
the learning did not take place on the show floor, however. Before
the bustle on the exhibition floor, each afternoon, participants
flocked to the wide assortment of seminars offered in the
mornings. This year's track, which had a record attendance,
covered topics such as fabric selections for various applications,
productivity, the Internet, and the future of the technical
fabrics markets. The International Achievement Awards competition
was yet another highlight of IFAI Expo 1998. A record 373 projects from 126 companies in 15
countries were submitted for judging. Several companies, who are
also members of the Western Canvas Products Association (WCPA)
were winners. A listing of these companies and their awards will
appear in the next issue of Form & Fabric magazine.
Next year's Exhibition (IFAI EXPO
1999) will be held October 28-30, 1999, in San Diego, California
at the San Diego Convention Center. For further information on
exhibiting or attending IFAI
Expo 1999 please contact Susan Larson, director of IFAI conference management, at
800-225-4324 or email at
expo@ifai.com. |
