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As a part of next-generation programming at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025, more than 30 apparel and fashion students from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind., toured the show floor to view textile equipment demonstrations and explore advanced and industrial textiles and graduate programs in the field.
Company representatives were happy to oblige with demonstrations and speak with the students. Businesses’ booths on the tour included Flora Digital Printing, Miller Weldmaster, Lectra, Eastman, Leister, Pathfinder, Adfast Grommeting and Autometrix, along with schools North Carolina State University and Gaston College.
The students’ tour finished with a scavenger hunt, which allowed them to visit additional exhibitor booths. For one item, they hunted for recyclable fabrics; for another, they had to talk to exhibitors about automation or artificial intelligence.
Tara Houston, member programs supervisor at Advanced Textiles Association, organized the student-centered event. Students told Houston that they had been previously unaware of the many non-fashion career roles in the textile industry.
“They all had a lot of fun, learned about how big the industry really is, and I believe they networked and have made some contacts they might utilize in the future,” says Audrey Robbins, advisor and assistant lecturer of fashion industry studies at Ball State University.
For additional coverage of Advanced Textiles Expo 2025, please see the cover story from the December 2025 issue of Specialty Fabrics Review.
The 2026 event will be in Orlando, Nov. 3–5.