TEXTILES.ORG
Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) brought together manufacturers, suppliers, government officials and industry leaders at its 2026 ATA Outlook® Leadership Conference to examine the trends reshaping the textile industry, from defense procurement and trade policy to artificial intelligence (AI), leadership development and economic uncertainty.
Held at The Westin Poinsett in Greenville, S.C., the conference featured two days of presentations and networking designed to help attendees navigate an increasingly complex business environment while strengthening connections across the industry.
The conference opened with Military Morning programming and updates from ATA member groups, including the U.S. Industrial and Narrow Fabrics Institute (USINFI) and the Military Division. USINFI Chair Mark Harries, president of Bally Ribbon Mills, highlighted the organization’s advocacy efforts, educational programming and government relations initiatives, encouraging members to become more involved in shaping public policy affecting the industry.
Defense and national security remained key themes throughout the event. Leighann Mazoki of Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support provided a virtual update on government procurement opportunities, while Ron Houle, founder and president of Pivot Step Consultants LLC, challenged attendees to rethink traditional approaches to military procurement and industrial base resilience. Houle discussed the rapidly changing defense landscape and the opportunities and challenges facing companies supporting the nation’s military supply chain.
“ATA’s Outlook Conference was a great opportunity to connect with peers and to meet new people. I especially enjoyed the Military Morning, which was filled with valuable insight that directly supports the business I do daily,” said Aimee Heuschkel, marketing director of fashion and industrial, Americas, Lectra.
The conference also focused on personal and professional growth, trade and policy developments, the global supply chain and raw materials market, and the rise of “agentic AI.”
Beyond the educational sessions, the conference emphasized the value of networking and industry collaboration through events including a Greenville Drive baseball game, receptions and informal gatherings that allowed attendees to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas.
“One of the most valuable parts of Outlook was the mix of sessions and conversations around market direction, leadership challenges, and how companies are adapting to change,” says Amy Klingelsmith, business development manager, Fil-Tec Inc.
For more information about Outlook and next year’s conference, visit usinfi.textiles.org/outlook-conference.