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Advanced Textiles Expo 2026 Show Preview

Opportunity in Orlando!

Expo Show Preview, Features | September 1, 2026 | By:

Join thousands of textile professionals as Advanced Textiles Expo returns to Florida. The industry’s flagship event brings a full offering of education, connection and innovation to Orlando this fall. Join the best in the industry for four days of excitement and check out everything Advanced Textiles Expo has to offer!

Expand Your Experience

In addition to doing business on the show floor and sharpening your knowledge through education, get familiar with some of the other highlights happening this year in Orlando. 

Unless otherwise noted, all activities take place at the Orange County Convention Center.


Advanced Textiles Expo Opening Reception

Three women, Robin DuBroy, formerly of Shade Sail University; Donielle Lorelli of National Industries for the Blind; and Andrea Lynn, of Sonoma Shade Sails, pose together at the Advanced Textiles Expo opening reception, smiling and wearing lanyards. The background features attendees and vibrant colors.
Robin DuBroy, formerly of Shade Sail University; Donielle Lorelli of National Industries for the Blind; and Andrea Lynn, of Sonoma Shade Sails, pose together at the Advanced Textiles Expo opening reception. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 5–6 pm

Included in all registration packages. Open to all attendees and exhibitors.

Mix and mingle with fellow attendees and exhibitors at the Opening Reception after the first day of Advanced Textiles Expo. Enjoy refreshments and great conversation to wrap up the first day of the show. 


Industry Night

A lively performance Textile industry band Hangin' by a Thread performing on stage at Advanced Textiles Expo, featuring seven musicians, colorful backdrop and an engaged audience seated in foreground.
Textile industry band Hangin’ by a Thread performing at Advanced Textiles Expo. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30–8:30 pm

Location: Ole Red

Tickets required. Member $79, nonmember $99. The option to buy multiple tickets to invite colleagues or clients is also available.

The most popular night at Advanced Textiles Expo returns to Orlando! Gather with other attendees and exhibitors at this lively event where you will hear live music from ATA’s member band, Hangin’ by a Thread; enjoy delicious local food; and converse with your peers across the industry. Hosted at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Industry Night requires an add-on ticket. Limited availability.


Textiles Challenge

A woman participates in a textiles challenge at a booth at Advanced Textiles Expo, with colorful backdrop elements and the text "Station 3" visible.
The first round of Textiles Challenge will be held in the registration lobby — no need to sign up to participate this year! Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Wednesday, Nov. 4

Textiles Challenge is a hands-on activity to test your skills. Participate in various textiles challenges and advance to the final round. 

New for 2026: Round 1 will be held in the registration lobby and is open to all fabricators. No need to sign up to participate, just stop by the registration lobby and look for the signs. 


Show Floor Demonstrations

A diverse group of attendees gathers around the Miller Weldmaster booth at Advanced Textiles Expo, showcasing the company's machinery. Many textiles program college students are paying close attention.
Miller Weldmaster demonstrated equipment on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo, including to this group of college students studying textiles. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 11 am–4 pm
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 11 am–4 pm
Thursday, Nov. 5, 11 am–1 pm

Show floor demonstrations will be occurring throughout Advanced Textiles Expo in exhibitor booths.


Logo featuring the text "Emerging Technologies Conference" with colorful circuit patterns in blue and yellow, set against a clean white background.

Where Textile Breakthroughs Begin

Emerging Technologies Conference kicks off Monday, Nov. 2, with a full day of education and networking focused on the innovations shaping the future of textiles. Attendees will explore forward-looking topics such as smart textiles, sustainable materials, advanced manufacturing, AI and other technologies transforming the textile industry. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, the conference transitions to Advanced Textiles Expo, where additional education sessions and live demonstrations continue on the show floor throughout the week.

© 2025 Mark Skalny Photography
Emerging Technologies Conference attendees got hands-on with biofabrics following a session about the emerging market segment. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

To attend, register for Emerging Technologies Conference. Registration includes full access to all Nov. 2 educational sessions and networking opportunities, plus three days of Advanced Textiles Expo show floor admission, featuring education sessions, networking roundtables, equipment demonstrations, the Opening Reception, Textiles Challenge, Women’s Leadership Sessions and additional networking events.

Learn more and explore the full schedule at AdvancedTextilesExpo.com/EmergingTech


Show Floor Education Sessions

Engage in free, informal show floor sessions highlighting the latest industry insights and real-world expertise. Make sure to take advantage of as many as you can!

View the full list at AdvancedTextilesExpo.com/Expo-Schedule-2026

Topics include:

Beyond Aesthetics: The Role of Print and Color Performance in Textile Architecture

Chemical Regulations Reshaping the Textile Industry

Choosing Shade Sails as an Art Medium

Designing and Manufacturing Advanced Medical Textiles

Do It Right: Water Repellency Testing for Shade and Awning Fabrics

Engaging the Next Generation of Textile Professionals

From Manual to Digital: Practical Pathways for Fabric Structure Businesses

How AI, Cloud Connectivity and Smart Cutting are Transforming Tech Textile Manufacturing

How Larger Funding Models are Driving Innovation and Technology

Inside the Signage Industry’s Awning Frustrations — and the Opportunity Waiting for You!

Long-Life and Durable Nonwovens Market Overview

Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Roadshow

Overcoming the Challenges of Selling a Textile Business

Real-World AI Applications in the Textile Industry

State of the Industry Update

The Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Utilizing Technology in Workforce Training to Retain, Expand and Transfer Knowledge

Washington Update

Women in Textiles Leadership Sessions


Fun Run/Walk

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 am

Kick off your morning with a refreshing run/walk with peers. 


Women’s Leadership Sessions

Wednesday, Nov. 4, 10:30 am

Join us for inspiring Women’s Leadership Sessions on the show floor.


Marine Fabricators Association Roadshow

Kyle Van Damme, MFC, of Marine Tops Unlimited Inc., in a blue shirt, demonstrated traditional patterning with a small boat model as a part of the Marine Fabricators Roadshow sessions at Advanced Textiles Expo.
Kyle Van Damme, MFC, of Marine Tops Unlimited Inc., demonstrated traditional patterning with a small boat model as a part of the Marine Fabricators Roadshow sessions at Advanced Textiles Expo. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Thursday, Nov. 5, 10:30 am–1:30 pm

Included in all registration packages. Open to all attendees and exhibitors.

Marine Fabricators Association presents a series of three topics, including fabricating a u-zip window, traditional patterning and fabrication techniques. 


Yellow and blue logo featuring a stylized sun with horizontal stripes, accompanied by the text "Sun Shading Expo NORTH AMERICA."

This year, Advanced Textiles Expo is again co-locating with Messe Stuttgart’s U.S.-based show, Sun Shading Expo North America. This brings a valuable component to the show floor and a chance to connect with fellow attendees and exhibitors.


Schedule at Advanced Textiles Expo

*Requires add-on purchase to registration.

Justin Jones of SewLong Custom Covers competes in a timed event during the Textiles Challenge at Advanced Textiles Expo.
Justin Jones of SewLong Custom Covers competes in a timed event during the Textiles Challenge at Advanced Textiles Expo. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Sunday, Nov. 1

7:30 am–5:30 pm Onsite Registration/Check-in Open

8 am–5 pm Exhibitor Install

Experts Julie Tinsman and Charlene Clark recorded an episode of the ATA podcast "Talking Textiles" at Advanced Textiles Expo about the seasonality of the marine canvas business.
Experts Julie Tinsman and Charlene Clark recorded an episode of the ATA podcast “Talking Textiles” at Advanced Textiles Expo about the seasonality of the marine canvas business. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Monday, Nov. 2

7:30 am–5:30 pm Onsite Registration/Check-in Open

8 am–5 pm Exhibitor Install

10 am–5:30 pm Emerging Technologies Conference* 

5:30–6:30 pm Emerging Technologies Conference Networking Reception*

5 pm Pub Night with Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, ATA Canada and Fabric Structures Association*

During Advanced Textiles Expo equipment demonstrations on the show floor, textiles students from nearby colleges were encouraged to try their hand at operating the machines.
During Advanced Textiles Expo equipment demonstrations on the show floor, textiles students from nearby colleges were encouraged to try their hand at operating the machines. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Tuesday, Nov. 3

7 am–6 pm Onsite Registration/Check-in Open

8:30–9:45 am Classroom Education

10 am–5 pm Show Floor Open

• ATA Hub

• ATA Member Services

10:30 am–3 pm Textile Industry Podcasts Live

10:30 am–4:30 pm Show Floor Education

10:30 am–4:30 pm Show Floor Demonstrations

2–3 pm Networking Roundtables

5–6 pm Opening Reception

6:30–8:30 pm Industry Night at Ole Red*

Adam Penner presented on AI at Advanced Textiles Expo.
Adam Penner presented on AI at Advanced Textiles Expo. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Wednesday, Nov. 4

7 am–5 pm Onsite Registration/Check-in Open

7–8 am Fun Run/Walk

8 am–2 pm Textiles Challenge Qualifying Rounds

8:30–9:45 am Classroom Education

10 am–5 pm Show Floor Open

• ATA Hub

• ATA Member Services

10:30 am–12:30 pm Women’s Leadership Sessions

10:30 am–3 pm Textile Industry Podcasts Live

10:30 am–4 pm Show Floor Education

10:30 am–4:30 pm Show Floor Demonstrations

2–2:30 pm State of the Industry Update

3:30–5 pm Textiles Challenge Championship Round

© 2025 Mark Skalny Photography
Smart textiles by Sunray Scientific on the show floor. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Thursday, Nov. 5

7 am–2 pm Onsite Registration/Check-in Open

8:30–9:45 am Classroom Education

10 am–2 pm Show Floor Open

• ATA Hub

• ATA Member Services

10 am–Noon Textile Industry Podcasts Live

10:30 am–1:30 pm Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) Roadshow

10:30 am–1:30 pm Show Floor Demonstrations

2–8 pm Exhibitor Dismantle

FASTSEWN automated sewing and cutting technology by Mikkelsen Innovation ApS, being demonstrated at Advanced Textiles Expo.
Textile equipment demonstrations are valued by attendees of Advanced Textiles Expo, such as this demo of FASTSEWN automated sewing and cutting technology by Mikkelsen Innovation ApS. Image: Mark Skalny Photography

Friday, Nov. 6

8 am–Noon Exhibitor Dismantle


Circular purple logo featuring the word "HUB" in bold white letters, centrally positioned.

What’s in the ATA Hub? 

NEW! Professional headshots for ATA members

• Podcast recordings

• Textiles Challenge Championship Round

• Info on ATA Member Benefit Programs 

• Space to meet, socialize or recharge

• Information on ATA membership and upcoming events

• Get your Member Takeaway


Logo featuring "ATA" in bold black text inside a colorful speech bubble, accompanied by the phrase "TALKING TEXTILES" in modern typography.

Join us for live recordings in the ATA Hub of Talking Textiles throughout Advanced Textiles Expo on a variety of topics. Look for the full schedule in the app or the Advanced Textiles Expo Show Guide.

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