Textile professionals will gather for three days of exhibits, education and industry networking.
Advanced Textiles Expo®, the flagship annual event of the Roseville, Minn.-based Advanced Textiles Association (ATA), will bring the specialty and technical textiles supply chain together in Orlando, Fla., November 3-5, 2026. The expo will take place at the Orange County Convention Center’s West Building, with preconference education and networking beginning November 2.
Organizers expect more than 4,000 participants and more than 300 exhibiting companies. The event is designed for textile manufacturers, fabricators, engineers, designers, suppliers, distributors and business leaders working across industrial, specialty and advanced textile markets.
“The 2026 Advanced Textiles Expo in Orlando is a great opportunity to see what’s next for our industries in one place — new products, new ideas, new education options and the people who are shaping where their markets are headed,” said Steve Schiffman, ATA president and CEO. “For anyone looking to learn how to grow their business, gain hands-on experience, solve challenges and build valuable connections, Advanced Textiles Expo is a worthwhile investment of their time.”
Exhibits
The show floor will give attendees an opportunity to examine new materials, machinery, components and services from across the advanced textiles supply chain. Products on display include woven and nonwoven fabrics, coated and laminated materials, fibers and yarns, smart and electronic textiles, sewing and welding equipment, cutting systems, printing technology, testing equipment, fasteners, hardware and other fabrication components.
The expo serves companies working in a broad range of markets, including awnings and canopies, marine fabrication, fabric structures, military and tactical products, outdoor recreation, geosynthetics, tarps and truck covers, medical products and smart textiles. Equipment demonstrations and opportunities to handle materials on the show floor are intended to help fabricators and product developers evaluate potential investments and identify new suppliers.
Education
Education will be another major component of the 2026 event. The Emerging Technologies Conference will take place Monday, November 2, one day before the expo opens. The add-on program will examine technologies that could shape the textile industry in the years ahead. Scheduled subjects include anti-smoke textiles, digital tools for textile machinery, agricultural feedstocks for fiber production, biobased fire retardants, functional textiles, self-powered sensors, space suit fabrics, circular footwear and artificial intelligence in dyehouse operations. Registration for the Emerging Technologies Conference includes admission to the three-day expo.
Classroom presentations will be held each morning before the show floor opens, covering technical and business subjects. The schedule also includes hands-on, fabricator-led instruction using equipment such as sewing machines and ultrasonic welders, as well as digital tools. Participants will be able to explore fabrication methods, custom sewing, patterning and measuring techniques, as well as strategies for improving workflow and business performance.
Show-floor education will complement the classroom program with shorter sessions addressing developments and challenges throughout the industry. The Marine Fabricators Association Roadshow, ATA Textiles Challenge, networking roundtables and a Women in Textiles leadership program are among the planned activities. Social events will include an opening reception, Pub Night and Industry Night, although some events require an additional ticket.
Beyond products and education, the event is structured to encourage business development throughout the three days. Receptions, roundtables and informal gatherings will give attendees opportunities to connect with suppliers, customers, technical specialists and potential partners from throughout the international textile community.
Advanced Textiles Expo will once again be collocated with Sun Shading Expo North America. An Advanced Textiles Expo badge will provide access to both exhibit floors, allowing visitors to explore additional products related to awnings, shutters, sun-shading systems, controls and technical fabrics.
The show floor is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday.
For more information about Advanced Textiles Expo or to register, please visit advancedtextilesexpo.com.
