FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IFAI Expo 2003 crowds do business, learn and network

(Roseville, Minn. * Oct. 21, 2003) * A global diamond in a rough economy, IFAI Expo 2003 attracted its second largest number of participants in the show's history * 7,425. Professionals representing the traditional and emerging markets of the specialty fabrics industry arrived at IFAI Expo 2003 ready to network with their peers, to learn about business-improving innovation during the educational programs, and to have hands-on experience of the latest products and services on the vast show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Oct. 1-3, 2003. Participants traveled to Las Vegas from a record 55 countries.

This year's exhibitor count was 480, and the interest of emerging market exhibitors continues to grow. Exhibitors were pleased by the quality of the buyers, and were glad to support and contribute to the growth of the specialty fabrics industry.

Stephen W. Adair, Johnston Industries Home Furnishings Group said, "IFAI Expo keeps getting better and better. We exhibit at the show to support our customers, our customers' customers, and our suppliers."

Evidenced by the average 82 percent exhibitor retention rate, the annual IFAI exposition has a history of attracting buyers that make exhibitors happy. Joel Myers of Autometrix said the quality of potential buyers stopping by his booth was high. "We've had a lot of traffic. There's definitely more interest per person than there has ever been," he said.

IFAI Expo 2003 attracted well-informed participants. Buyers came with specific goals and were ready for face-to-face contact with exhibitors. Ted Anderson of Bondcote said, "My background is in the aerospace industry and this was my first IFAI Expo. I was very impressed with the level of technical discussion with industry decision makers."

L. Allen Barwick, Jr. of Shuford Mills Inc. was thrilled with the expansion of the market representation of show floor visitors. "This has been a really good show," he said. "There were a lot of people on the floor; that's what we like to see. We contact our clients and invite them to the show, but it's always great to see a lot of potential new customers at IFAI Expo."

Those walking the show floor quickly discovered that IFAI Expo 2003 exhibitors could fulfill their needs. Mary Anthony of Simms said, "I love this show. I come to IFAI Expo because we're in the outdoor industry and we find supplies here that we can't find anywhere else."

IFAI's President, Steve Warner, CAE, explained that the IFAI Expo has evolved into the single most important event for the specialty fabrics industry. "Not only is the IFAI exposition attracting those within the entire textile industry value chain * from fiber producer to the end product manufacturer, but in Las Vegas it also attracted the users and specifiers of the finished products, including automotive manufacturers, aircraft companies, architects and civil engineers, and those representing military and other government agencies," he said. "There was a lot of excitement on the show floor and in the education programs. IFAI Expo 2003 was all about networking and doing business."

Another valuable networking opportunity, this year's more than 70 educational programs were tailored to meet the needs of the diverse crowds, covering topics such as medical textiles, signs and graphics, safety and protective, textile construction, awning and canopy, sports and recreation, filtration textiles, upholstery, marine fabrication, transportation textiles, equipment and technologies, and business and leadership.

Tyler Bazant, BASc, Mustang Survival, was impressed by the professionalism of the show. "The content of the lectures was very diverse," he said.

Teaching participants how to be effective captains of their companies' ships, U.S. Navy Captain Michael Abrashoff delivered a leader-focused keynote presentation and explanation of how grassroots leadership is a principle that empowers every individual to share the responsibility of achieving excellence.

Those in attendance were impressed with the premier of Fabric Structures 2003, which took place pre-IFAI Expo 2003, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Fabric Structures 2003, organized by Fabric Architecture magazine in cooperation with the Lightweight Structures Association and the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association, divisions of IFAI, focused on nearly two dozen case studies highlighting the benefits of using fabric elements and provided a forum for discussion of the unique aspects of fabric structures. The nearly 200 participants earned AIA CES Learning Units.

Nicholas Goldsmith, FAIA, FTL Design Engineering Studio, Fabric Structures 2003 Chairman said the event brought together a diverse group of speakers and participants to get a pulse of where we are with fabric structures. "Fabric Structures 2003 united architects, designers and manufacturers in a dialogue that recently has been missing in our industry," he said.

Steve Frederickson of Ferrari Textiles appreciated the new market representation at the event. "It was great to see the level of interest from those gathered at Fabric Structures 2003 * manufacturer's, architects, and designers," he said. "We were very pleased with the high quality of speakers and the learning opportunities they provided."

George Ochs of Eide Industries Inc., IFAI's newly elected Chairman of the Board, believes IFAI Expo 2003 is the beginning of new era for the specialty fabrics industry. "The synergy of this year's events began with Fabric Structures 2003 and continued throughout the show. The need to network and to form alliances within the industry now is more important than ever if we want to grow," he said. "In this tough economic time, we drew high-quality crowds to IFAI Expo 2003. We are pulling through these times exceptionally well, thanks to the support of IFAI's talented members and volunteers."

IFAI Expo 2004 will be held Oct. 27-29, 2004, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh and will include Medical Textiles 2004 and the 4th International Conference on Safety & Protective Fabrics Oct. 26-27.

For more information on exhibiting at or attending IFAI Expo 2004, please contact IFAI's conference management department.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a not-for-profit trade association whose member companies represent the international specialty fabrics marketplace. IFAI is the largest, most comprehensive trade association serving this industry, and provides many products, services and programs through its magazines, bookstore, information services and conferences.

IFAI
1801 Country Road B W.
Roseville, MN 55113
Phone: 800/225-4324
Fax: 651/631-9334
E-Mail: confmgmt@ifai.com
Website URL: www.ifaiexpo.com