Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1510018
56 • Textile Insight ~ Fall 2023 textileinsight.com W elcome to Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2023, the global textile hub for innovation and sustainable manufacturing. We are elated to share that this year's fair will be the largest yet! With an expansive show floor and a carefully curated list of exhibitors, we are eager to present more than 260 suppliers, showcasing innovative textiles and color trends for the upcoming Fall and Winter seasons of 2024/2025. e Conference Program at Functional Fabric Fair boasts an array of topics, all delivered by industry professionals. ese sessions will take place on the Main Stage, sponsored by Polycore where you can expect to gain valuable knowledge about the functional fabric industry and our focus topic, Evolution and Revolution: From Membranes to the Carbon Story. Session topics include information on advanced technologies, sustainable practices, market trends, and more. We have worked hard to fill the show floor with exciting resources and brand-new areas we hope that you will enjoy! e Performance Forum is back and better than ever! is special area continues to be the go-to platform for discovering the latest trends and innovations in textiles and accessories. Take your time to explore the forum area, where you can learn, feel, and sample the top swatches chosen by our Performance Forum Jury. Explore our brand-new Innovation Sphere, spotlighting revolutionary fabrics that have never been shown before, providing insights into cutting-edge technologies, sustainability initiatives, and fresh concepts for the imminent season. Don't forget to explore the all-new Footwear Pavilion, featuring exhibitors showcasing the latest trends and groundbreaking technology tailored specifically for the footwear industry. is section also includes the Footwear Forum, where we spotlight top trending footwear fabrics and accessories. Learn about the history of waterproofing and membranes for outdoor clothing and gear in the Outdoor Innovators Spotlight. Uncover the fascinating journey of evolution, beginning with the utilization of animal furs in the early days and progressing to contemporary solutions pioneered by renowned companies like Abercrombie & Fitch, GORE-TEX, Marmot, and many others. To heighten your overall experience, the Functional Fabric Fair team is delighted to offer complimentary morning coffee at the ermore Igloo located on the show floor. is serves as an ideal networking opportunity while also allowing you to recharge and refuel conveniently during the fair. Conclude day one of your Functional Fabric Fair experience by joining your peers at our Happy Hour, graciously sponsored by drirelease®, on the show floor at the Main Stage on Wednesday, November 1, starting at 5:00 p.m. Happy Hour with be followed by the NEW official Functional Fabric Fair Aer Hours Party, presented by TurboDry® in collaboration with Sturktur. is exclusive event will take place on Wednesday, November 1, starting at 7:00 p.m., at the Jupiter Hotel in Portland. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Functional Fabric Fair partners and speakers, with special acknowledgment to our collaboration with Performance Days in Munich. is partnership is further enriched with e Loop, a digital platform featuring over 1,000 worldwide exhibitors and showcasing an impressive array of 20,000+ fabrics. If you haven't already done so, we encourage you to register today. We look forward to seeing you there! Steve McCullough Event Director Functional Fabric Fair The Premiere Event For Sourcing Fabrics FAIR GUIDE FALL 2023 SHOW LOCATION Oregon Convention Center SHOW DATES + HOURS Wednesday, November 1, 2023 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Thursday, November 2, 2023 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM