ATA News

Registration open for Women in Textiles Summit

November 3, 2025

It’s time to grab your spot at the Advanced Textiles Association’s Women in Textiles Summit. This is your chance to be part of something that’s as energizing as it is impactful. From March 30 to April 1 in Asheville, NC, you’ll dive into thought-provoking sessions, practical takeaways and candid convos with industry peers. And when …

Features

A public face

November 1, 2025

When a major credit union moved its corporate headquarters to the center of downtown Jacksonville, Fla., it wisely made a commitment to renovate several buildings along the primary pedestrian throughway that fronts its new property. VyStar Credit Union serves more than 825,000 military service members across the country, and as one of the largest financial …

Features

Taiyo Kogyo honored for fabric chimney that scrubs pollution

November 1, 2025

An industrial chimney that neutralizes air pollution was honored with an award by the Membrane Structures Association of Japan (MSAJ). The “Super Light Stack” was a joint project by Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Kanadevia Corporation that received the Environmental Contribution Award, highlighting its innovative application of membrane technology. The project features the use of a …

Features

Tools, tips and tricks for awning installs

November 1, 2025

A tricky installation can take many forms, whether it is a location that is difficult to access, a massive awning that needs to be lifted several stories or plans that go awry. But installers of a challenging project are not alone. They can call on their network—even local competition—for help. Devin Thompson, president of Patriot Awning …

Projects

ATA NZ 2025 Awards for Excellence Supreme Champion crowned

November 1, 2025

More than nine years of research into the development of a low-impact mobile aquaculture system culminated in March. Scientists from Auckland organization Plant & Food Research transferred 2,000 snapper into a moored pen operated in the ocean off the South Island of New Zealand. Part of the journey to that deployment was months of collaboration …

News

Herculite Products Inc. promotes Austin Barshinger to quality supervisor

November 1, 2025

Herculite® Products Inc., a manufacturer of high-performance and custom fabrics, has announced the appointment of Austin Barshinger as the new quality supervisor in York, Pa. Barshinger joined Herculite in December 2021. During this time, he has advanced to a Level 7 Lam Operator, earned his Master Supervisor Certificate through the Manufacturers’ Association, and is a …

Projects

Project Showcase: Tentickle Miami tents the Miami Concours

November 1, 2025

In the heart of the 2025 South Florida event season, the 8th annual Miami Concours took place over a February weekend at the iconic Jungle Plaza in Miami’s Design District, a stunning urban backdrop for the intersection of auto, art and fashion. The event that showcased a collection of hypercars and rare vintage supercars on …

Features Members only content

Colorado plains on the wing

October 1, 2025

On the wind-swept plains of Aurora, Colo., a monumental tensile structure gives the appearance of a giant winged bird alighting atop a performance stage. The site is part of a planned development for multiple parks for Aurora Highlands east of the Rockies of western Colorado. Measuring approximately 50 by 120 feet, this venue is a …

Markets

Fibre Arts Australia touring exhibit highlights 39 artists

October 1, 2025

Fibre Arts Australia’s third International Art Textile Biennale is now touring. The exhibition features the work of 39 textile artists from 10 countries and will be visiting nine galleries across Australia through September 2026. Among those featured, three Australian artists were presented with biennale awards at the exhibit’s first showing at the East Gippsland Art …

News

Seaman Corporation announces office expansion, adding 50 jobs in Ohio

October 1, 2025

Seaman Corporation has announced the groundbreaking of its expanded headquarters in Wooster, Ohio. The expansion will support the creation of more than 50 new jobs in Wayne County. The new 10,200-square-foot mixed-use space will feature additional workstations, a large, multi-purpose conference room for 120 people and increased parking capacity, designed to meet evolving operational needs and support a …

Case Studies Members only content

Your ship has come in

November 1, 2022

Along-awaited waterfront ferry terminal is up and running on Seaplane Lagoon, Alameda, Calif. Against a backdrop of the decommissioned USS Hornet aircraft carrier and the Alameda Naval Air Museum, the Seaplane Lagoon Ferry Terminal provides regular weekday commuter services from Alameda, Oakland and other areas east and across the Bay from San Francisco. While helping …

Case Studies

Time, time again

October 1, 2022

Shigeru Ban’s corporate campus in Biel/Bienne for the Swiss watch company Swatch Omega Group is a study in contrast. Expanding on a motif the international architect first developed for the Centre Pompidou-Metz, France, Ban created a massive load-bearing timber diagrid shell that encloses and forms the main building. As with the Metz project, the Swatch …

Case Studies

The Feeling: We’re in Kansas now!

September 1, 2022

Overland Park, Kan., is the second largest city in its state, as well as within the Kansas City metro area. The city’s website claims it is “America’s largest inhabited park,” and it feels like it if you stand in any open field and look northeast toward downtown Kansas City where the green-glass iconic towers of …

Case Studies

Sails that sign: Enter here!

August 1, 2022

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indigenous community in Scottsdale, Ariz., has a dedicated space that is surrounded by a high-end commercial plaza on its land. Located at the crossroads of two major roads, the shopping complex is composed of numerous brick-faced masses that have tribal art affixed to the curved walls. One corner of the complex …

Case Studies Members only content

Right of passage

July 1, 2022

Vicinity Centres at Chadstone, located in Melbourne, Australia, is considered by some as the Fashion Capital of Down Under. Chadstone’s high-end fashion shopping precinct includes retail, commercial and leisure zones and recently was grafted to a new five-star hotel, the Hotel Chadstone Melbourne MGallery by Sofitel, via a fabric tensile canopy dubbed “The Link.” “The …

Case Studies

Opening up The Shell

June 1, 2022

Fans of the San Diego Symphony have been singing praises for the new outdoor performance venue featuring The Rady Shell, inaugurated August 6, 2021, with a full-orchestra concert and a packed audience. As any musician will tell you, acoustics at outdoor performances are often a disappointing aural experience due to wind, intrusive noises and other …

Case Studies

Fabric structures reduce environmental impact

May 1, 2022

More than ever before, architects are being called upon to dramatically improve the performance of their buildings, and fabric can help with this mandate. The key to implementing this is to reduce the embodied carbon in buildings.  It’s a given that 40 percent of global resources goes to the built environment, so our construction industry …

Case Studies

Upholstered pods offer spot for creative immersion

January 1, 2022

With commissioned work coming to a halt last year because of the pandemic, artist Liam Hopkins set out to design his own project—a venue that would inspire and evolve. The result is Lazerian Space, a combination art gallery and cafe on King Street in Manchester, England.  Inside the space, guests lounge and nosh within one …

Case Studies

Paris debuts a ‘grand’ temporary venue

December 1, 2021

While the Grand Palais, Paris’ historic exhibition hall and museum complex, is closed for a multi-year restoration project, a membrane-wrapped temporary venue installed on the Champ de Mars in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower is taking its place. Designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte of Wilmotte & Associates, the temporary structure dubbed “Grand Palais Ephémère” …

Case Studies

Michigan dining outdoors, under cover

October 1, 2021

In the autumn of 2020, while Michigan was experiencing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, the governor and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services put in place a three-week ban on indoor dining in restaurants. To keep their doors open, many Detroit restaurants turned to tents, heaters and other ways to extend their …

ATA News

Registration now open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

May 1, 2025

Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) is excited to announce that registration is now open for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place November 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. As the industry’s leading trade show for specialty fabrics, advanced textiles, and shade and weather protection, the Expo draws thousands of professionals for three days …

Expo News

Plan your stay: Official housing for Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 now open

March 11, 2025

We are pleased to announce that Site & Stay has been selected as the official housing partner for Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025, taking place Nov. 5–7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Hotel booking is now open, offering attendees and exhibitors exclusive access to discounted rates at our official host hotels—all conveniently located …

Expo News

Call for presenters open for Advanced Textiles Expo 2025

February 1, 2025

Advanced Textiles Association invites industry leaders, innovators and experts to present at Advanced Textiles Expo® 2025 and Emerging Technologies Conference (ETC). Advanced Textiles Expo and the ETC allow textile industry participants to showcase their knowledge and innovations, inspire other industry professionals, and engage with peers and thought leaders in a dynamic, collaborative environment. Presentation applications …

Expo News

Advanced Textiles Expo 2024 brings more than 4,200 attendees, showcasing innovation and collaboration

October 17, 2024

Advanced Textiles Expo® 2024, the largest event of Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA), concluded with resounding success Sept. 24–26 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Once again held in conjunction with Sun Shading Expo North America—organized by Messe Stuttgart, founders of R + T and the world’s largest trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun shading …

Expo News

ATA negotiates lower rates for exhibitors at Advanced Textiles Expo

August 14, 2024

The Advanced Textiles Association® (ATA) has renegotiated its General Services Contractor contract for the 2025–2027 Advanced Textiles Expo® shows. By selecting Freeman through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, we have secured rates that significantly lower the cost burden on our exhibitors. RFP process Key achievements This successful negotiation translates directly to cost savings for …

Expo News

IFAI Expo 2022 call for presentations

December 20, 2021

The Industrial Fabrics Association International is now accepting proposals for presentations at IFAI Expo 2022. IFAI Expo will take place Oct. 12-14, 2022, at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C., with education Oct. 11-14. IFAI is accepting proposals for 50-minute classroom sessions in several categories: Advanced Textiles Shade & Weather Protection Specialty Fabrics Marine …

ATA News

Messe Stuttgart’s Sun Shading Expo North America moves co-location debut with IFAI Expo to 2022

July 6, 2021

Messe Stuttgart announced that its new U.S.-based show Sun Shading Expo North America will not be held in 2021 as a separate trade show but will instead contribute its expertise in internal and external sun shading systems at IFAI Expo 2021 in the form of expert talks, open discussions and more. IFAI Expo 2021 will still take place …

Expo News

Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021

May 10, 2021

Registration is open for IFAI Expo 2021. IFAI Expo celebrates the 100th anniversary of the show this November, and you won’t want to miss it! After a long hiatus of in-person events, this year’s show is the perfect place to reconnect with your industry. Register now to get the Early Bird rate! Early Bird rates end …

Expo News

Get stand-out awnings with digital printing

December 1, 2020

With today’s digital printing options, there’s no reason for an awning client to be limited to colors and patterns in a book or traditional customization methods, according to Andrew Medley, regional sales manager for Trivantage. “Digital printing offers unlimited capabilities, and it is a solution to providing the customer exactly what they want—personalized messaging, the …

Expo News

Welding technology for your business

December 1, 2020

During IFAI Virtual Expo 2020, Jeff Sponseller, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Miller Weldmaster, led a campfire session titled “How to Select the Correct Welding Technology for Your Business.” “Essentially a good weld means that the fabric will tear before the weld does,” says Sponseller. Many types of different materials can be …

Features

A public face

November 1, 2025

When a major credit union moved its corporate headquarters to the center of downtown Jacksonville, Fla., it wisely made a commitment to renovate several buildings along the primary pedestrian throughway that fronts its new property. VyStar Credit Union serves more than 825,000 military service members across the country, and as one of the largest financial …

Features

Taiyo Kogyo honored for fabric chimney that scrubs pollution

November 1, 2025

An industrial chimney that neutralizes air pollution was honored with an award by the Membrane Structures Association of Japan (MSAJ). The “Super Light Stack” was a joint project by Taiyo Kogyo Corporation and Kanadevia Corporation that received the Environmental Contribution Award, highlighting its innovative application of membrane technology. The project features the use of a …

Features

Tools, tips and tricks for awning installs

November 1, 2025

A tricky installation can take many forms, whether it is a location that is difficult to access, a massive awning that needs to be lifted several stories or plans that go awry. But installers of a challenging project are not alone. They can call on their network—even local competition—for help. Devin Thompson, president of Patriot Awning …

Features Members only content

Colorado plains on the wing

October 1, 2025

On the wind-swept plains of Aurora, Colo., a monumental tensile structure gives the appearance of a giant winged bird alighting atop a performance stage. The site is part of a planned development for multiple parks for Aurora Highlands east of the Rockies of western Colorado. Measuring approximately 50 by 120 feet, this venue is a …

Features Members only content

Tent-tacular projects

October 1, 2025

Tent rental companies must be prepared to tackle any disruption or surprise while on the job to ensure successful events and happy clients. Three tent rental companies—National Structures Events & Services, Organic-Concept and Stamford Tent & Event Services—achieved their clients’ goals through preparation, perseverance and dedication. Stamford Tent & Event Services With offices in Stamford, …

Features Members only content

On the wings of a dragonfly

September 1, 2025

Although when grouped around a central building, the 12 freestanding structures may appear massive, the delicacy and transparency of the mesh fabric that encloses all 12 dramatically reduces the overall visual weightiness. Located in León, Mexico, the Environmental Education Center is inspired by the wings of a dragonfly, its rhomboid-like geometry clad with mesh fabric …

Features

Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 Exhibitor Product Preview

September 1, 2025

Here you’ll find a first look at the new products and value-added services waiting for you on the show floor at Advanced Textiles Expo 2025 in Indianapolis, Ind., Nov. 5–7. Celebrate textile innovation at Advanced Textiles Expo, where hundreds of exhibitors will showcase their latest products throughout the entire supply chain, from fibers and fabrics …

Features

A new strategy expanded clientele of American Awning & Blind

September 1, 2025

In 2014, Ethan Halpern moved from the music classroom as a teacher to the shop floor as president and owner of American Awning & Blind Co. in North Hollywood, Calif. A family friend owned the business and offered Halpern the opportunity to buy it. U.S.-based and financially strong with a customized product, it made business …

Features Members only content

Shopping on the cloud

August 1, 2025

It appears as if it is unfinished, but the design goal for this multifunctional building is to be as flexible as possible to contain and support “diverse human activities [that] can be deployed under the cloud, which can be expanded as needed,” according to PFEIFER Spatial Structures, the engineering and fabrication company responsible for the …

Features Members only content

ATA Japan members showcased at World Expo 2025 in Osaka

August 1, 2025

ATA Japan members Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc. and Taiyo Kogyo feature prominently in the pavilion and shade structures at World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, which began April 13 and runs until Oct. 13. Yamaguchi New Shelter Industries Inc.’s contributions to the Expo include the Japan Pavilion, Bahrain Pavilion, Republic of Korea Pavilion, Pavilion …

Industry News

President Trump extends pause on China tariff rate for 90 days

August 13, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Aug. 11 that the tariff on Chinese imports will remain at the same rate—30%—for an additional 90 days. China’s 10% tariff on American imports will also stay at the same rate. The announcement was made shortly before the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports was set to increase to 145%. This …

Industry News

European Union and U.S. announce trade agreement, modifying tariffs on most goods

July 29, 2025

The European Union (EU) and the U.S. announced a trade agreement July 27 that sets a 15% tariff on most EU goods, effective Aug. 1. The 15% tariff applies to all EU exports currently subject to reciprocal tariffs, including automobiles and automobile parts, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors. It does not apply to the U.S. tariff on …

Industry News

U.S. Court of International Law ruling about tariffs put on hold

June 2, 2025

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal District granted the Donald Trump administration’s request to put a temporary hold on the New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade’s judgment May 29. The Court of International Trade Law’s May 28 judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority …

Industry News

Public comments on trade open, tariffs begin next week

February 27, 2025

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opened its invitations last week for public comments on foreign trade practices and the Section 301 sanctions on China. The deadline to submit comments on foreign trade practices is March 11. The deadline to submit comments on Section 301 sanctions is March 24. USTR will hold …

Industry News

Herculite launches charitable foundation fund

February 12, 2025

Herculite Products Inc. announced the establishment of the Herculite Charitable Foundation Fund, a corporate charitable foundation dedicated to addressing critical social challenges and making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves. Herculite said in a press release that this initiative represents the company’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility and its mission to foster …

Industry News

ATA introduces PFAS Resource Center

September 17, 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the regulation of them continue to be one of the top issues facing the textiles industry. Although federal reporting rules have been delayed until next year, there are still a number of state and federal regulations to manage. To help companies in the industry navigate those challenges, Advanced Textiles …

ATA News

In memoriam: Kevin Yonce

May 1, 2023

Former Industrial Fabrics Association International (now ATA) Chairman Kevin Yonce passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on April 29, 2023. Yonce was born January 24, 1970, in Urbana, Ill. He was a lifelong resident of Champaign-Urbana and a 1988 graduate of Urbana High School. Yonce is survived by his mother, Wanda, brother …

Industry News

Spatial Structure Sub-association hosts 11th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference

April 18, 2023

The “20th Anniversary Celebration of Membrane Structure Innovation and Development and the 11th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference” hosted by the Spatial Structure Sub-association of China Steel Construction Association and undertaken by Beijing University of Technology was successfully held this spring in Beijing, China. Nearly 400 delegates from all over the country participated. A …

Industry News

OSHA administers $11.7 million in training grants

June 22, 2022

The U.S. Department of Labor will provide a funding opportunity for $11.7 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to support the delivery of training and education to help workers and employers identify and prevent workplace safety and health hazards. Administered by the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the grants will target disadvantaged, underserved, low-income, and other hard-to-reach, …

Industry News

Oeko-Tex Association releases annual updates

January 10, 2022

Oeko-Tex Association has released its annual updates to test criteria, limit values and requirements. In addition, its new Impact Calculator is now available for STeP by Oeko-Tex customers. The industry-specific tool will provide carbon and water footprint data essential to meeting climate goals. Later in 2022, Oeko-Tex will also introduce a new certification for corporate …