Industry News

13th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference held in Shenzhen

May 6, 2026

The 13th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference was held in Shenzhen, China, March 27–29, 2026. More than 300 representatives from membrane structure enterprises, universities, research institutes and design and construction units across the country attended the meeting. The conference theme was “Technological Innovation Leads the Way, Green and Low-Carbon Empowers and Industrial Synergy Develops.” …

Features

The rise of immersive environments

May 1, 2026

It would not be an exaggeration to say that among design firms in recent years, a popular goal is creating immersive environments (IE) that envelop occupants and blend physical, digital and sensorial elements to create deep engagements and emotional connections. In other words, grounding a building to its unique site and engaging with all of …

Features

Inflatable underground geodesic homes tested by Pneumocell

May 1, 2026

Inspired by their research on inflatable structures as moon habitats, the team at Pneumocell, Austria, is testing a much more grounded prototype—a subterranean geodesic Earth home called Pneumo Planet. At the core of the system is a dual-layer textile membrane weighing less than 1 kilogram per square meter (3 ounces per square foot). The outer layer consists of …

Features

Tropicana Field roof replacement done early

May 1, 2026

Hurricane Milton recovery for the Tampa Bay Rays was expected to be complete for the start of baseball season, ahead of the club’s Home Opener April 6. The new Tropicana Field roof panel installation was completed early, in late November 2025, as announced by the City of St. Petersburg, Fla. Work on the inside of …

Projects

Functionally aesthetic shade solution

May 1, 2026

The most challenging aspects of installing the low-profile tension umbrellas at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif., for Irvine Company, are features patrons will never see. For instance, mounting the umbrellas over an underground parking garage meant footings couldn’t be used. A custom bracket was engineered to secure the umbrellas to the slab to ensure …

In the Industry

Agriculture fabrics for ever-changing seasons

May 1, 2026

Whether traveling the countryside in the United States or around the globe, it doesn’t take long to spot a storage building, livestock or poultry shelter, or agriculture storage structure made of a textile. It could be a framed Quonset-hut style building with a textile skin rather than a metal shed in North Dakota. It could …

Industry News

U.S. Customs and Border Protection opens IEEPA tariff refund portal

April 20, 2026

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which importers and brokers can use to submit refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by a March 4 Court of International Trade ruling that deemed the duties illegal. The …

ATA News

Call for candidates for ATA Board of Directors positions

April 15, 2026

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is now accepting applications for open ATA Board of Directors positions. The ATA Board of Directors relies on highly engaged, volunteer leadership that is willing to represent our members, work with ATA leadership staff and provide guidance in the direction of the association and its activities. The ATA Leadership Development Committee …

ATA News

Barbara Connett named Expo show director

April 8, 2026

Barbara Connett, who has worked on the Marine Fabricators Conference for the past several years, was promoted to Advanced Textiles Expo show director, beginning with the 2026 show. “Barbara is the right person at the right time to give Expo the focus it deserves. Her experience at ATA and strong understanding of the needs of …

Case Studies Members only content

Shelter-Rite roof replacement has acrobatics above and below

April 1, 2026

Last summer, performing arts circus school Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Minn., looked into improving its building’s efficiency, including better insulation to reduce energy use and to address condensation concerns. Although the building’s “big top,” a tensioned dome roof constructed with Shelter-Rite® fabric membrane, continued to perform well, the organization decided to replace it at …

Case Studies Members only content

Shelter-Rite roof replacement has acrobatics above and below

April 1, 2026

Last summer, performing arts circus school Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Minn., looked into improving its building’s efficiency, including better insulation to reduce energy use and to address condensation concerns. Although the building’s “big top,” a tensioned dome roof constructed with Shelter-Rite® fabric membrane, continued to perform well, the organization decided to replace it at …

Case Studies Members only content

An architectural take on permanent shade umbrellas

February 1, 2026

Taiwanese architect Cheng-Tsung FENG took inspiration from traditional oil-paper umbrellas to create an airy park pavilion that has a pocket garden and benches for people to gather and relax inside. The structure takes an umbrella’s design and turns it on its head—well, more literally on its side. The shape appears as if three giant umbrellas …

Case Studies Members only content

You can stand under their umbrella: Stunning shade for fans

February 1, 2026

“The Organic Tree” was created to make a fan experience at the Australian Open more comfortable. VDM Group and Pattons implemented a detailed breakdown of the design, engineering, fabrication and installation process and spent the first week planning. Although this used up a week of its 12-week timeline, it resulted in thorough project management. They …

Case Studies Members only content

Dynamic parking design

January 1, 2026

Fabritecture was tasked with improving the aesthetics and functionality of the existing parking garage at the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport. The architect’s concept included replacing the existing rectangular facade panels with a more geometrical design and layout. Fabritecture carefully refined the transformation, ensuring not only structural integrity but also a seamless integration with the existing …

Case Studies Members only content

Shade solution covers Miami Carnaval

December 1, 2025

The Miami Carnaval project comprises six zones, known as bays, divided into over 120 panels, and spans a total area of 8,420 square meters. The project involved the installation of more than 31,000 screws and approximately 6,000 linear meters of a sophisticated clamping system. The selected material, PTFE B18039 Versaideg, was chosen for its exceptional …

Case Studies

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 …

Case Studies 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 …

Case Studies 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 …

Case Studies 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 …

Case Studies Members only content

A bridge to the future

July 1, 2025

A most unlikely location of placemaking can be found spanning a busy transit corridor in Redmond, Wash., with 20 lanes of freeway and two tracks of light rail speeding beneath a bridge. The Redmond Technology Station Bridge, designed by Silman’s Lightweight Structures Group of TYLin (formerly FTL), stretches 1,100 feet, connecting two Microsoft campuses. “Microsoft and …

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

The rise of immersive environments

May 1, 2026

It would not be an exaggeration to say that among design firms in recent years, a popular goal is creating immersive environments (IE) that envelop occupants and blend physical, digital and sensorial elements to create deep engagements and emotional connections. In other words, grounding a building to its unique site and engaging with all of …

Features

Inflatable underground geodesic homes tested by Pneumocell

May 1, 2026

Inspired by their research on inflatable structures as moon habitats, the team at Pneumocell, Austria, is testing a much more grounded prototype—a subterranean geodesic Earth home called Pneumo Planet. At the core of the system is a dual-layer textile membrane weighing less than 1 kilogram per square meter (3 ounces per square foot). The outer layer consists of …

Features

Tropicana Field roof replacement done early

May 1, 2026

Hurricane Milton recovery for the Tampa Bay Rays was expected to be complete for the start of baseball season, ahead of the club’s Home Opener April 6. The new Tropicana Field roof panel installation was completed early, in late November 2025, as announced by the City of St. Petersburg, Fla. Work on the inside of …

Case Studies Members only content

Shelter-Rite roof replacement has acrobatics above and below

April 1, 2026

Last summer, performing arts circus school Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Minn., looked into improving its building’s efficiency, including better insulation to reduce energy use and to address condensation concerns. Although the building’s “big top,” a tensioned dome roof constructed with Shelter-Rite® fabric membrane, continued to perform well, the organization decided to replace it at …

Features Members only content

Liberty Awnings and Shades’ Amy Huette shares business tips

April 1, 2026

In the Valley of the Sun, there’s no shortage of companies selling awnings. That’s why Amy Huette wasn’t quite sure how to respond when about 25 years ago in Colorado, her father proposed a new business venture in Phoenix, Ariz. “He asked, ‘Do you want to sell shade in the desert?”’ says Huette, owner and …

Features Members only content

Businesses boost revenue through value-added services

April 1, 2026

For businesses of all sizes, expanding into service-based revenue streams can unlock new income, deepen customer loyalty and even spark spinoff companies. Added services for a shade business can include offering awning cleaning, maintenance and storage. For a supplier, having cutting services passes savings (both in time and labor) to customers while requiring little overhead. …

Features Members only content

Tackling large-frame awnings and fabric structures

March 1, 2026

Large frame awnings and fabric structures are what most of us in the industry want, or at least a few of them per year. They usually take substantial labor hours and material, and as such, can be very profitable and keep your staff busy. For the customer they solve big problems, or allow previously unusable …

Features Members only content

SugarHouse Industries marks 85 years of business in 2026

March 1, 2026

2026 marks 85 years of business for SugarHouse Industries in Midvale, Utah. The fabrication shop specializes in awnings and custom-made products in the marine, military and aerospace industries. “Overall I just feel incredibly proud and grateful for the legacy my grandpa and father built for SugarHouse long before I stepped into this role,” says Mike Peterson, …

Features Members only content

Want to add powder coating or electrostatic painting?

March 1, 2026

To expand beyond their core business, some awning companies may offer ancillary services. A painting service, either powder coating or electrostatic painting (ESP), is one option. Two Advanced Textiles Association member companies offer their insights on why they chose the technology and how the ability to protect metal framing and metal awnings for their projects—and …

Case Studies Members only content

An architectural take on permanent shade umbrellas

February 1, 2026

Taiwanese architect Cheng-Tsung FENG took inspiration from traditional oil-paper umbrellas to create an airy park pavilion that has a pocket garden and benches for people to gather and relax inside. The structure takes an umbrella’s design and turns it on its head—well, more literally on its side. The shape appears as if three giant umbrellas …

Industry News

13th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference held in Shenzhen

May 6, 2026

The 13th National Membrane Structure Technology Exchange Conference was held in Shenzhen, China, March 27–29, 2026. More than 300 representatives from membrane structure enterprises, universities, research institutes and design and construction units across the country attended the meeting. The conference theme was “Technological Innovation Leads the Way, Green and Low-Carbon Empowers and Industrial Synergy Develops.” …

Industry News

U.S. Customs and Border Protection opens IEEPA tariff refund portal

April 20, 2026

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has developed the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) portal, which importers and brokers can use to submit refund requests for duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), as authorized by a March 4 Court of International Trade ruling that deemed the duties illegal. The …

Industry News

Renson and Corradi North America appoint Michael Ackelbein as president

January 29, 2026

Renson, based in Carrollton, Texas, has announced the appointment of Michael Ackelbein as president of Renson and Corradi North America. Ackelbein brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in architectural products, building materials and multi-channel distribution. He most recently served as vice president of sales and distribution at Fräsch/Catalyst Acoustic Group. At Renson, Ackelbein …

Industry News

AATCC announces Coloration Conference speakers

January 15, 2026

The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) has announced the speakers who will present at the 2026 AATCC Coloration Conference, Feb. 24–25 at the StateView Hotel in Raleigh, N.C. This event will bring together professionals from across the textile and color industries to explore the latest trends and technologies in coloration. Conference presentations …

Industry News

Michelin to acquire Tex-Tech, Cooley Group

January 13, 2026

Michelin has announced two acquisitions, including Tex-Tech Industries and Cooley Group. Arlington Capital Partners, a private investment firm focused on government-regulated industries, has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Tex-Tech Industries to Michelin. As part of the transaction, FMI Industries Inc., which includes two Tex-Tech divisions—Fiber Materials Inc., acquired from Spirit AeroSystems, and the Engineered Composites …

Industry News

Fifteen U.S. state attorneys general oppose proposed revision to TSCA PFAS reporting policy

January 9, 2026

Fifteen U.S. state attorneys general have submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), expressing their opposition to a proposed revision to PFAS reporting policy under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The comments were submitted Dec. 22 by attorneys general of Connecticut, Illinois, California, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, …

Industry News

PFAS laws in several U.S. states take effect

January 8, 2026

Several U.S. state laws related to the use of PFAS in products, such as bans and warning label mandates, went into effect Jan. 1. These states include Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota and Vermont. Visit Advanced Textile Association’s PFAS Resource Center for information and updates about other state PFAS laws and regulations. Connecticut Most products (including …

Industry News

President Trump extends pause on China tariff for 90 days

August 13, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on 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 remain unchanged. The announcement was made shortly before the U.S. tariff on Chinese imports was set to increase to 145%. This increase was …

Industry News

EU 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 tariff ruling 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 May 28 judgment. The judgement ruled in favor of six American-based companies, ruling that President Trump overstepped his authority when he invoked the 1977 International Emergency …