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Industry Talk

Registration opens for autumn Functional Fabric Fair

The Day 0 (Zero) Conference: Sustainability Workshop to take place on November 19 the day before the Exhibit Hall opens.

7th August 2024

Knitting Industry
 |  Portland, OR, USA

Sports/​Activewear

Registration is now open for the fall edition of the Functional Fabric Fair, powered by Performance Days, scheduled to take place from 19-21 November at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, OR.

The event kicks off with the Day 0 (Zero) Conference: Sustainability Workshop on 19 November, followed by the Exhibit Hall and Expert Talks on 20 and 21November. The expanded show floor will feature over 265 sustainable-certified suppliers, showcasing the latest in high-performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories for the 2025/2026 fall and winter seasons.

"Functional Fabric Fair is the most vetted sourcing destination for those at the forefront of sustainable outdoor, lifestyle, and activewear textiles, footwear and accessories industries. It's where the future of performance fabrics is shaped and there is no other event in the US that compares," says Steve McCullough, Event Director of Functional Fabric Fair.

"Attendees will have the unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge materials and technologies, providing a sneak peek into the trends and innovations driving the industry forward. We encourage both brands and suppliers who are looking to advance their sustainability knowledge and wanting to connect with other professionals to attend the Day 0 (Zero) Conference: Sustainability Workshop the day before the Exhibit Hall opens."

The Day 0 (ZERO) Conference: Sustainability Workshop, opening the day before the Exhibit Hall, will feature over ten industry leaders and sustainability practitioners presenting a pragmatic approach to foundational topics, along with the latest updates and developments in the field, real-world case studies, round table conversations and interactive activities and will be facilitated by Jill Dumain of Fractal CSOs.

During the full-day conference, attendees will explore issues such as water scarcity and efficiency in textile dyeing and finishing and learn about the latest on climate impacts of manufacturing, with case studies from companies like Swisstex and Primaloft. A workshop on circularity, will address textile end-of-life, microfiber pollution, biodegradation and post-consumer recycling technologies.

© Functional Fabric Fair

Additionally, sessions on ‘Selling Sustainability to the C-Suite’ and ‘Sustainability Strategy Development’ aim to equip participants with strategies to advocate for sustainable practices within their organizations. View additional schedule information here.

Day 0 (Zero) Conference: Sustainability Workshop is an in-person only, paid conference with limited seats available taking place on Tuesday, 19 November from 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. Attendees can reserve a spot when registering for Functional Fabric Fair.

The Exhibit Hall of Functional Fabric Fair opens on Wednesday, 20 November, from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, and Thursday, 21 November, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and will include top product and brand sourcing, educational sessions, live demonstrations as well as lounges and a happy hour for networking opportunities. The on-site education, Expert Talks, and events schedule will be announced soon.

The fair is a trade-only event open to verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers and students looking to source fabrics and accessories for outdoor, performance and lifestyle apparel, free of charge. Day 0 (ZERO) Conference: Sustainability Workshop is a paid conference with limited space available.

Attendees can register here

www.functionalfabricfair.com

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