IFAI Advanced Textiles 2008: A European-U.S. Entrepreneur Networking Conference

PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2008 – IFAI Advanced Textiles 2008 will take place in the cultural hub of Berlin June 12-13 and is conceived as a European-U.S. Networking Conference, highlighting major trends and new technologies in the technical textiles field. The overall goal of the conference is to create new business opportunities between U.S. and European companies, focusing on building relationships to increase the technical textiles industries’ reach throughout the world. The unique forum for multilateral talks and meetings will point the way for prosperous initiatives towards innovation and cross-section activities in both continents by fostering cooperation, strategic partnerships, and common projects.

The conference is being supported by major European and U.S. institutions including the U.S. Commercial Service; major German association Industrieverband Garne – Gewebe – Technische Textilien e.V. (IVGT); the European Safety Association (ESF); as well as the European Entrepreneur Club of Technical Textiles (ETT). Keynote speaker Luis Filipe Girão, Head of Unit, Directorate General Enterprise & Industry, European Commission will open the conference. The program is clearly application-oriented and will bring together industry leaders from all over Europe and the U.S. to speak about their issues and requirements. Sessions led by global players Lenzing, TenCate, and Hollingsworth & Vose as well as small and medium-sized businesses that offer special product solutions and technologies, will share their innovation processes with the audience. The atmosphere of innovation will foster prosperous multilateral discussions during the 1.5 day event in Berlin.

Conference topics:
•   Sustainable product developments for major fabric applications
•   Nanotechnologies and embedded systems
•   High-performance textiles for architecture and lightweight structures
•   Innovative textile applications for advancing protective clothing

The conference has received active support from Werner Zirnzak, Deputy Managing Director of the German association IVGT and Secretary of the ETT CLUB. “Producers from Europe and the U.S. are dominating the world market of technical textiles. The turnover of both continents amounted to 55.6 billion USD in 2005 and the average growth rate per year is up to 3.8 percent. European and U.S. companies in high-tech sectors still have the lead when it comes to technical know-how, differentiation and innovation potential. The IFAI Advanced Textiles 2008 offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to build upon the already good relationship between partners in both continents and to join forces in the technical challenges of the 21st century. We at IVGT and ETT endorse the idea to run this meeting forum on a regular basis and to further develop it in the future,” said Zirnzak.

Conference planner Dr. Isa Hofmann, CEO, IHOFMANN, is an experience textile consultant on the European forefront. “Personal dialogue and exchange of ideas remain a key factor in the innovation process. IFAI Advanced Textiles ‘08 creates a cosmopolitan ambiance of intellectual vigour and enthusiasm for the opportunities offered by new technologies. We will encourage a drive to meet the challenges of the future by initiating networking between U.S. and European entrepreneurial spirits that are ready to take the lead in textile-related innovation. During the 1.5 day symposium, you will be immersed in different application areas of hi-tech materials and textiles from intelligent garments to automotive, health and architecture. Special emphasis will be given to lead markets like protection and environmental issues as well as emerging new technologies.”

The conference program is available at http://www.ifai.com. Registration deadline for the early booking rates is May 15, 2008. Seating is limited to 200 participants.