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The Advanced Textiles Association’s Expo 2025 will run Nov. 4-7 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The Emerging Technologies Conference runs all day Tuesday, Nov. 4, with additional sessions available every day following on the show floor. The conference includes presentations covering medical topics, aerospace, biomaterials, sustainable chemistries, coatings and practices, smart textile technologies, and a range of business topics.
What’s next with NASA
NASA and other aerospace concerns will be well represented. Robert Jones, Pressure Garment Engineer, Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch, NASA Johnson Space Center, will present “Nasa’s Development of Next-Generation Lunar Space Suit Fabrics.” Current work focuses on optical properties and lunar dust resistance. The session will cover space suit technology, explain technological challenges associated with space suit textile development and identify material characteristics that are most important when designing suit materials.
Morgan Campbell, Soft Goods Developer, David Clark Co., presents “The Next Small Steps: Creating the Artemis Lunar Boots,” a session that notes the more than 50 years since the last human set foot on the Moon. The Artemis Expeditions carry the legacy of Apollo and the spirit of Gemini, but a new group of astronauts, engineers, designers and technicians is working on the return trip to the Moon. The next steps will be taken wearing a pair of Axiom Space’s Lunar Boots.
Wendy Gao, Aerospace Textile Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center JETS II Contract, will discuss the critical role of textiles in enabling NASA’s Artemis missions and future deep space exploration. Innovative materials are being developed to meet the unique challenges of the lunar environment and support sustainable human presence on the Moon—and beyond.
Taking care of business
North Carolina State University’s Textile Innovation Engine is a key player in driving growth, innovation and providing market leadership for a new textile industry. Bailey Smith, Extension Coordinator, Zeis Textiles Extension in NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles, will be the presenter at Tuesday’s session. Attendees will gain insights into how cross-sector collaboration, applied research, and cutting-edge manufacturing approaches are positioning the region as a global powerhouse for advanced textiles.
Michael Rein, Ph.D., director of engineering, AFFOA will speak on “Pushing the Boundaries for Dual Use Applications” in advanced textile technologies. Rein will discuss AFFOA’s advancements and collaborative development of e-textile products and tools for advanced textile manufacturing to enable next-generation military and commercial applications. Examples of the advanced fabric technologies will include: powered soft systems for extreme cold weather; bio-degradable PPE; Universal Design Platform for e-textiles; self-contained, automated, and deployable manufacturing lines.
A panel discussion moderated by consultant Paige Mullis, will talk about “AI in Everyday Business.” Panelists include Mary Reardon, vice president textile innovation, MMI and Mark Stiver, senior director of commerce, Trivantage. The discussion will include real-world case studies and actionable strategies for integrating AI tools to boost efficiency, spark innovation and gain a competitive edge.
An additional session, “AI for All: Practical Tools to Streamline Your Business,” will be presented by Adam Penner, founder and principle consultant, AP Consulting on Wednesday. This session explores simple, accessible tools that small and medium-sized businesses can start using right away to boost productivity and reduce busywork. This session offers a hands-on starting point with practical ideas.
David Prange, partner, Robins Kaplan LLP, presents a session, also on Wednesday, on “Joint Ventures and Minimizing Risk: Simple Steps to Protect Your IP Interests,” looking at ways to mitigate risk, keep track of valuable information shared, issues regarding defining obligations, and dispute resolution clauses.
Sara Beatty, president of White Haven Trade, presents “Washington Policy Update: A Closer Look at Tariffs, Trade, and Industry Regulation,” sharing updates on government procurement and regulatory matters. Learn about key issues under debate in Washington, DC, that impact advanced textile manufacturers and how you can have your voice heard.
The sessions summarized in this article are representative of a full slate of offerings. For more information, visit https://advancedtextilesexpo.com/emergingtech/. To register, visit https://advancedtextilesexpo.com/register/.