Schedule

The schedule/speakers are in development and subject to change.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Pre-show Workshop | Bimini Basics, Frame Bending and Carpet Patterning for Beginners*

David and Barbara Huntington, River Custom Canvas LLC
Beginners rejoice! Barbara and David Huntington are ready to teach you the basics of bimini fabrication. This is your chance to learn about patterning, and frame bending in a small group setting. This hands-on session is specifically designed for new fabricators.

 

Coming in early? Join your fellow attendees at a Dub’s Pub for appetizers and great conversation.
*This is an add-on activity and requires a separate registration. 

 

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Try your hand in the qualifying round for the Fabricators Olympics. The top 16 scores move on to Round two and a shot at great prizes.

First time at Marine Fabricator Conference? Stop by for insight on how to make the most of the event! Make some new friends and pick up your welcome gift.

 

Showoff Showcase – Privacy Screens
This popular session returns for 2026 with a look a deep dive into the many ways to fabricate privacy screens!  A variety of shops will bring examples of the ways they create privacy for their customers for you to be inspired by. Do you make something unique that you want to share with the group? Let us know! Email barbara.connett@textiles.org.

AI for Marine Fabricators: Tools to Streamline Estimates, Communication, and Workflow
Adam Penner, AP Consulting
AI isn’t just for tech companies—it’s showing up in the shop, too. This session introduces practical, easy-to-use AI tools that marine canvas fabricators can use to speed up estimating, simplify client communication, enhance marketing, and support employee training and SOP development. From smart email assistants and AI notetakers to tools that help organize measurements, photos, and job details, we’ll explore what’s possible today. You’ll leave with a few tools you can try right away—and a clearer sense of how AI might fit into your business moving forward.

Round Two of Fabricator Olympics
The 16 top scorers from Round One compete to move on to the finals.

Upholstery Foam Deep Dive
Zach Grant, JustWholesale by Sailrite
This session provides an in-depth exploration and hands-on experience with marine and upholstery foam. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of foam production, from its initial creation to its transformation into usable sheets and shapes. The course will cover specialized foams, including reticulated and closed-cell varieties, with a primary focus on polyurethane foam—the most commonly used material in upholstery applications. Key terminology such as density, indentation force deflection (IFD), and resilience will be clearly defined, along with explanations of how these properties influence factors like durability, comfort, and suitability for various applications.

Participants will also learn techniques for layering different foam types to enhance comfort and accommodate moisture-prone environments. The session will conclude with a discussion on the concept of a “pour list,” offering guidance on how to identify the most appropriate foam products based on the specifications and availability from local suppliers.

Hop on the bus for a tasty lunch and then continue on to  Thunderbolt Marina. You asked for it and here we are, headed back to this popular tour location from 2018. There is so much to see at the Marine, from the canvas shop to the towering paint building featuring 1,000+ lights and everything in between you are sure to come back with new ideas to implement at home and an appreciations for  how this large marina runs.

Kick off your week in style with music, dancing, and refreshments during the Annual Costume Party. This year the theme is Onesies – let your creativity go wild! Costumes are not required but you can’t win the costume contest without one.

Heavy appetizers and refreshments will be provided.

Friday, January 9, 2026

Round Tables
Break into small group discussions with your peers. Each table will have an assigned topic and when the bell rings you will change tables. Topics are in development but if you have a hot issue you would like featured, let us know

Building Real Value: How to Price, Prosper, and Elevate Our Trade
Justin Jones, Sewlong Custom Covers
In the marine fabrication industry, it’s all too common: as businesses grow, profitability shrinks, and owners find themselves stretched thin — even while producing beautiful, essential products. Meanwhile, we struggle to attract and retain skilled workers because wages in our industry often lag behind other trades like plumbing or electrical work. It’s time to change the story.

In this seminar, I’ll share lessons from my lifelong career in marine fabrication, real-world “war stories” from running and growing a marine canvas business, and actionable strategies for creating and communicating value — without stepping into the dangers of collusion. We’ll explore how to confidently price products and services, how to demonstrate value beyond material cost, and why raising the perceived worth of our trade is critical for long-term success. Whether you’re a solo shop or growing a team, this session is about building a business that supports a good life, competitive wages, and a sustainable future for our industry.

 

Round Three of Fabricator Olympics
And then there were four. The final four face off! Cheer on your friends as they compete to take home the gold medal, prizes and bragging rights.

Hit the showfloor and discover a wide variety of options both new and tried-and-true!  Grab your trivia sheet and learn about our show sponsors while you visit the booths. Completed trivia sheets can be redeemed for extra drawing entries.

Grab a drink while you are making the rounds. Be sure to stop by the sponsors booths and say thank you!

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Mike Erickson, CEO, MFC​, John Erickson, Sales​ and Project Manager, Robby Erickson, Patterning and Installation Technician, Winnie Maddox Upholstery Seamstress Manager​, Brooke Kelly, Cutting and Technological Sewing Manager and Shannon Simmons, Upholstery Technology Manager​, Canvas Designers

Unlock the full potential of the upholstery market with insider tips from industry pros. This session dives into proven techniques for selling, patterning, cutting, sewing, and producing Marine Interior and Exterior Upholstery Products. From start to finish it will be full of tricks and tips for making your upholstery department more efficient and profitable. This session is a must see for the 2026 annual conference education seminars. Whether you’re new to the Industry or looking to refine your process, this presentation will give you the practical knowledge you need to work smarter and finish stronger.

This interactive discussion explores the newest tools, clever tips and tricks to make your job faster and easier. Vote for your favorites onsite – your picks will win fabulous prizes. Have a great idea to share with the world? Stop by the website and submit today!

Learn more about the Marine Fabricators Association. Hear a recap of the past year’s events and look to the future while networking with other attendees and enjoying a tasty brunch.

Center Console Enclosures- From Fred Flintstone to George Jetson
Dan Johnson, Mikes Marine Canvas
Center Console fishing boats with T-Tops started showing up in Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay in the 90’s, which is when Mikes Marine Custom Canvas
began in his garage when Dan was 12. One of the first projects he was asked to make was an enclosure for the FIRST one in Virginia and possibly the East
Coast or America, since they didn’t need enclosures where it’s warm. As center consoles became more popular and boat designs changed, Mike and now Dan
had to figure out how to tackle them (pun intended!) Since Mike retired 3 years ago, Dan has taken them to a whole different level
of sophistication-but still built “Fisherman Friendly and Hurricane Proof”. See how they do it with a hands on demonstration and Q&A.

Patterning with Canvex
Jess Flegal, Oyster Creek Canvas
Jess will demonstrate the materials and techniques for patterning covers that apply to a variety of objects. She will also discuss elements of the thought and decision making process that correspond to make the best cover for each client.

Raise a toast to the end of a fun week at the conference before saying goodbye to your friends.

Gather together one last time and celebrate award-winning projects, industry achievements, and the announcement of the welcome party theme for Marine Fabricators Conference 2027. Dinner and refreshments are provided at this commemorative closing event.

* Add-on Event. Requires additional registration.

Questions?

For more information contact:
Barbara Connett, Education & Events Manager | 651-225-6914 | barbara.connett@textiles.org