TEXTILES.ORG 
Schedule
The schedule/speakers are in development and subject to change.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Check out this live recording of the Talking Textiles podcast!
Please plan to be to the room early to minimize the background noise during the recording.
David and Barbara Huntington, River Custom Canvas LLC.
Calling all beginners! This is your chance to learn the basics during this in-depth hands-on class.
- Bimini Basics – includes setup, pattering, transferring to canvas
- Frame Bending – learn how to bend frames using EZ-Frame Plus software
- Carpet Patterning – how to properly measure for estimates and pattern and prepare patterns by hand (no CAD)
*This is an add-on activity and requires a separate registration.
Coming in early? Join your fellow attendees for games, drinks and appetizers at the marina located 4 blocks from the Omni Corpus Christi.
*This is an add-on activity and requires a separate registration.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
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.
MC: Jeff Newkirk, Precision Custom Canvas, Inc and Steven Wayne, Southern Stich Canvas & Upholstery
The Showoff Showcase returns for 2025. A variety of shops will all receive the same materials and sew the same project. Explore the variety of ways they complete the same job. View the various techniques and approaches.
Ron Paratore, Trivantage
This presentation covers the basics of business ownership and selling professionalism, including understanding costs and profit along with tips for growing one’s business.
Topics include:
Building a U-Zip with a Built in Rain Flap
Keith Purves, Trivantage
Service Trucks and Mobile Shops
Steve Griffiths, Extreme Seal
And more!
Jump on the shuttle and head for the USS Lexington a little early and explore the ship! We have exclusive access to the ship at this time so feel free to wear your costume. Note – at 6:30 the tours will end and the party will start!
Kick off your week in style with music, dancing, and refreshments during the Annual Costume Party. This year the theme is Cartoon Characters – 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.
NOTE – once the bar opens (6:30 pm) we are required to stay in the hanger of the ship. If you want to explore be sure to arrive early and participate in the Pre-party tours.
Friday, January 10, 2025
Break into small group discussions with your peers. Each table will have an assigned topic and when the bell rings you will switch to a new topic!
Topics include:
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Techniques
Exterior upholstery
Estimating / Job Profitability
Fabric recycling/upcycling
Frame bending basics
Interior upholstery
MFC/MFA Volunteer Opportunities
Project Management
Shop Organization
Sun Fly shade systems
Winter cover / support systems
Mike Charlton, Charlton’s Marine Canvas
Learn tips, tricks and techniques for using zippers during this class. Mike will explain what zippers are appropriate for specific applications, what direction to sew them on and a variety of other insights. Explore the many fun and creative ways to use zippers in your projects.
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 11, 2025
Caleb Snead, Wolff Industries, Inc.
An overview of selecting and maintaining quality scissors and shears.
This interactive discussion explores the newest tools, clever tips and tricks to make your job faster and easier. Vote for your favorites onsite.
Submit your tools, tips and tricks submissions here.
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.
Amanda Warren and Thom Hefner, Yacht Canvas, Inc
Details coming soon!
Going Digital One Step at a Time
Justin Jones, SewLong Canvas
Description coming soon!
Flybridge Custom Enclosure from Track to Windows
Stephan Kåmark, Advanced Canvas & Upholstery
Description coming soon!
Gather together one last time and celebrate award-winning projects, industry achievements, and the announcement of the welcome party theme for Marine Fabricators Conference 2026. Dinner and refreshments are provided at this commemorative closing event.
Questions?
For more information about this workshop, or to host a workshop in the future, contact:
Barbara Connett, Education & Events Manager | 651-225-6914 | barbara.connett@textiles.org
