Schedule
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Thursday, October 2, 2025
7–9 pm: Pre-workshop Meetup
In town early? Plan to spend some time getting to know the other attendees at Parkway Social (at the Holiday Inn) for refreshments.
This event is not part of the workshop and all food/drink is on your own. .
Friday, October 3, 2025
8 am–5 pm: Registration Open
Pick up your badge and schedule.
9–10 am: Introduction/Shop Tour
10–10:30 am: What is the ATA?
Jeff Newkirk, Precision Canvas
Jeff will introduce the ATA, ATA-Canada, and the MFA
10:45 am–Noon: Frame Bending
A look into calculating and bending frames in both traditional style and cantilever style.
Noon–1 pm: Lunch
1–1:45 pm: Standardization for Production Efficiency
Jeff Newkirk, Precision Canvas
This session will examine areas where processes can be standardized to maintain consistent quality levels and develop time efficiencies.
1:45–2:30 pm: U-Zips
Olivia Dobbie and Sue Keller, Precision Canvas
From basic to refined, covering repair and production work, vinyl to polycarbonate. Different tips and techniques with a hands-on demonstration.
2:45–4 pm: Patterning Techniques
Jeff Newkirk, Precision Canvas
In this hands-on session, a frame set will be patterned both traditionally and digitally so that we can compare the processes and setup.
4–5:30 pm: Tabletop Exhibits and Networking Reception with ATA Canada
Explore the tabletop exhibits and mingle with fabricators while enjoying appetizers and beverages.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8–9 am: Tabletop Exhibits and Continental Breakfast
Start your morning with a continental breakfast and one last look at the exhibitor offerings.
9–9:10 am: Day Two Welcome and Exhibitor Giveaway Drawings
Settle in for the day’s education and a shot at some fabulous prizes.
9:10–10 am: Fairing and Cutting Part 1:
Jeff Newkirk, Precision Canvas
We will clean up our traditional pattern and cut the components by hand to see the processes and methods used.
10–11 am: Fairing and Cutting Part 2:
Adam Penner, AP Consulting
This session will follow the digital processes used in CAD to build components and transfer them to the cutting table to watch them being cut.
11 am–Noon: Upholstery techniques
Olivia Dobbie, Precision Canvas
A look at different methods to revitalize old foam, and different patterning approaches. Using a CNC table to develop your own pleating designs.
Noon–1 pm: Lunch
1–2 pm: Fitting
Jeff Newkirk, Precision Canvas
We will install two different tops, one built from the traditional pattern and hand cutting technique, and one from the digital pattern and CAD processed technique, and compare the differences between the two and reflect on the processing time for each.
2–3 pm: Large covers
Kyle Van Damme, Marine Tops Unlimited
Looking at both Winter Covers and pontoon covers, we examine details and tricks to make working with large covers easier.
3–3:30pm: Wrap up and Thank You!
*Schedule subject to change.
Questions?
For more information contact:
Barbara Connett, Education & Events Manager | 651-225-6914 | barbara.connett@textiles.org

