Posted March 31, 2015

 

Inspiration and information abound at the IFAI (Industrial Fabric Association International) Outlook Conference, held this year at The Greenbrier, an historic and prestigious resort in the White Sulphur Springs, W.V.

 

The event will take place May 17-19 and will provide:

 

• Two days of networking with access to industry executives and key decision makers;

• In-depth analyses of economic and legislative issues in the specialty fabrics industry; and

• Respected, expert speakers presenting relevant topics on fiber, military and trade.

 

Outlook Conference programming is co-developed by the United States Industrial Fabrics Institute (USIFI) and the Narrow Fabrics Institute (NFI), divisions of Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI). Members benefit from discounted registration. Find more membership information on the membership page.

 

Speakers include:

 

Dr. Raman Kumar

R.V. and A.F. Oliver Professor of Investment Management, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech

Topic: U.S. and global economic outlook.

 

Alasdair Carmichael

President of the Americas, PCI Fibres

Topic: This presentation quantifies the impacts of lower oil prices in the synthetic fiber supply chain and provides market outlook. Global fiber production will also be covered with the economic balances for raw materials and subsequent fiber products.

 

Ana Gamboa

Chlor-Alkali, Vinyls, Inorganics IHS Chemical

Topic: The feedstock update will cover issues shaping the vinyls industry today, energy trends and their relationship to the cash cost advantage for North America, differences among regions and challenges.

 

Gail Strickler

Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Textiles and Apparel, Office of the United States Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President; and

Josh Teitelbaum

Deputy assistant, Secretary for Textiles and Apparel, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration

Topic: Update on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Free Trade Agreement and current trade legislation.

 

Allen Gant Jr.

Chairman and CEO, Glen Raven, Inc.

Topic: An industry perspective.

Carole Winterhalter

Textile Technologist

Topic: Military Update. Winterhalter will describe current and future warfighter needs for protective textiles, clothing and individual equipment. Includes an overview of the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center, description of the Broad Agency Announcement and the process for submission of R&D proposals.

 

Ron Houle

Vice president for Washington Operations, HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc., a division of HDT Global

Topic: Houle will give an update on the successes and ongoing activities of the Berry Coalition, analyze media chatter on defense procurement reform and discuss the impact of sequestration on future defense spending.

 

James P. Pinkerton

A Stanford University graduate who has been a contributor to the Fox News Channel since 1996. He worked in the White House domestic policy offices of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush.

Topic: Politics 2016: Why Every Election is a Wave Election

 

Activities also will include a golf outing and tournament and a falconry demonstration.

 

Registration and more information

 

Registration is now open. Save money and register day. Early-bird deadline is April 17.

 

Download the registration form here. Make your room reservation here. Explore sponsorship opportunities here.