U.S. Department of Commerce and the Industrial Fabrics Association International to Co-Host Smart Fabrics Summit in 2018

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced it will partner with the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) to co-host the Smart Fabrics Summit 2018 (Summit) on April 24, 2018, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, in Washington.

The Summit provides a forum for public and private sector leaders in technology, apparel, and textiles to highlight recent developments in the smart fabrics industry, identify opportunities for collaboration, and discuss key industry challenges.

“U.S. companies are developing smart fabrics products that will revolutionize the way we deliver healthcare, how we communicate, and provide better protection for our soldiers,” said Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Commerce performing the duties of the Under Secretary for International Trade Israel Hernandez. “Our previous collaboration with IFAI on the 2016 Smart Fabrics Summit was tremendously successful, and we look forward to highlighting advances in U.S. smart fabrics design and manufacturing during the past two years.”

“IFAI is excited to partner once again with the Department of Commerce to bring together some of the best minds in the industry to give us an exciting look at the future,” IFAI President and CEO Mary Hennessy said. “The American textile industry has been in the forefront of change for 50 years and smart fabrics are the next logical step.”

The 2016 Summit featured speakers such as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, IFAI’s President and CEO, and senior leaders from Ralph Lauren, Intel, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, North Carolina State College of Textiles, and Adidas Wearable Sports Electronics.

The 2018 agenda will become available later this fall. To receive additional information, add your name and email at www.smartfabricssummit.com.

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