05.20.08
Technical Textiles: Hot in HOT-Lanta
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Techtexil North America bring industry veterans, newcomers to Atlanta
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rnThe fifth edition of Techtextil North America (TTNA), the international trade show for technical textiles and nonwovens, took place April 1-3 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, GA.
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rnFeaturing 310 exhibitors representing 21 countries, the event attracted a reported 3711 visitors from 39 countries. Included on the show floor were nine international pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy (one for fabrics/nonwovens and one for machinery), Portugal, Taiwan and Turkey.
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rn“Our exhibitors and attendees alike commented repeatedly on the point that Techtextil North America provides them a unique opportunity to connect and get business done, all in one place, over three days’ time,” said David Audrain, president of Messe Frankfurt USA. “This level of value results from bringing together a variety of industry segments, products and services from across the globe.”
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rnTechtextil North America 2008 attracted an eclectic group of researchers, manufacturers and product specifiers and provided them with an internationally recognized Symposium program and industry-leading exhibitors, spanning more square feet of exhibition space than ever before. Techtextil North America continues to exceed attendee expectations. Simply put, “The key is seeing what’s new, and we are,” said Rieter Corporation’s Tim Hockney.
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rnThe Techtextil North AmericaSymposium was held concurrently with the show. The two and a half day program kicked off with an insightful keynote address from Allen Gant, president and CEO of Glen Raven, focusing on the foundations of success in the global marketplace. Reflecting on his experience at this year’s TTNA, Mr. Gant said, “In this turbulent time, it is terrific to see people come together from around the world in peace to conduct business!”
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rnAs the Symposium’s director, Bill Smith said, “Mr. Gant’s dynamic talk set the stage for a successful Symposium. Average session attendance in each of the three concurrent sessions running each morning and afternoon during TTNA was about 70 to 80 individuals. As in previous TTNA symposiums, the two sessions on military developments that may affect our industry had standing room only crowds with several others filled to near capacity.