AATCC and SGIA teamed up this past December to create a unique educational conference — the first-ever Digital Textile Printing: The Future is Now (Durham, North Carolina). The program featured professionals from the digital textile, graphic education and high-fashion industries, and presented topics essential for those involved in digital textiles. The two-day event delivered unprecedented content to conference registrants who left with a wealth of understanding and inspiration to take back to their respective jobs. Technology, color management, product performance, testing, design and more were included in the jam-packed event.
“It's pretty rare when two industries are merging to find both governing bodies collaborating to make a really quality event like this. I found the event to be one of the best I have ever attended. [It was] truly remarkable, and I commend the people who orchestrated this. [It was] nothing short of remarkable, and rare to see something like this done — and done so well. Bravo!”
— 2016 Conference Attendee
The first day included a manufacturer’s panel, color management for digital textiles, finishing, meeting your customer’s sustainability objectives, product testing for quality assurance, and research findings from North Carolina State University College of Textiles. The second day explored designing for digital printing of textiles, fabric factors impacting digital printing, digital print inspiration and design, web-to-print, digital manufacturing and more. The agenda offered a good variety of people and organizations with different viewpoints including technical, production and business orientations, said an attendee.
“I liked hearing from a designer who was actually using this technology in a successful business.”
— 2016 Conference Attendee
Speakers covered a wide-reaching spectrum of digital textile printing and dug deep into pertinent topics that are permeating the industry. According to one attendee, the mix of SGIA and AATCC members provided a fusion of interest and participation, offering a platform for quality discussion and exchange of ideas.
“We are waking up an industry that for many years was perceived dead in the US. To that end, events like this will help all involved to flex their limbs and re-engage.”
— 2016 Conference Attendee
Founded as the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), the Association continues to evolve to meet the needs of those in the ever-changing textile and materials industries. AATCC has served textile professionals since 1921. Today, the Association provides test method development, quality control materials, education and professional networking for a global audience. By teaming up with SGIA, both organizations were able to provide a robust educational event tailored to the rapidly evolving digital textile industry. Attendees and speakers alike expanded their toolboxes and brought home with them wider professional networks, new perspectives, broader application ideas and — perhaps most important — an even higher drive for successful digital textile printing.