Julie Tinsman [Strataglass LLC] sat down with featured guests: Charlene Clark, IFM [Signature CanvasMakers LLC], Jeff Newkirk, MFC [Precision Custom Canvas], and Andrew Oatley [Oatley's Top Shop] at the Advanced Textiles Expo to talk about seasonal business. They covered the year-round business and strategies for slow times, from products to training to business improvements, to setting expectations with customers during peak times. They shared on common client misconceptions about being a skilled trade, negotiating for a better price, and trying to jump ahead of other customers.  

Liz Johnson [Brookwood Companies] sits down with featured guests Tanya Wade [Manufacturing Solutions Center at CVCC]; Jennifer Fennell [Polo Custom Canvas]; and Robert Finnegan [AFFOA] to record a live podcast from Advanced Textiles Expo 2025, focusing on how to assess and hire talent. They open by exploring key qualities to define strong candidates—such as drive, curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to contribute to a larger purpose. The discussion then shifts to the importance of educating prospective workers about the opportunities within the industry and the landscape of today's industrial fabric trades. The guests also highlight the value of creating environments that support work–life balance, foster leadership development, and offer pathways of innovation and technology growth. They conclude by discussing innovative training tools like Thread X, which uses augmented technology to help train employees on manufacturing processes.

In part two of the podcast on tariffs, the conversations centers around the current landscape and how companies are navigating through uncertainty. Host Tony Ehrbar [Renegade Plastics/American Tent] sits down with Brian Coughlin [Sioen]; Victor Jensch [Ennis Fabrics]; and Jonathan Palmer [Autometrix] at the Advanced Textiles Expo 2025. The group talks about being flexible, keeping calm, and staying in communication, and offers advice on building your relationships and your business despite the current challenges. They talk about changes in lead times, pricing strategies, forecasting, onshoring and offer their opinions on the current policies.

Listen in as host Dan Litster chats with featured guests Nick Deninno (Block & Roll Innovations), and Paul Armstrong (PACCS) about the codes and standards in the tent and shade industry. They share practical advice on building relationships and best practices for working with code officials. The conversation also covers the upcoming ICC Code Action Hearing, including proposals related to loads and installations for temporary structures in high-hazard areas and floodplains. Plus, get a preview of the AHJ session planned for Tent Expo 2026.