Thursday – 1/25

8 am–6 pm
Registration Open

9–11 am
Sewing Machine Workshop
This workshop is organized by the IFAI Equipment Division. Classes will be offered in three experience levels.

LEVEL 1, Beginning Level: Basic Knowledge of Sewing
Frank Henderson,Henderson Sewing
The session will cover Stitch Type: 301 Lockstitches. Learn the 6 major elements of a sewing machine: 1) needle bar, 2) hook, 3) thread take up lever, 4) feed dog, 5) presser foot, 6) thread tensions. Each of these elements will be explained, demonstrated and overall basic adjustments and mechanisms detailed. Additionally, you will learn defects of sewing that occur in the sewing process and preventive measures, adjustment procedures and information on sewing thread and the sewing needle

LEVEL 2, Intermediate Level: Diagnosing Problems, Replacing Worn Parts
Sam Sloan, Sloan Machinery
The session will demonstrate tension assembly dismantle, along with wear parts and what to change. Additionally, it will cover thread guide wear and techniques for cleaning. The session will cover the wear of parts and provide instruction on how to clean and replace items including: thread guide; feed dog; timing belt; bobbin winder and the bobbin case.

Intermediate Needle Technologies
Ron Russell, Groz-Beckert
This presentation will cover intermediate needle technologies and the best way to select the right needle for the job. Also, the importance of thread handling in the sewing operation by using the correct needle size and the recommended point styles for various fabrics.

LEVEL 3, Advanced Level: Complete Overview of all Internal Parts, Major Adjustments
Doug Glenn, Consew and John Giordano, Amann Thread
Using line art schematics, the session will explain the physics of the working parts. The class covers comparing a drop in bobbin machine to a side load bobbin machine, using parts books schematics; hands on information on hook trimming, needle bar height and hook to needle proximity. A thread overview will be given, plus hands-on information on safety clutch adjustment and repair and a hands-on mechanics A to Z checklist.

11–12:30 pm
Hands on Rhino Training
Darren Arthur, Nautilux Custom Canvas LLC
The presenter will demonstrate a couple of the more typical marine canvas covers using Rhino software. You will learn how to develop a cut file in CAD that is ready to manufacture. Additionally, discover systems, procedures, and a checklist that will help you understand what to pay attention to when developing digital patterns.

12:30–1:30 pm
Luncheon Speaker
Savannah: America’s Most Haunted City
TC Michaels, Genteel & Bard
Enjoy lunch as this local storyteller shares his passion for Savannah’s people, it’s history and how this popular Southern destination became America’s most haunted city.

1:30–3:30 pm
Industry Round Table Discussions
Don’t miss out on these small group discussions where you will learn best practices and examine burning issues among your colleagues.

Topics include:

  • Balancing Business and Social Life
  • Marketing/Social Media
  • Insurance Options for Marine Shops
  • New to Canvas Fabrication
  • CAD, Plotter Cutter
  • Fabric Choices and Use
  • Maintaining a Healthy Culture
  • Retaining Employees
  • Determining Competitive Benefit Packages
  • Sales Techniques
  • Training Staff
  • Product Line Diversification
  • Subcontracting
  • Upholstery

3:45–5:30 pm
Shop Tour | Thunderbolt Marine

6:30–9:30 pm
Welcome Costume Party
Savannah is well known for it’s haunted happenings – join us as we put a ghostly spin on our Annual Welcome Party. The 2018 party theme is “haunted”. Show off your spookiest costume and bring your dancing shoes as we celebrate the kickoff to another outstanding event. Food and beverage provided.

Friday – 1/26

8 am–6 pm
Registration Open

9–10:30 am
Upholstery Techniques – Aussie Style
David Elliott, David’s Custon Trimmers; Neil Hancock, Aussie Boat Covers; Shane Beashell, SB Marine Trimming
Our special guests from Australia will present upholstery techniques. Topics covered include: Foam density layering and profile cutting; Introducing webbing and pocket springs into settees and mattresses to create the ultimate comfort into a yacht interior.

10:30–11:30 am
QuickBooks Concepts and Deep Dive
Mario Nowogrodzki, Mendelson Consulting
New and current users – increase your bottom line by learning how to be more efficient with QuickBooks. For new users,learn about the QuickBooks product family, learn how to choose the right edition and discover the advantages of using it for business management. For current users, learn the ins and outs of working with estimates, including doing repeatable estimates; see how to track time in QuickBooks; get an inside look at job costing, including adding labor into projects; get insight into inventory and non-inventory tracking.

11:45 am–12:45 pm
Lunch

1–2 pm
Maximizing Job Profitability
Mario Nowogrodzki, Mendelson Consulting
Enhance your profits by tracking job activities and time efficiencies. For participants not yet using a business management software, this session will help you discover how the concepts directly impact your bottom line. For participants using QuickBooks or another business management system, learn different ways of tracking time and efficiency. Discover new ways to automate invoicing and payroll processes by using add-on tools designed for QuickBooks.

2–6 pm
Exhibit Floor Open
Visit with more than 40 exhibitors during this dedicated show floor time. Take a look at the exhibitor list and start making plans to now to take advantage of this great opportunity.

5–6 pm
Cocktail Reception on the exhibit floor

Dinner on your own

Saturday – 1/27

8 am–2 pm
Registration Open

9–10 am
Tools Tips & Tricks
MC: Charlene Clark, Signature Canvasmakers LLC; Mike Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas
This interactive discussion explores the newest tools and clever tips and tricks to make your job faster and easier. Vote for your favorites onsite.

10 am–noon
Enclosures
Zack Chapman, Brake Marine Canvas
This session focuses on the how, what, when, where and why of using facing and other trimmings within the enclosure building process. You will gain a fundamental understanding of how fabrics are woven and how it affects your facing and in turn your enclosure panels. You will also learn how to baste trim onto panels effectively to avoid future problems, cut and shape facings for flat wrinkle free enclosure panels, and review tools and tips for cutting, sewing and folding facing accurately.

noon–1:30 pm
Lunch & MFA Annual Meeting

1:30–4:30 pm
Patterning Techniques from Down Under
David Elliott, David’s Custon Trimmers; Neil Hancock, Aussie Boat Covers; Shane Beashell, SB Marine Trimming; Aaron Stroud-Smith, Canvas Barn Marine Trimming
This hands-on session teaches patterning techniques which combine spun fabric, masking tape and 3D hollowing for all applications from tenders to Bimini’s.

5:30–6:30 pm
Cocktail Reception
Enjoy a cocktail and networking prior to the annual awards dinner.

6:30–9 pm
Awards Dinner
MC: Mike Johnson, Mike’s Marine Marine Custom Canvas; Dennis Bueker, Keyston Bros.
Gather with your colleagues one last time and celebrate award winning projects, industry achievements and the announcement of the welcome party theme for Marine Fabricator Conference 2019. Dinner and refreshments are provided at this commemorative closing event.

*Programming subject to change