Thursday – 1/10
8 am – 6 pm
Registration Open
8 – 9 am
Continental Breakfast
9 – 11 am
Techniques and Methods in Marine Upholstery
Linda Beach and Deborah Hamilton, Beach Upholstery LLC
Beach upholstery will be presenting the step-by-step process of design, patterning and fabrication of Lumbar cushions, Compartmental cushions and Beveling basics. This will be followed by time for participants to review the examples and ask questions.
11:15 – 11:45 am
Marine Flooring Installation
Mike Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas, Inc.
New flooring can enhance your marine projects. Hear about various options and methods for adding flooring installation to your offerings.
Noon – 1 pm
Lunch
Don’t be late! One of the ships officers will be on hand to welcome attendees and discuss the storied history of the Queen Mary.
1:15 – 4:30 pm
Industry Round Table Discussions
Back by popular demand! Don’t miss out on these small group discussions where you will learn best practices and examine burning issues with your colleagues. Topic Include: Training Staff, Framing Concepts, New to Canvas Fabrication / Fabric Choices and Uses, Product Line Diversification and Upholstery.
6 – 9 pm
Welcome Costume Party
Turn up the jazz and put on a dapper hat. We are throwing a prohibition/gangster era party and you don’t have to know the secret code to get in. Costumes are encouraged but not required, unless you want to win the costume contest.
Friday – 1/11
8 am – 6 pm
Registration Open
8 – 9 am
Continental Breakfast
9 – 11 am
Templating – How to speed up and automate your design work
Introductory Session
Amy Poe, Wyckam; Gary Unitt, Autometrix
Explore different techniques for creating your custom patterns for standard products that you make. We will look at spreadsheets and currently available patterning and templating software. We will also take a quick look at other more advanced techniques that are available.
Advanced Session
Adam Penner, Paul’s Custom Canvas, Inc.
Are you already using Rhino and automated cutting technology? Learn how to speed up your design time with Grasshopper and Rhino Python scripts.
11:15 am – noon
Panel Discussion: Let’s Get Social!
Moderator: Brooke Kahn, Keyston Bros
Panel Members: Leah Williams, Glen Raven Inc; Rob Kotowski, Lake Shore Boat Top Company; David Huntington, River Custom Canvas
Social Media is a great resource for business owners, but it can be challenging to navigate. Not only will we will show you the in’s and out’s to Facebook and Instagram, but we will also discuss how to turn leads into customers while staying true to your company’s brand and voice. Now, let’s get social!
noon – 1 pm
Lunch and IFAI New Benefits Session
Steve Schiffman, IFAI President and CEO
Enjoy lunch while you learn about IFAI’s new sticky benefits unveiling in the upcoming months, including liability insurance, 401K plan and health insurance
1 – 6 pm
Exhibit Floor Open
5 – 6 pm
Cocktail Reception
Dinner on your own
Saturday – 1/12
8 am – 2 pm
Registration Open
9 – 10 am
Tools Tips & Tricks
MC: Mike Charpentier, Paul’s Custom Canvas and Charlene Clark, Signature Canvasmakers LLC
This interactive discussion explores the newest tools, clever tips and tricks to make your job faster and easier. Vote for you favorites onsite.
10:15 – 11:15 am
Brunch & MFA Annual Meeting
11:30 am – 2 pm
Deluxe Enclosures
Steve Szenay, Serge Ferrari North America Inc; Dave Elliott, David’s Custom Trimmers Pty Ltd.
Explore two very different methods for fabricating deluxe enclosures.
2:30 – 3:30 pm
Dodger Fabrication
Aaron and Kym Stroud-Smith, Canvasbarn
Examine frame fabrication, patterning and canvas fabrication for dodgers from an Australian perspective. Aaron and Kym Stroud-Smith present a unique case study featuring the unusual Gippsland Lakes fishing boat.
3:45 – 5:15 pm
Shop Tour | Harbor Custom Canvas
Explore Harbor Custom Canvas as we tour the facility and learn how the largest fabricator in Long Beach lays out their shop and conducts business.
6:30 – 7 pm
Cocktail Reception
7 – 9 pm
Awards Dinner
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 2020. Dinner and refreshments are provided at this commemorative closing event.