CARY – INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has opened registration for IDEA 27, the major global event for the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry.
Taking place from 23 – 25 March 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri, the event is expected to bring together more than 4,000 industry professionals and 400 exhibitors from across the nonwovens value chain to provide three days of business development, sourcing, innovation and industry connection.
Exhibitors will showcase the latest materials, technologies, equipment and solutions serving markets including hygiene, medical, filtration, automotive, geotextiles, building and construction, and home furnishings.
“IDEA is where the global nonwovens industry comes together to discover what’s next, strengthen business relationships and turn new ideas into opportunities,” said Ben Muller, executive director of INDA.
“IDEA27 will bring together the people, technologies and expertise that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to welcoming the global nonwovens community to Kansas City.”
INDA says it recognises the economic pressures and market uncertainty our industry is facing and its impact on our members’ ability to convene and connect. To facilitate members building relationships, sourcing solutions, identifying new opportunities, and moving business forward, INDA Members can receive an IDEA 27 show floor pass at no charge in 2027.
RISE
For the first time since its inception, the RISE Technology Conference will be held in conjunction with IDEA27, expanding the event’s technical content and providing professionals with greater access to emerging technologies and innovations that have the potential to influence future products and processes.
INDA says the combination of RISE and IDEA 27 will create a comprehensive experience connecting forward-looking technical content with commercial technologies, market developments and business opportunities across the show floor.
The reformatted RISE program will highlight innovation across the full spectrum of development, including fundamental and corporate research, upstream innovation and performance-driven applications. Designed to be broadly applicable across markets, the programme will provide actionable technical insights for professionals throughout the global nonwovens value chain.
Details on the RISE conference program will be announced in the coming months and available on the IDEA 27 website.
Professional development
IDEA 27 will begin Monday, 22 March, with six professional development courses designed to build technical knowledge and address key nonwoven market applications.
Course offerings will include an introduction to nonwoven manufacturing as well as specialised education focused on the technical design and performance of baby and adult care absorbent systems, wet wipes and period products. A one-day filter media course also will be offered featuring technical content.
Additional course details will be announced this fall at ideashow.org.
IDEA Achievement Awards
The IDEA Achievement Awards will once again recognise outstanding innovations, technical advancements and achievements across the nonwovens and engineered materials industry.
Industry professionals are invited to submit their companies’ most innovative products, materials, equipment and sustainability advancements or nominate innovations on behalf of their clients. Finalists will receive global industry recognition, with winners announced during IDEA 27.
Nominations will be accepted until 8 November 2026, on the Nonwovens Industry website.
For information about exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities at IDEA27, contact Dan Noonan at [email protected]. For complete event details, visit ideashow.org.
Participants can register at https://events.american-tradeshow.com/IDEA27.
