The 4th annual RISE 2013 Conference held September 30-October 3, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt in Denver, CO, brought together technology seekers in the global nonwovens/engineered fabrics value chain for two and a half days of discussions about the latest technical innovations and how they can be applied to help create value-added, more competitive products. The 200+ attendees at RISE 2013 included a diverse group of marketing/technical executives, business development leaders and technical scouts, all responsible for driving innovation, new product development, and technology within their respective companies.

Highlights of RISE 2013 presentations and sessions included:

• 3D Printing and how this technology is changing manufacturing and the expanding opportunities it affords the engineered fabrics industry.

• Phase Change Materials for nonwovens and how they can be used to control the microclimate in bedding and apparel products.

• Protecting Intellectual Property under the new America Invents Act and how to develop an action plan for nonwoven companies.

• Using IP Literature to identify product focus areas and potential opportunities in the marketplace.

• New cost-effective RFID tagging technology for hygiene applications and how it can improve the performance of adult incontinence products.

• Microfluidic-Fabric Interfacial Technology for Biofluid Manipulation offers a highly efficient new method to transport biofluids and improve fabric performance.

• A Nanofiber Technology Panel Discussion highlighted the next generation applications for nanofibers, the impact of high volume, low cost nanofiber production, the current state of nanofiber production and the health and safety of nanofibers and nanotubes.

• Dine with Industry Thought Leaders provided an opportunity for attendees to meet and dine with key industry executives in a roundtable format to discuss innovation, game changing technologies, and the latest trends and requirements in the medical, automotive and construction markets.

“This year’s RISE conference delivered outstanding content and connection opportunities for all attendees. Both are key elements of INDA’s mission to provide thought leadership in innovation and technology to help members be successful. We are delighted with all the positive feedback we have received and the continued growth in attendance,” says INDA president Dave Rousse.

This year’s RISE Durable Product Award was awarded to RTI International for their NLITe Nanofiber Light Improvement Technology. NLITe is an innovative, energy saving technology platform for the lighting industry using nonwovens. This technology can be applied to any lighting fixture to create 20% more light while using 0% more energy. For more information visit www.rti.org/nlite.

The other two nominees who vied for the RISE Durable Product Award were Bonar’s Colback Profloor nonwoven backing, that improved tuftability for carpet producers, and Dell Seven/GMX, Inc.’s ThermalDrain patented synthetic board for below grade waterproofing, an alternative to fiberglass.

RISE 2014 will be held at the Hotel InterContinental Buckhead in Atlanta, GA, September 8-11, 2014. For more information on this event, please visit www.inda.org.