A unique educational track involving speakers from outside the world of nonwovens will offer attendees at the 2009 International Nonwovens Technical Conference (INTC) a different perspective on the business and research opportunities available in these challenging times.

The special “Technology Innovations and New Business Opportunities” track at INTC is designed to explore how other business fields–including government and academia–are approaching the unique challenges of business today. The sessions will complement the traditional days of technical presentations that will focus on developments within the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry.

INTC 2009, co-sponsored by INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and the Nonwovens Division of TAPPI, Technical Association of the Pulp, Paper, Packaging and Converting Industries, is scheduled for September 21-24 at the Grand Hyatt Denver Downtown in Denver, CO.

“Challenging times require creative solutions,” said INDA president Rory Holmes. “By going outside of the world of nonwovens for an exchange of ideas and to learn how others are addressing their own challenges will ultimately benefit everyone involved in the discussion. We will provide an innovative combination of ideas from within our industry as well as Outside the Nonwovens Box.”

The special INTC program will offer presentations from respected experts from government, consumer products, health care, nanotechnology, the “green” movement and a host of other business segments whose lessons and business models can be applied to the business of nonwovens.

Among the speakers on the INTC Innovations schedule are:

* “Government Programs for R&D – We Will Show You the Money,” Dr. Al Teich, AAAS (American Association for Applied Science)

* “Keeping it Green — Advances in Textiles for Closed-Mold Processing,” Patrick Mack, Polynova

* “Luxurious Personal Care – New Nonwoven Materials for Personal Spa Products,” Laura Keck, Kimberly-Clark

* “Cool Sensors for a Freer Lifestyle,” Mark Pedley, Smartlifetech

* “Technology Innovations – The Big Picture,” Mark Snider, Smith, Johnson & Associates.

More information: www.inda.org/events/index.html