Specialty Fabrics Review April 2023 - 18

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industry news
2023 MFA Conference a win-win event
T
he 2023 Marine Fabricators Conference that took place Jan. 26-28 in New
Orleans, La., was bustling with energy, creativity and goodwill. With a total
of 273 registrants, 68 first-time participants and 51 exhibitors, veterans and
newcomers alike enjoyed the buzzing show floor, well-attended education sessions
and special networking events that included a Fabricator Olympics and an overthe-top
costume party.
First-time attendee Rosemary Taugher, co-owner of Two Roses Canvas in
San Diego, Calif., says that after a decade in business she decided to join the
Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) and attend the conference. She found the
education sessions extremely helpful and especially appreciated " Intro to Digital:
2D vs. 3D " because it helped her understand the next steps for her business.
" Being at the conference has given us more belief in ourselves. It's helped us realize
we can offer information to others and also receive it. I really value that. "
Veteran fabricator Mark Peterson, product designer at SugarHouse Industries in
Salt Lake City, Utah, echoes many of Taugher's sentiments. He remembers his first
conferences more than a decade ago. " At first, I kept to myself, and then I realized
there's not only a lot I can benefit from here, but there's a chance others can benefit
from what I know too. "
Peterson was part of the 2023 MFA Ambassador Committee, which welcomed
new attendees at a variety of events. " Newcomers quickly see the MFA is unique in
how willing everyone is to share knowledge, " says Peterson. " Newcomers from a few
years ago are now actively participating and benefiting more from all they have to
offer the MFA and from all the MFA has to offer them. It's a win-win situation. "
Tent Conference takes on Savannah
W
TOP: This year's most
competitive event was a
scavenger hunt that sent
attendees to various sites
in downtown Savannah.
BOTTOM: Outgoing TRD
chair Michael Tharpe
was recognized for his
many years of service to
the industry.
hile most of the country was battling the bitter cold of winter,
attendees at the 2023 Tent Conference got to enjoy weather
that was almost as warm as the Southern hospitality in historic
Savannah, Ga. From January 11-13, 120 members of the event and
tent rental industry gathered to network, learn from a variety of
industry experts and, of course, engage in a few friendly competitions
for this year's bragging rights.
The conference was packed full of educational sessions on critical
industry topics like employee recruitment and retention, effectively
bridging generational gaps, ballasting, time-saving technology and
preparing to sell your business.
But of course there were plenty of networking opportunities,
receptions and social events as well, from the golf tournament and
ghost tour of beautiful historic Savannah to the hilariously competitive
scavenger hunt.
" This is always such a great way to start the new year, " says Steve
Belliveau, sales manager at Anchor Industries Inc. and the new chair
of ATA's Tent Rental Division (TRD). " Tent Conference continues to
provide an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with industry
friends and at the same time initiate new friendships. "
18 SPECIALTY FABRICS REVIEW / April 2023
TOP: The 2023 MFA
Conference provided
many opportunities for
fabricators to share
advice and experiences
with others.
BOTTOM: Here is a
sampling of the sailors
and sea creatures
at the 2023 MFA
Conference opening
night costume party.
Specialty Fabrics Review April 2023

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