IFAI Expo and R+T Show Organizer, Messe Stuttgart, to Co-locate Trade Shows Starting in 2021

Published On: September 21, 2020

ROSEVILLE, MN—Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) and Messe Stuttgart, organizers of R+T in Stuttgart, Germany; R+T Turkey in Istanbul, Turkey; R+T Asia in Shanghai, China and R+T South America in Sao Paulo, Brazil, are pleased to announce that they will co-locate IFAI Expo with Messe Stuttgart’s new U.S. show named Sun Shading Expo North America beginning in Nashville, Nov. 2–4, 2021. Sun Shading Expo North America will focus on internal sun protection similar to R+T events worldwide. This co-location is expected to continue for a minimum of five years. 

These two events will bring together the textiles industry’s leading companies, latest innovations in equipment and textiles and valuable education, highlighting ways textile companies can provide high quality solutions for commercial businesses and consumers. Co-locating shows will provide unprecedented value in the opportunity to connect with customers, suppliers, end-product manufacturers and industry counterparts. 

“We are excited to co-locate with Messe Stuttgart’s new Sun Shading Expo North America,” says Steve Schiffman, President and CEO of ATA, “We are always striving to improve the experience for all participants and enhance the overall value for our members, attendees and exhibitors. As we enter the next 100 years beginning in 2021, this is a great step into the future and IFAI Expo will continue as the flagship trade show for textile industry professionals to buy, sell, network and learn.”  

“On behalf of the ATA Board of Directors, we are very excited by this opportunity to co-locate with Messe Stuttgart’s new Sun Shading Expo.  We believe this will be a perfect complement to IFAI Expo and will add value to our exhibitors, attendees and of course, ATA members,” says ATA Board Chair Kathy Schaefer. 

Attendees constantly point at complementary industries as being an area for potential growth for their businesses. This co-location will open opportunities for attendees to increase their business in textiles used for both internal and external textiles applications. IFAI Expo features specialty, advanced and industrial textile solutions with the largest contingency of attendees and exhibitors representing exterior sun protection. Messe Stuttgart’s Sun Shading Expo will deliver a show and education focused on the internal sun protection marketplace, in part, as they do through their R+T Trade Shows in Germany, China and Turkey.  R+T produces the leading world trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates and sun protection systems. 

Roland Bleinroth, Managing Director of Messe Stuttgart, stated: “In line with Messe Stuttgart’s internationalization strategy, we are strengthening our presence in the USA with the Sun Shading Expo. We have precisely defined the needs of the industry and are looking forward to creating perfect synergies for exhibitors and visitors together with ATA.” 

Sebastian Schmid, Department Head at Messe Stuttgart and responsible for the strategic direction of R+T in Stuttgart, adds:“ After intensive market talks over the last two years, and with the backing of key players from the R+T industry in the USA, we are excited to launch Sun Shading Expo in the North American market.” 

ATA members and exhibitors will still enjoy the same benefits and priority point system as in prior IFAI Expos. 

Mark your calendar for the 101th Anniversary of IFAI Expo and the co-located Messe Stuttgart Sun Shading Expo North America, Nov. 2–4, 2021 in Nashville, TN, USA at the Music City Convention Center

About IFAI Expo 

IFAI Expo is North America’s largest specialty, industrial and advanced textiles event, hosting more than 300 exhibiting companies annually for an average 4,412 verified participants from 60+ countries. IFAI Expo is produced by Advanced Textiles Association (ATA). 

About Advanced Textiles Association

Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) is a member-owned, member-driven trade association representing the global industrial fabrics industry since 1912. ATA provides members with relevant information, sourcing solutions and networking opportunities to sustain and grow their business. For more information visit ATA.com.

About Sun Shading Expo North America 

Sun Shading Expo North America will be a meeting point, an industry barometer, and an innovation platform for the interior and exterior sun protection industries. This will be an excellent platform for companies from all over the world to establish new cooperation’s.

About Messe Stuttgart

With a turnover of almost 180 million euros and a profit of 34 million euros, Messe Stuttgart is one of Germany’s leading trade fair companies in the strong even years. Every year over 23,500 exhibitors present their products and services to up to 1.36 million visitors on a hall area of 120,000 square meters, on an outdoor area of 40,000 square meters and in around 33 rooms that offer flexible use in the adjoining ICS International Congress Center Stuttgart. Messe Stuttgart serves its customers in 56 countries with three subsidiaries, 16 foreign representations and numerous sales partners.