Orlando, FL – (Oct. 29, 2019) The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) hosted the 2019 Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo for the fifth time, from Oct. 1-4, 2019. This four-day convention boasted an attendance of 4,400 global industry stakeholders and professionals, and contributed an estimated $11.3 million in economic impact for the Central Florida region this year.

“We are proud that IFAI chose to host its premier industrial, specialty and advanced textiles event in Orlando for the fifth time,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry. L Demings. “We appreciate the strong partnership between IFAI and the Orange County Convention Center.”

Recognized as the premier industrial, specialty and advanced textiles event, the 300,000-square-foot annual expo attracted industry professionals from around the world. The event offered the opportunity for buyers and sellers to come together to conduct business and learn about industry developments and best practices.

Orange County’s senior leadership and Convention Center executives are pleased with IFAI’s continued success in Orlando and its estimated $11.3 million economic impact. The OCCC looks forward to hosting the IFAI Expo in 2023, 2026 and 2029.

“Our expectation and goal is to deliver an exceptional experience for our clients and attendees so they return to Orange County,” said David Ingram, the Center’s Acting Executive Director. “It’s been a pleasure having IFAI here five times and we look forward to a strong future together.”   

IFAI Expo's opening reception featured carnival-style games and networking areas. The Industrial Fabrics Foundation Night was a lively fun-filled night that kicked off the overall event with delicious southern food, yard games and music.

“IFAI Expo 2019 was a success – attendees, both domestic and international, experienced the newest products and technologies on the show floor and enjoyed insightful education led by industry experts,” said Steve Schiffman, IFAI President and CEO.

The non-profit organization Industrial Fabrics Foundation (IFF) and the Pet Alliance of Orlando also joined forces for a unique fundraising experience at the convention. Two dogs were adopted at the show and $1,000 was donated by attendees with the proceeds going back to support both organizations.

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About IFAI Expo

For close to a century, the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo has been regarded as the industrial fabric industry’s flagship show for commerce, networking and knowledge. As the premier industrial, specialty and advanced textiles event, IFAI Expo attracts approximately 4,400 industry stakeholders from around the world for four days of buying and selling, networking, learning and fun — all designed to help participants grow their bottom line.

About the Orange County Convention Center

The Orange County Convention Center is the second-largest convention facility in North America and provides approximately $3 billion in economic impact to Central Florida annually. In recent years, the Convention Center has averaged nearly 200 events, including 115 conventions and tradeshows that attract more than 1.5 million attendees to the region each year. For more information about the Orange County Convention Center, visit www.occc.net.