The global nonwovens event will take place in Kansas City from March 23–25, 2027, alongside the RISE® Technology Conference and a programme of professional development courses.
INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, has opened registration for IDEA®27, a global event for the nonwovens and engineered fabrics industry. Scheduled for March 23–25, 2027, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Missouri, the event is expected to attract more than 4,000 industry professionals and 400 exhibitors from across the nonwovens value chain.
IDEA®27 to Bring Together the Global Nonwovens Industry
CARY, N.C., October 13, 2026: IDEA®27 will provide a platform for business development, sourcing, innovation and industry networking over three days.
Exhibitors will present materials, technologies, equipment and solutions for a range of applications, including hygiene, medical products, filtration, automotive, geotextiles, building and construction, and home furnishings.
“IDEA is where the global nonwovens industry comes together to discover what’s next, strengthen business relationships and turn new ideas into opportunities,” said Ben Muller, executive director of INDA.
“IDEA27 will bring together the people, technologies and expertise that drive our industry forward, and we look forward to welcoming the global nonwovens community to Kansas City.”
Free Show Floor Pass for INDA Members
INDA members will be eligible to receive an IDEA®27 show floor pass at no charge in 2027.
The initiative aims to help members maintain business connections, source solutions, identify new opportunities and strengthen commercial relationships amid economic pressures and market uncertainty.
Registration is available through the official IDEA®27 registration website.
RISE® Technology Conference to Run Alongside IDEA®27
For the first time since its inception, the RISE® Technology Conference will take place alongside IDEA®27. The combination will bring technical content and emerging innovations together with commercial technologies, market developments and business opportunities.
The redesigned RISE programme will cover innovation across several stages of development, including fundamental and corporate research, upstream innovation and performance-driven applications.
Designed to address a broad range of markets, the programme will provide technical insights for professionals across the global nonwovens value chain.
Further details about the RISE conference programme are expected to be announced in the coming months through the IDEA®27 website.
Professional Development Courses Begin March 22
IDEA®27 activities will begin on March 22, 2027, with six professional development courses designed to strengthen technical knowledge and address important nonwoven applications.
The planned courses will include:
- An introduction to nonwoven manufacturing.
- Technical design and performance of absorbent systems for baby and adult care.
- Wet wipes and period products.
- A one-day filter media course featuring technical content.
Additional course information will be announced through ideashow.org.
IDEA Achievement Awards to Recognise Industry Innovation
INDA and Nonwovens Industry magazine will again collaborate to present the IDEA Achievement Awards, recognising innovations, technical advancements and achievements in nonwovens and engineered materials.
Industry professionals are invited to submit innovative products, materials, equipment and sustainability advancements developed by their companies. They may also nominate innovations on behalf of their clients.
Finalists will receive global industry recognition, and the winners will be announced during IDEA®27.
The nomination deadline is November 8, 2026. Entries can be submitted through the official IDEA Achievement Awards nomination page.
Event Details
- Event: IDEA®27
- Dates: March 23–25, 2027
- Professional development courses: March 22, 2027
- Venue: Kansas City Convention Center
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
- Organiser: INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry
- Registration: Register for IDEA®27
- Website: IDEA Show
IDEA®27 will bring together nonwovens manufacturers, suppliers, technology providers and other industry professionals for product discovery, technical learning and business networking. The addition of the RISE® Technology Conference will further connect research and innovation with commercial applications across the industry.