The Spring 2025 edition of Functional Fabric Fair, powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS, officially opened registration for its upcoming event. This show – which takes place Apr. 14-16 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland – will have an increased focus on sustainability and certifications. It will begin with the Day 0 Sustainability Workshop, followed by two days of exhibit hall and expert talks educational programming.
This year’s focus topic is: “Certifications: Which ones matter?”. Specifically, it will address critical industry developments, including the EU Green Deal, upcoming Green Claims Directive and Textile Exchange Material Matters unified standard. The program aims to facilitate dialogue around practical implementation of sustainability standards and certification processes in the textile industry.
Specific programming includes:
- The Day 0 Sustainability Workshop taking place on Monday, Apr. 14, and will bring together industry leaders and sustainability practitioners, facilitated by Jill Dumain of Fractal CSOs for:
- Pragmatic approaches to foundational topics.
- Latest field developments and updates.
- Real-world case studies.
- Round table discussions.
- Interactive activities.
- The exhibit hall will open Tue., Ap. 15, 9AM-6PM, and Wed., Apr. 16, 9AM-5PM, and features over 300+ sustainable-certified suppliers that will showcase functional fabrics, finishes, trims, accessories and the newest innovations for the 2026/2027 Spring/Summer seasons.
- The main exhibition will offer:
- “Expert Talks” daily educational sessions.
- Live demonstrations.
- Networking lounges.
- Happy hours.
- Events, and more.
“Functional Fabric Fair is the most vetted sourcing destination for sustainable outdoor, lifestyle, performance and activewear textiles. As we explore our 2025 theme ‘Certifications: Which ones matter?’ we’re creating the definitive space where the future of performance fabrics is shaped – there is no other event in North America that compares,” said Steve McCullough, event director, Functional Fabric Fair. “With new regulations in the United States and European Union reshaping our entire industry, attendees will have the unique opportunity to not only explore the latest cutting-edge and trend-forward materials and innovations, but also gain crucial insights into navigating the certification landscape in 2025 and beyond.”
The trade-only event is free for verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers and students in the outdoor, performance and lifestyle apparel sectors. The Day 0 Sustainability Workshop requires separate registration and has limited seating availability.
