PRESS RELEASE
Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2026 Spotlights Bio-Based Innovation with New Cellulose Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORWALK, CT (October 13, 2026) – Functional Fabric Fair powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® returns to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland October 26–28, 2026. The fair opens October 26 with the Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference, presented by GORE-TEX Brand, developed in partnership with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). The event then moves to the exhibit hall for two days of sourcing and Expert Talks programming on October 27–28. Designers, product developers and material decision-makers across the performance and sports apparel industries will gain actionable insight into performance innovation, regulatory shifts and circular solutions for the Fall/Winter 2027/28 seasons.
"Portland is where our community comes to get ahead of what's next, and this fall that means bio-based materials," said Steve McCullough, Event Vice President, Functional Fabric Fair. "Between the new Cellulose Forum, new and returning exhibiting companies and a Focus Topic built around reducing fossil-based inputs, brands will leave with sourcing options they can act on. Day 0 adds a full day of practical sustainability and regulatory guidance before the exhibit hall even opens."
Focus Topic: Bio-Based Materials
As the textile industry shifts away from fossil-based resources, bio-based materials are becoming a key driver of performance innovation. The Fall 2026 Focus Topic spotlights materials derived partly or fully from biomass that reduce fossil dependency and improve transparency. Expert Talks sessions will address the questions this shift raises, including scalability, feedstock sourcing, traceability and certification.
Exhibit Hall
The Fall 2026 exhibit hall will feature more than 340 sustainability-certified suppliers, including 68 companies exhibiting at the fall edition for the first time. Exhibitors will present functional fabrics, finishes, trims, accessories and material innovations for workwear, sportswear, outdoor, activewear, lifestyle, bodywear, rain gear and more.
Sourcing & Innovation Areas
The show floor is designed to help brands efficiently discover new materials and connect with the companies driving textile innovation. Attendees will find live demonstrations and curated discovery areas, including:
Bodywear Collective, presented by London Contour Experts – Innovations in swimwear, shapewear, dancewear and sports bras, uniting performance and style.
Cellulose Forum (NEW) – Plant-based and cellulose-based materials, from natural fibers such as hemp, linen and nettle to regenerated cellulosics like lyocell, modal and viscose, offered as renewable, scalable, performance-driven alternatives with reduced environmental impact.
Cotton Forum, presented by Cotton Incorporated – The latest in the cotton sector, from enhanced performance features to sustainability advancements.
Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub, presented by Future Fabrics Expo – A curated selection of lower-impact materials and sustainability leaders, emphasizing regenerative design and circular material flows.
Innovation Zone – Never-before-seen textile technologies and emerging advancements, with access to insights from industry leaders.
Outdoor Recreation Archive, presented by Utah State University – The historical roots of pivotal innovations in outdoor apparel.
Trend Forum – Future fabric and color directions across 12 key categories, with sustainability at the forefront. Curated by academics, apparel brands and fabric technologists.
Wool Forum – High-performance wool fabrics hand-selected by textile specialists, showcasing wool's natural breathability, durability and sustainability.
Networking & Community Spaces
Dedicated spaces throughout the show floor encourage connection, collaboration and community:
Italian Bar (Reinvented) – Espresso and authentic Italian bites.
Sustainability Exchange (Reinvented) – A central hub for collaboration and future-focused discussion.
Thermore Coffee Igloo – Complimentary coffee both show days from 8:00 – 10:00 AM near the lobby/registration area. Sponsored by Thermore.
VIP Lounge – An exclusive space for VIP attendees to relax and network.
Events
Networking Happy Hour | Sponsored by Sorona®
Tuesday, October 27 | 5:00 – 6:00 PM
Near the Expert Talks stage.
Official After-Hours Party | Sponsored by DURAFLEX; Co-Sponsored by Brookwood and AATCC
Tuesday, October 27 | 6:30 – 10:00 PM
Metropolitan Tavern at Hotel Eastlund, Portland
Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference
Developed in response to attendee feedback, the Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference delivers pragmatic sustainability guidance, regulatory updates, real-world case studies and interactive breakout rooms, giving the outdoor and performance industry a place to tackle critical sustainability challenges, connect with peers and stay ahead of emerging trends. The conference takes place October 26 in Oregon Ballroom 201/202. Title sponsor is GORE-TEX® Brand, with Hyosung TNC as Platinum sponsor. Tickets are available for both attendees and exhibitors. View the 2026 Day 0 Conference Agenda here.
Expert Talks
The Expert Talks series, sponsored by AATCC, returns with nearly 20 sessions on performance science, circularity, regulatory change and trend forecasting. Stewart Sheppard, Founder & Principal Consultant of S2 Consulting, returns as host, giving attendees direct access to breakthrough developments and the companies driving measurable sustainability progress. Visit the Expert Talks Schedule for full session details.
Show Location
Oregon Convention Center
777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97232
Show Dates + Hours
Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference: Monday, October 26, 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Exhibit Hall & Expert Talks: Tuesday, October 27, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibit Hall & Expert Talks: Wednesday, October 28, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration
Functional Fabric Fair is a trade-only event, free to verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers and students in the outdoor, performance and lifestyle apparel sectors. The Day 0 OIA Catalyst Conference requires separate paid registration, and seating is limited.
For travel and discounted hotels, visit here.
For full show information, registration links and updates on all 2026 editions, visit www.functionalfabricfair.com.
