September 23, 2025

Just because it’s the last of our fall workshops doesn’t mean the schedule isn’t packed!
 
At the MFA Great Lakes/Northeast Regional Workshop, learn everything from efficiency to frame bending to U-Zips, network with peers and see tabletop exhibits. 
 
It’s all at Precision Custom Canvas Inc., in St. Catharines, ON Canada, Oct. 3–4.

REGISTER HERE https://marine.textiles.org/mfa-gl-regional-workshop/gl-registration/

SCHEDULE – All times listed in Eastern

Thursday, Oct. 2
 
7–9 pm| Pre-Workshop Meet-up 
In town early? Spend time with other attendees and enjoy refreshments at Parkway Social at the Holiday Inn. Please note this event is not included in workshop registration and food/drink is on your own.
 
Friday, Oct. 3
 
8 am –5 pm | Registration Open 
Pick up your badge and schedule.
 
9–10 am | Introduction/Shop Tour 
 
10–10:30 am | What is the ATA?
Jeff Newkirk with Precision Custom Canvas will introduce Advanced Textiles Association®, ATA Canada and the Marine Fabricators Association
 
10:45 am–Noon | Frame Bending 
A look into calculating and bending frames in both traditional and cantilever styles.
 
Noon–1 pm | Lunch
 
1–1:45 pm | Standardization for Production Efficiency
Jeff Newkirk will examine areas where processes can be standardized to maintain consistent quality levels and develop time efficiencies
 
1:45–2:30 pm | U-Zips 
Olivia Dobbie and Sue Keller, of Precision Custom Canvas, will discuss different tips and techniques, including a hands-on demonstration: From basic to refined, covering repair and production work, vinyl and polycarbonate.
 
2:45–4 pm | Patterning Techniques  
In this hands-on session by Jeff Newkirk, a frame set will be patterned both traditionally and digitally, to compare the processes and setup. 
 
4–5:30 pm | Tabletop Exhibits and Networking Reception with ATA Canada 
Explore the tabletop exhibits, appetizers and beverages, and mingle with fabricators.
 
7–9 pm | Dinner Meetup  
Gather for dinner with friends new and old! Food and drink is on your own.  
 
Saturday, Oct. 4
 
8–9 am | Tabletop Exhibits and Continental Breakfast 
Start your morning with a continental breakfast and one last look at exhibitor offerings.
 
9–9:10 am | Day Two Welcome and Exhibitor Giveaway Drawings 
Settle in for some education and a shot at some fabulous prizes.
 
9:10–10 am | Fairing and Cutting Part 1
Jeff Newkirk will help us clean up our traditional pattern and cut the components by hand to see the processes and methods used. 
 
10–11 am | Fairing and Cutting Part 2 
Join us for part two of fairing and cutting with Jeff Newkirk’s help.
 
11 am–Noon | Upholstery techniques
Olivia Dobbie will take a look at different methods to revitalize old foam and different patterning approaches, using a CNC table to develop your own pleating designs.
 
Noon–1 pm | Lunch
 
1–2 pm | Fitting 
Jeff Newkirk will help us install two tops: One built from the traditional pattern and hand cutting technique, and one from the digital pattern and CAD processed technique. Then we’ll compare the differences while reflecting on the processing time for each.
 
2–3 pm |Large covers 
Kyle Van Damme from Marine Tops Unlimited will examine details and tricks to make working with large covers easier, particularly Winter covers and pontoon covers.
 
3–3:30 pm | Wrapup and Thank You!
 
*Schedule subject to change.

Workshop Location 
Precision Custom Canvas Inc. 
380 Vansickle Rd. Unit 610 
St. Catharines, ON 
L2S 0B5
Canada 
 
Current Exhibitors As of Sept. 11 
 
AP Consulting 
Ennis Fabrics
Keyston Bros.
LaSalle Canvas
Marlen Textiles
Miami Corporation

Interested in exhibiting? 
Contact Barbara Connett: barbara.connett@textiles.org

REGISTER HERE https://marine.textiles.org/mfa-gl-regional-workshop/gl-registration/