Functional Fabric Fair: Why This Show Is Worth Visiting

Company News
October 30, 2026

Functional Fabric Fair (FFF), powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, returned to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon, October 26–28, 2026. It was the 12th Portland edition since the show launched here in 2019. As a Portland-based company, Pine Crest Fabrics was happy to meet with customers and industry experts at a hometown show.

Our team showcased top-selling stocked fabrics alongside innovative made-to-order materials, and made new connections with brand designers and fiber suppliers.

So why should this show matter to active brands? We’re sharing five reasons to add Functional Fabric Fair to your calendar.

Reason 1 – Networking with the global textile community

Functional Fabric Fair is a great place to expand your partnerships in the activewear industry, whether you’re a start-up or an established brand. Fall 2026 brought more than 340 sustainability-certified companies* under one roof, including 68 new to the fall edition, alongside fiber brands, textile experts, designers, and writers from around the world. One visitor who shadowed designers at the spring 2025 show watched them pair pre-booked meetings with walk-up conversations, booking time on the spot when a material or supplier caught their eye.

“I love going to trade shows like the FFF, as they are a great place to meet our customers face to face, show them our new innovations, and discuss how we can help them grow. Our customers’ success is our shared success, and there is no better way to communicate and understand each other than face to face”, said Tim Sheils, Pine Crest Fabric’s CEO.

Reason 2 – Fabric sourcing, firsthand

Exhibitors bring fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories for sportswear, activewear, outdoor, lifestyle, bodywear and more, so you can feel and compare options in person. With mills and suppliers in one hall, you can cover customization, lead times, printing and other services face to face, without extra meetings.

Reason 3 – Innovative technologies and materials

Fall 2026’s Focus Topic was bio-based materials, backed by a new Cellulose Forum that ran from hemp, linen, and nettle to lyocell, modal, and viscose. For swim and active designers, the Bodywear Collective by London Contour Experts showcased innovations in swimwear, shapewear, dancewear, and sports bras, joined by the Cotton Forum by Cotton Incorporated, the Wool Forum, the Future Fabrics Expo Innovation Hub, the Innovation Zone, and a Trend Forum spanning 12 categories.*

“I’m always impressed by the innovation hub and by seeing new technologies and developments from around the world, then translating them into trends PCF can capture through our sourcing”, shared Jena Nesbitt, Product Strategy Director at Pine Crest Fabrics.

Reason 4 – Expert Talks

Another value you can take from the show is industry insights from experts at global textile institutes and brands. At the fall 2026 show, the Expert Talks series ran nearly 20 sessions on performance science, circularity, regulation, and trend forecasting. For designers planning ahead, the lineup included a color outlook for Summer 2028 and Winter 2028/29, A/W28 trend intelligence from London Contour Experts, a bio-based materials panel led by Hyosung TNC with REI Co-op, and briefings on Europe’s Digital Product Passport rules and on garment take-back (EPR) laws.* Day 0 opened the week with a full day of sustainability and regulatory guidance.

Reason 5 – Have fun

This fall, mornings started with free coffee at the Thermore Coffee Igloo, the Italian Bar kept espresso and Italian bites coming, and the Sorona® happy hour led into the DURAFLEX-sponsored after-hours party at Metropolitan Tavern in Hotel Eastlund. If Portland is new to you, stay an extra day for the food and coffee scene, and ask our team for our favorite local spots.

See you in Portland in April

The show continues to expand, with more supplier variety and innovation each season. Fall 2024 set an attendance record, up 30%, with teams from brands like adidas, Lululemon, Nike, Patagonia, and Vuori. Fall 2025 grew again, with attendance up 4% and exhibitors up 10%*.

Functional Fabric Fair Spring returns to the Oregon Convention Center April 13–15, 2027, with the Day 0 Sustainability Workshop on April 13 and the exhibit hall and Expert Talks open April 14–15. The show is trade-only and free for verified designers, product developers, purchasing agents, material managers, and students, so pre-register here. We’re excited to meet you there.

*Sources: