The AATCC International Summit 2026 will bring textile industry professionals, researchers and innovators together in Wilmington, North Carolina, from Oct. 4 to 6, with discussions focused on emerging technologies, testing, materials and sustainability.
Organised by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), the summit will feature educational presentations, networking sessions and an exhibitor showroom showcasing developments in textile technology.
The programme will cover areas including color science and testing, wet processing and chemical compliance, haptics and comfort, artificial intelligence-driven applications, thermal evaluation, fibre and material innovation and sustainability.
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The event comes as textile manufacturers and brands face growing pressure to improve product performance while reducing environmental impacts across supply chains. AATCC said its 2026 programme is designed to connect technical expertise with real-world industry challenges.
Trade policy will also feature prominently, with international trade expert Nicole Bivens Collinson scheduled to deliver a keynote on the evolving global trade landscape and issues affecting textile professionals.
The summit will also recognise achievements across the textile sector, including the 2026 AATCC Student Faculty Advisor Award. Muhammad Dawood Husain of NED University of Engineering & Technology in Pakistan is scheduled to receive the award during the event.
The summit highlights the growing intersection of textile science, digital technologies, sustainability and global trade as the industry adapts to changing market requirements.