In March 2008, the Industrial Fabrics Association International will publish its flagship magazine under a new name: the Specialty Fabrics Review.
The Specialty Fabrics Review, formerly known as the Industrial Fabric Products Review, debuts along with several reader-pleasing renovations, according to Susan Niemi, editorial director, IFAI.
"We've improved the organization and inside design to help readers navigate the magazine and find what they need," says Niemi.
The redesign includes an updated look and revised content, with a new focus on individuals who are making an impact in the specialty fabrics industry.
Many features will continue, including the valuable coverage of issues that affect readers' businesses, business best practices and methods, industry and market developments, new products, and news items.
The product categories in the specialty fabrics industry have grown as the industry has expanded. The industry that once focused on canvas products has transitioned to "technical" or "specialty" fabrics, as the market demand for high-performance materials has increased.
The Review has been published for 93 years under several names. The magazine launched in 1915 under the name National Tent & Awning Manufacturer's Review.
In 1936, the association changed the name to National Canvas Goods Manufacturer's Review. As IFAI continued to grow and expand to cover a broader range of specialty textiles applications, the title was shortened to Canvas Products Review in 1957.
IFAI added more and more diversity to its programs as the industry developed new products that used a great variety of fibers and fabric constructions.
In 1966, the magazine was renamed the Industrial Fabric Products Review to better reflect these industry changes. In each case, the magazine's new name reflected the changes manufacturers were making to their businesses and the new fabric technology of the industry.
"Each name change reflected a better capture of the magazine's editorial content. We think 'specialty fabrics' better defines our industry and the editorial content to the readers and advertisers," says Steve Warner, IFAI president.
