The semi-annual IAB meeting is where NWI’s member companies gather with faculty and student researchers to review the latest results from the consortium’s portfolio of industry-identified nonwovens research projects. This is an opportunity for member companies, government agencies, faculty and students to engage around some of the fundamental challenges facing the nonwovens industry today. The IAB meeting will feature the presentation of the latest findings from NWI’s pre-competitive nonwovens research portfolio, along with poster sessions, tours of NWI’s state-of-the-art pilot- and lab-scale nonwoven production and testing facilities, and a variety of networking events.

5 Reasons to Attend the IAB

1. Review the latest findings from NWI’s industry-identified research portfolio.
2. Network with leaders in the nonwovens industry.
3. Help shape the consortium’s research project portfolio as it evolves.
4. Connect with top talent in nonwovens subject matter areas to support your company’s recruiting initiatives.
5. Gain a better understanding of the fundamental challenges facing the nonwovens industry today and as we look toward the future.

IAB Schedule: May 5-6, 2026

May 5

• IAB Introductions and NWI Student Awards Ceremony: 8:00–9:00 am
  • The meeting will kick off with attendee introductions and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding presentations from the Spring 2025 IAB meeting.

• IAB Student Research Presentations: 9:00 am–noon
  • NWI student researchers present their latest findings. Ample time will be provided to allow attendees to evaluate each presentation, ensuring the projects receive necessary feedback and are well prepared for next steps. 

• IAB Member Introductions: noon–1:30 pm (Convocation Center, Wilson College of Textiles)
  • Several NWI member companies will present on their capabilities as they relate to nonwovens, providing attendees an opportunity to learn about their fellow members.

• IAB Student Research Presentations (Cont’d):  1:30pm–4:30 pm
  • The research project presentations continue through the first half of Wednesday November 12.

• IAB Faculty Proposal Pitch and Poster Session: 5:00–6:00 pm (The Clubhouse at Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State’s Centennial Campus)
  • NWI principal investigators (PIs) will pitch prospective new projects in poster format – an excellent way to learn more about the projects that will be presented to the consortium for future funding.

• IAB Networking Reception / Retirement Celebration: 6:00–8:30 pm (The Clubhouse at Lonnie Poole Golf Course on NC State’s Centennial Campus)
  • This is the IAB meeting’s premier networking event, where attendees will gather to engage in conversation while enjoying drinks, hors d’oeuvres and wonderful views of the university golf course and Raleigh skyline. 

May 6

• IAB Student Research Presentations (Cont’d) : 8:00–11:30 am
  • The research project presentations continue through the first half of Wednesday November 12.

• IAB Student Poster Session: 11:30 am–1:30 pm
  • Upon conclusion of the research project presentations, students will present posters highlighting their work. Take this time to interact directly with the students and learn more about the projects that have been presented during the meeting. New NWI student researchers will also be presenting posters, so attendees can learn about upcoming projects as well. 

• IAB Research Project Review/NWI Business Update: 1:30–4:30 pm
  • The Research Project Review session is perhaps the most important element of the meeting, as this is where NWI members will discuss the projects that have been presented and finalize evaluations. This candid forum is critical to ensuring the projects are evolving in an optimal way. The results of this discussion will also determine the NWI Student Awards for Best Technical, Best Presentation and Best Overall. 
  • Following the project review, NWI Leadership and Staff will provide an update on the institute’s recent activities and business operations.

• NWI Pilot and Lab Facility Tour: 4:45–5:30 pm (NWI Labs)
  • The IAB meeting concludes with a tour of NWI’s state-of-the-art fabrication and testing labs. The tour will cover NWI’s large pilot-scale Meltblown, Spunbond and Staple labs, as well as the Fiber and Polymer Science, Analytical and Physical Testing and Filtration Testing labs. If you have a specific technology platform or test method you would like to discuss during your time at the IAB meeting, please email us at nonwovens@ncsu.edu. We will be happy to customize a tour focused on your specific areas of interest.

• Emeritus Event 5:30-8:30 pm (NCSU Teaching Kitchen – Carmichael Gymnasium on the North Campus)
  • By invitation only event for the Institute’s Emeritus Members who provide services and expertise in particular areas of need on a volunteer basis.  

Attendance is limited to NWI members, faculty, staff and students.  If you are a current NWI member and would like to register or need additional information,  please contact Jimei Wang at jwang41@ncsu.edu or +1 919-515-6582.

To learn more about this and other NWI membership benefits?  https://thenonwovensinstitute.com/for-industry/#membership