The first annual Smart Fabrics Summit co-hosted by the United States Department of Commerce was held in Washington on Monday where the future of the American textile industry was put on display.

The event drew experts from throughout the American textile industry gathered to discuss the future of one of theworld’s emerging markets.

According to IFAI President and CEO Mary Hennessy said that the day was a huge success as some of the best minds in the industry gave them an exciting look at the future.

The American textile industry has been in the forefront of change for fifty years and smart fabrics are the next logical step, said Hennessy.

Hennessy also took part in a roundtable discussion moderated by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, and spoke about how smart fabrics will affect everyday life.

Topics of discussion included an IFAI market research overview, manufacturing smart garments, Federal government investment, intellectual property rights and industry standards, and the future of the industry.