Friday, October 14th

7:30 – 8:00 a.m.  Registration and continental breakfast

8:00 - 8:45 a.m.  Customer Service
Jill Argetsinger – The Nautical Needle
Without customers none of us would be in business. This presentation will talk about ways to provide excellent customer service so that you are guaranteed repeat customers and referrals.

9:00 - 10:30 a.m.  Patterning in the Digital Age
Charles Klein – Dorsal LLC
Staying up with the latest technology is important for the future of our trade. Learn 3D measuring and CNC cutting technology for a small canvas shop.

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  Pontoon Boats
Terry Davis – Amazing Canvas & Upholstery Shop
Your burning questions about pontoon boats will all be answered. An in-depth look at all aspects of custom marine canvas that is related to this specific type of boat.

12:00 - 12:45 p.m.  Lunch

1:00 p.m.  Leave hotel and travel to Firelands Canvas

1:30 - 2:30 p.m.  Upholstery
Cindy Boersema – The Nautical Needle
A hands-on demonstration on basic upholstery and how her company has grown by offering various upholstery standards and options.

2:45 - 4:00 p.m.  Rain Flaps
Al Sceiford, MFC – Al’s Auto Trim and Upholstery
Rain flaps are important to keep your customers dry when dealing with inclement weather. The presentation will focus on Mr. Sceiford’s tried and true techniques for fabricating rain flaps.

4:15 - 5:00 p.m.  Coaming Pad Clips
Dan Lesch, MFC – Lesch Boat Cover Co LLC
Eric Gibson – Lesch Boat Cover Co LLC
An overview of a variety of clips and installation methods for coaming pad attachment.

5:30 p.m.  Leave Firelands Canvas and travel to hotel

6:30 – 9:00 p.m.  Reception and dinner

Saturday, October 15th

7:30 – 8:00 a.m.  Registration and continental breakfast

8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  Fabric Discussion
Bev Kennedy – Bev’s Canvas Covers
Learn how to select the best fabric for your job. Suggestions on when and where to use the different types will be presented.

9:45 - 11:00 a.m.  Marine Fittings Update
Dan Lesch, MFC – Lesch Boat Cover Co LLC
This is a hands-on look at new fittings and hardware and their various applications for the marine canvas trade. Also an overview of significant fittings which make our jobs better and easier.

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.  Tools, Tips and Tricks
Steve Szenay, MFC – Ferrari Textiles Corporation
An interactive discussion on unique and clever ideas to make your jobs faster and easier. Attendees are encouraged to bring information to share.

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.  Lunch with supplier review

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.  Table-top exhibits
Suppliers and distributors will display their latest products and services.