
Functional Fabric Fair 2027
Event Date
July 20–21, 2027
Location
New York, NY
Expected Exhibitors
155
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryFunctional Fabric Fair is the premier sourcing event in the United States dedicated to high-performance functional fabrics. Powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS®, it is the marketplace where apparel CEOs, designers and product development executives source the most current innovations in high performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories, with every exhibitor drawn from a carefully curated selection of fabric mills and branded technology companies presented in a sustainable, minimal-waste exhibition.
The Summer edition in New York is designed for professionals across the outdoor and performance sportswear sectors. It offers a unique opportunity to connect directly with 155+ leading suppliers, stay ahead of rapidly evolving material trends, and source sustainable fabrics. This edition gives attendees early access to the latest performance innovations for the 2027/2028 seasons, from advanced insulation and weatherproof technologies to next-gen stretch and breathability solutions.
Attendees can touch and test fabrics in person, meet vetted manufacturers, network with industry leaders, and close deals on site — making it a strategic stop for anyone building performance apparel collections.
Show Highlights
Key features of the Summer edition in New York include:
- Summer Spotlight — special focus on fabrics for outdoor activities, all weather gear, bodywear and shapewear and more.
- Expert Talks — inspiring sessions and panel discussions with industry leaders and innovators, offering insights into emerging trends, sustainable practices and the future of functional fabrics.
- Sustainable Sourcing — connect with qualified suppliers committed to ethical manufacturing and environmentally responsible materials.
The show supports a broad range of garment segments, including shapewear, sportswear, outdoor activewear, lifestyle wear, bodywear and rain gear. Top reasons to attend include sourcing cutting-edge textiles on site and closing deals at the event, hands-on testing to touch, feel, and test fabrics in person, and saving the thousands of dollars required to find, vet, and source fabrics by bringing it all under one roof.
Registration
Registration is handled through the show's official website. As of the most recent update, registration for the upcoming edition was not yet open; prospective attendees are invited to complete the pre-registration form to be notified when registration becomes available and to receive other communications. Interested visitors should use the "Pre-Register" option on the Functional Fabric Fair New York website to join the notification list.
History
Functional Fabric Fair is powered by PERFORMANCE DAYS® and is produced by RX (part of RELX). It positions itself as the premier marketplace in the United States for sourcing high performance functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories. The event runs as a seasonal series across the U.S.: a Spring edition at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, the Summer edition at the Javits Center in New York, a Fall edition in Portland, and a Winter edition at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Javits Center
429 11th Ave.
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is New York's largest exhibition venue, situated in the Hudson Yards neighborhood on Manhattan's West Side along the Hudson River. Originally opened in 1986 and designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei & Partners, the center has undergone significant expansion and renovation over the decades.
A $1.5 billion, 1.2 million-square-foot expansion, completed in 2021, brought the center's total event-related space to 3.3 million square feet. Key capacity highlights include:
- Approximately 850,000 square feet of exhibit space, with 500,000 square feet of continuous floor
- 200,000 square feet of meeting room and prefunction space
- A glass-enclosed pavilion and open-air terrace accommodating up to 1,500 guests
- A one-acre rooftop farm producing fresh produce for on-site kitchens
- A renovated food court and a touchless café (Fresh and Fast) on the North Concourse
The center has earned LEED Gold certification for its sustainability measures, including bird-friendly glass and the largest green roof in New York State. For NRF Big Show, the Expo spans multiple halls across three levels, with distinct zones for keynote sessions, exhibitor showcases, specialty pavilions, and food and networking areas. The venue is easily accessible by subway, bus, ferry, bike, and foot.
Parking
The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center does not have on-site parking. The closest off-site parking option is located at 511–519 West 37th Street, New York. Numerous additional parking lots and garages are available within walking distance of the convention center. Attendees are encouraged to reserve a spot in advance through apps such as SpotHero (spothero.com) or SpotAngels to guarantee availability during the busy show days. Nearby parking garage rates during major events can run up to $70 per day. Given the high demand and limited supply of parking in Midtown Manhattan during NRF Big Show, organizers and travel guides strongly recommend arriving by public transit or rideshare rather than driving.
Getting There
By Air: The New York metropolitan area is served by three major airports:
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Approximately 8 miles from the Javits Center; taxi rides average around $40 with travel times of 25–40 minutes.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Taxis charge a flat fare of $52 to Manhattan; travel time is typically 45 minutes to over an hour.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): Car or taxi service runs 40–60 minutes depending on traffic.
By Subway: The Javits Center is directly across the street from the 34th Street – Hudson Yards subway station, served by the 7 train. This is the most convenient transit option from Midtown and the broader subway network.
By Bus: MTA bus routes serving the Javits Center include the M34, M42, M50, M12, and M11. The M42 operates 24 hours a day.
By Train: Penn Station (Amtrak, NJ Transit, LIRR) and Port Authority Bus Terminal are both within easy reach, connecting regional travelers directly to the Midtown West area.
By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Midtown Manhattan. NRF has historically negotiated Lyft discount codes for registered attendees; check the official event website for any available offers. The Javits Center is also accessible by ferry and bike via Hudson River Park.
Nearby Hotels
NRF organizes an official hotel block for attendees, managed through OnPeak, with discounted rates and complimentary shuttle service to the venue for participating hotels located farther from the Javits Center. Book through the official event website to access these benefits. A selection of nearby options includes:
- Equinox Hotel New York — A luxury property just steps from the Javits Center in the heart of Hudson Yards; widely regarded as a premium choice for event attendees and business travelers.
- Pendry Manhattan West — A 5-star hotel approximately a 5-minute walk from Javits, offering spacious rooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, upscale dining, and signature service; rates begin around $650/night.
- Courtyard by Marriott – Hudson Yards / Midtown West — A well-regarded business hotel approximately a 7-minute walk from the convention center, with a fitness center, restaurant, and bar; rates start around $250/night.
- Four Points by Sheraton Manhattan Midtown West — Located approximately two blocks from the Javits Center in Hudson Yards, with 148 rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining; rates start around $200/night.
- YOTEL New York — A budget-friendly, tech-forward hotel within approximately 2,000 feet of the Javits Center.
- Hilton Garden Inn New York Times Square South — Located less than 0.6 miles from the Javits Center in the broader Midtown West area.
- Additional hotels at a wide range of price points are available throughout the Times Square and Midtown West corridor, many of which participate in the NRF official hotel block.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the next Functional Fabric Fair Summer edition?
The next Summer edition takes place July 20–21, 2027 at the Javits Center in New York City. Exhibit hall and Expert Talks hours run 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Wednesday.
Who should attend Functional Fabric Fair?
It is designed for apparel CEOs, designers, and product development executives, and for professionals across the outdoor and performance sportswear sectors. Attendees come to source functional fabrics, finishes, trims and accessories and to network with suppliers and industry leaders.
How many exhibitors take part?
The Summer edition connects attendees with more than 155 leading suppliers, all drawn from a curated selection of fabric mills and branded technology companies.
How do I register to attend?
Registration is handled through the official Functional Fabric Fair New York website. When registration is not yet open, visitors can complete the pre-registration form to be notified once it becomes available.
What makes Functional Fabric Fair worth attending?
The event lets you source cutting-edge textiles on site, test fabrics hands-on, and meet vetted, sustainability-focused manufacturers under one roof. It also offers Expert Talks and a Summer Spotlight on segments like outdoor activities, all-weather gear, bodywear and shapewear.
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