Suitcasing Policy

Advanced Textiles Expo’s Zero-Tolerance Suitcasing Policy

 

Advanced Textiles Expo is committed to delivering value for exhibitors and maintaining a fair, professional business environment for all participants. To protect the investment made by exhibiting companies, Advanced Textiles Expo maintains a zero-tolerance suitcasing policy.

Policy Statement
Any non-exhibiting attendee promoting, selling, or soliciting business while representing a company is in violation of this policy.

For additional context on this policy and the ATA Board of Directors’ position on protecting the investment exhibitors make in Expo, see the letter from the Board Chair and Board of Directors: ATA Board Message: Protecting Exhibitor Value at Expo.

What is Suitcasing?

Suitcasing is the practice of attending a trade show as a non-exhibitor while promoting, selling, or soliciting business without purchasing an official exhibit space. It typically involves suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, partners, or former exhibitors attempting to leverage the event’s audience and commercial opportunities without exhibiting.

This policy applies throughout all Advanced Textiles Expo-affiliated locations, including but not limited to, the show floor, public spaces, events, restaurants, and hotels.

 

Non-Exhibiting Suppliers & Distributors

Effective for Advanced Textiles Expo 2026, non-exhibiting suppliers and distributors may access the show floor by registering at a rate of $1,500 per attendee.

Registration in this category permits attendance, networking, educational participation, market research, and meetings with existing customers. It does not permit exhibiting, promoting, selling, marketing, or soliciting products or services. Suitcasing is prohibited regardless of registration type or fee paid.

Non-exhibiting suppliers & distributors may:

• Attend educational sessions and networking events
• Walk the show floor to observe industry trends and innovations
• Meet with existing customers and industry contacts
   

Examples of suitcasing (not allowed):

• Soliciting new business on the show floor or at Expo-affiliated venues
• Distributing marketing materials to generate sales leads
• Conducting meetings, promotions, or presentations in Expo-affiliated spaces
• Attempting to secure customers, sales opportunities, or commercial relationships

Why This Policy Exists

Exhibitors invest in participating in Advanced Textiles Expo. Unauthorized selling undermines exhibitor value and diminishes the integrity of the event.

The ATA Board of Directors is committed to ensuring that all companies participate under the same standards and that Advanced Textiles Expo remains a valuable resource for the industry.

Enforcement

Show Management will actively monitor and address all suitcasing concerns before and during the event.

Attendees found in violation of this policy may be removed from the event without refund and may be subject to additional penalties at the discretion of Show Management, including restrictions on future participation and loss of exhibiting priority points.

Reporting Violations

To report suspected suitcasing, please contact Show Management at events@textiles.org.