STRC President Don Alexander
Photo by Devin Steele
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Artificial intelligence may have dominated the conversation at the 62nd annual Southern Textile Research Conference (STRC), but the broader message emerging from the three-day event was even more significant: the future of textiles will be defined by the successful integration of materials, machines and intelligence.
Held May 17-19 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort, STRC 2026 brought together researchers, manufacturers, suppliers and technology developers to examine the forces reshaping the textile industry. The conference theme, “Integrating Materials, Machines, and Intelligence in Textiles,” was reflected throughout presentations covering artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, sustainable materials, fiber innovation, bleaching technologies and coloration advancements.
