INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and the American Filtration and Separations Society (AFS) have announced the program for the 2026 Advances in Filtration Technical Conference, taking place during FiltXPO™ 2026 on October 28–29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The conference will bring together filtration experts, technology developers, researchers and industry leaders to examine emerging technologies, market trends and applications shaping the future of filtration.
Filtration Technology and Market Trends in Focus
The two-day technical conference will address key developments across filtration, including advanced filter media, PFAS removal, artificial intelligence, data-center cooling, sustainability and changing market requirements.
The program features six sessions covering some of the industry’s most important technology and business challenges.
Filtering the Forecast: Markets, Tariffs & What’s Ahead
This session will examine market, trade and economic factors influencing the filtration industry. Discussions will cover nonwoven filter media supply and demand, tariffs, supply-chain challenges, strategic sourcing and future growth opportunities.
Air Apparent: The Next Generation of Filter Media
The session will explore advances in synthetic and nanofiber filtration media designed to improve filtration efficiency, reduce energy consumption and enhance sustainability. Innovative approaches to allergen control and expanded filter functionality will also be discussed.
PFAS: Filter It Out, Design It Out
With growing attention on PFAS contamination, this session will examine technologies for PFAS removal from water, contaminant-reduction approaches and the development of high-performance PFAS-free filtration media.
Filtration, Cooling and AI Data Centers
The rapid growth of AI and data centers is creating new requirements for cooling, water management and energy efficiency.
The conference will examine how filtration, water treatment, cooling technologies, predictive modelling and AI-enabled strategies can help data centers address increasing thermal, water and environmental challenges.
Smart Air: Better Filters, Better Outcomes
This session will focus on developments in air filtration and their potential impact on indoor environments. Topics include research into the potential cognitive benefits of HEPA filtration and next-generation nanofiber media for HVAC systems.
Next-Generation Filtration for a Changing Market
The final session will explore how filtration technologies are adapting to changing performance and sustainability requirements.
Topics will include lower-carbon fuel filter media, advanced molecular filtration solutions for cabin air and emerging fuel-cell applications.
Global Industry Experts to Participate
The conference program will feature speakers and experts from leading companies, research institutions and organizations, including AAF International, Ahlstrom, Cartwright Consulting Co., LLC, Devan Chemicals, Fusion Filtration Corporation, Gessner – a Mativ Brand, HIFYBER, Math2Market GmbH, Matregenix, NFT Purification Technology Inc., The Nonwovens Institute at NC State University, the University of Connecticut’s Public Health Sciences Department and WCC (Water Control Corporation).
Experts from INDA and AFS will also contribute to the technical program.
Conference to Take Place During FiltXPO 2026
The Advances in Filtration Technical Conference will be held alongside FiltXPO™ 2026, providing participants with an opportunity to combine technical learning with broader industry networking and technology exploration.
The event is expected to provide a platform for discussions around the future of filtration as manufacturers and end users respond to growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, advanced materials and intelligent technologies.
For conference information and registration, visit FiltXPO 2026.