2024 Symposium Recap

Video of 2024 1st Annual Rust Belt Fibershed Symposium by Kogent Studios.

"This movement is holy and sacred and heavenly.
It feels like how we are meant to be and create."

-Courtney McCrone, Cleveland

 
 

A Community Comes Alive

Our inaugural symposium brought together almost 600 textile enthusiasts, makers, and visionaries from across the country for a transformative weekend of connection, learning, and inspiration. This incredible community gathered to reimagine what's possible in our regional textile ecosystem.

What Made It Special

Inspiring Voices

  • 10 dynamic speakers from every corner of our fibershed

  • Farmers, mill operators, community project leaders, and textile innovators

  • Standing-room only presentations that left attendees "energized and uplifted"

Living Marketplace

  • 22 local vendors showcasing the vibrancy of our textile community

  • Over $8,800 in direct support to local makers in just 3 hours

  • 15 hands-on learning stations

Community in Action

  • 500+ pieces of quality clothing found new homes through our swap

  • Dozens of free mending and sewing tutorials

  • Connections forged between makers across five states

In Their Words

"It was one of the best symposiums I've ever attended. The messaging was clear, and the takeaways hit it out of the park."

  • Shailah Maynard, CEO Sew Valley

"Like I finally found the community I have been searching for over the past decade! I am already planning my road trip through the Rust Belt to visit some of the farms, businesses, and people I met."

  • Rebecca Harrison, Pittsburgh

"I feel a strength and validation in what I'm doing and in our 'place.' I have a better understanding of the functioning of this circular economy... I feel inspired to continue to network and problem solve and make things happen with my community."

  • Hannah Matthews, Cleveland

True to Our Values

  • Accessible pricing with scholarship options

  • Support for local businesses and sustainable practices

  • Deep commitment to community building

  • Celebration of regional makers and materials

Looking Ahead to 2025

After such an inspiring first year, we're thrilled to announce our 2025 symposium: "Outgrow the System: Enlivening our place through textiles." Join us as we build on this momentum and dive deeper into how our textile community can thrive.

Click here to Join the 2025 Symposium Waitlist

All of the photos on this page are courtesty of Kogent Studios