David Marek to focus on automotive design process and specifications to attendees at inaugural Conference in Baltimore

CARY, NC - August 25, 2010 - David W. Marek, currently the Chief Designer and Senior Manager of the Automotive Styling Group at Honda Research and Development–Americas, will highlight the impressive lineup of speakers at the inaugural Research, Innovation & Science for Engineered Fabrics (RISE) Conference, scheduled for September 20-23 in Baltimore, Maryland.

As one of the featured presenters at RISE, Marek will walk attendees through the automotive design process and explain where his design team gets its inspiration. Marek will also explore the technology advancements made in automotive design in recent years – and what is ahead in the not-too-distant future – including the use of engineered fabrics in automotive design.

The automotive interior market – long dominated by tricot and woven fabrics – is opening itself to engineered fabrics and Marek will discuss the performance characteristics of engineered fabrics used in automotive applications, ranging from wear and acoustics to recycled content that auto interior designers are sketching into in designs. Marek will also discuss the textile attributes designers desire from engineered fabrics.

“The addition of a true visionary such as David Marek certainly adds to the quality of the agenda at RISE,” says INDA President Rory Holmes. “His insight into the design process – and how it impacts our industry – will be a valuable resource for RISE attendees.”

Marek graduated with honors from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA in 1987, where he earned a BS degree in Industrial Design. He has been an instructor at the college since 1989 and has been instrumental in bringing numerous sponsored projects to the Transportation Department. He also serves on the Art Center Alumni Council.

Marek has been with Honda since 1987 and has served as project leader for such projects as the 1994 Accord Wagon and the 1997 Acura CL.

Marek uses his free time to create Automotive Fine Art and graphics for C.A.R.T. championship cars, including the Honda team graphics. He also operates FlatOut Design (flatoutdesign.com) with his partner Dan Patterson.

Organized by INDA, Association of the Engineered fabrics Fabrics Industry, RISE is designed to encourage innovation in all aspects of the development, production, marketing and sales of engineered fabrics and engineered fabrics. The target audience ranges from product managers and technical sales and marketing executives to product engineers, purchasing managers and research engineers at both consumer and industrial products companies.

For more information on the inaugural RISE Conference: www.inda.org.