Where Craftsmanship, Education, and Community Come Together
The Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators Association (CMCFA) is a professional trade organization dedicated to advancing the marine canvas and upholstery industry. We bring together skilled fabricators, suppliers, and industry partners to promote craftsmanship, education, and high standards—while connecting customers with trusted professionals they can rely on.
Video canvas and upholstery by Charlton's Marine Canvas, CMCFA Member.
Where Craftsmanship, Education, and Community Come Together
The Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators Association (CMCFA) is a professional trade organization dedicated to advancing the marine canvas and upholstery industry. We bring together skilled fabricators, suppliers, and industry partners to promote craftsmanship, education, and high standards—while connecting customers with trusted professionals they can rely on.
Video canvas and upholstery by Charlton's Marine Canvas, CMCFA Member.
40
Years serving fabricators
120+
Member shops
11+
States
40th
Annual Conference
February 2027
Annual CMCFA Conference
Three days of hands-on learning, connection, and craftsmanship
The CMCFA Annual Conference is a three-day, education-focused event designed specifically for marine canvas and upholstery professionals. This is where fabricators come together to learn the trade from experienced, hands-on fabricators who generously share their knowledge to help others grow their skills and improve their work.
From technical canvas and upholstery seminars to meet-and-greet networking and supplier connections, the conference is packed with real-world education you can apply directly to your business.
What fabricators gain from attending:
In-depth canvas and upholstery seminars
Hands-on instruction from experienced fabricators
Opportunities to learn new techniques and best practices
Meet-and-greet sessions with fellow professionals
Direct access to industry suppliers and resources
Practical knowledge to help improve skills, efficiency, and quality
The 40th Annual CMCFA Conference
February 18th - 20th, 2027
Speical Digital Day February 17th
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Cambridge, MD
Annual CMCFA Conference
Three days of hands-on learning, connection, and craftsmanship
The CMCFA Annual Conference is a three-day, education-focused event designed specifically for marine canvas and upholstery professionals. This is where fabricators come together to learn the trade from experienced, hands-on fabricators who generously share their knowledge to help others grow their skills and improve their work.
From technical canvas and upholstery seminars to meet-and-greet networking and supplier connections, the conference is packed with real-world education you can apply directly to your business.
What fabricators gain from attending:
In-depth canvas and upholstery seminars
Hands-on instruction from experienced fabricators
Opportunities to learn new techniques and best practices
Meet-and-greet sessions with fellow professionals
Direct access to industry suppliers and resources
Practical knowledge to help improve skills, efficiency, and quality
The 40th Annual CMCFA Conference
February 18th - 20th, 2027
Speical Digital Day February 17th
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Cambridge, MD
How Do I Become a CMCFA Member?
Join a community committed to craftsmanship, education, and industry standards
Joining CMCFA is open to marine canvas professionals and related trades who are committed to quality workmanship and industry standards. As a non-profit trade association, our focus is on supporting skilled fabricators through education, connection, and community.
Hands-on Education
Seminars led by award-winning fabricators who love this trade and want the next shop to be as good as theirs.
A Real Network
Call, email, or ask our members answer. Some will drive to your shop and work through the problem with you.
The Conference
Hotel, meals, all seminars, attendee-only seminar videos, and Market Day to meet our suppliers and ask them anything.
Referrals
Listed in the public fabricator directory and in both magazines.
How Do I Become a CMCFA Member?
Join a community committed to craftsmanship, education, and industry standards
Joining CMCFA is open to marine canvas professionals and related trades who are committed to quality workmanship and industry standards. As a non-profit trade association, our focus is on supporting skilled fabricators through education, connection, and community.
Hands-on Education
Seminars led by award-winning fabricators who love this trade and want the next shop to be as good as theirs.
A Real Network
Call, email, or ask our members answer. Some will drive to your shop and work through the problem with you.
The Conference
Hotel, meals, all seminars, attendee-only seminar videos, and Market Day to meet our suppliers and ask them anything.
Referrals
Listed in the public fabricator directory and in both magazines.
Find a CMCFA Fabricator
Connect with skilled professionals you can trust
Looking for a marine canvas, auto upholstery, or awning professional? Our member directory connects you with experienced fabricators who've committed to quality craftsmanship and industry standards — and who keep sharpening their skills through our training and annual conference.
Whether your project is on the water or on land, CMCFA members are professionals who take pride in their work. You'll find them from New England to the Carolinas and inland, with deep roots around the Chesapeake.
Find a CMCFA Fabricator
Connect with skilled professionals you can trust
Looking for a marine canvas, auto upholstery, or awning professional? Our member directory connects you with experienced fabricators who've committed to quality craftsmanship and industry standards — and who keep sharpening their skills through our training and annual conference.
Whether your project is on the water or on land, CMCFA members are professionals who take pride in their work. You'll find them from New England to the Carolinas and inland, with deep roots around the Chesapeake.
The Questions
We Get Most
Thinking about joining, or just want to know how CMCFA works? These are the questions we hear most from fabricators and shop owners. If yours isn't here, email us at [email protected] or call (443) 569-2017 — a real person will get back to you.
1. Who can join CMCFA?
Chesapeake Marine Canvas Fabricators Association welcomes professionals in the marine canvas and upholstery industry, as well as auto upholstery and awning businesses that share a commitment to quality craftsmanship and industry standards. Membership is open to any registered marine, auto, and/or awning business wanting to learn.
To become a member, your business must be federally registered. New members are required to provide proof of federal business registration during the application process.
2. What does membership cost?
$125 your first year, $100 to renew every July. That covers every owner and employee at your business, and there's no parent organization to join first.
CMCFA accepts all major credit cards, ACH and PayPal. Payments can be made securely through our website when you apply for new membership.
3. When does my membership expire?
CMCFA memberships run for one year July thru June.
Members will receive a reminder email with a renewal link as the expiration date approaches.
4. Do I have to be a member to attend the conference?
Yes. Registration is separate from your dues and priced at cost — we don't profit from the conference.
5. What are the benefits of joining CMCFA?
CMCFA membership is designed to support your skills, your business, and the industry as a whole.
Membership benefits include:
Networking opportunities with fellow fabricators and industry professionals
Educational resources, including training sessions, workshops, seminars, and member-only videos
Access to the member portal with industry tools and resources
Business growth support through marketing exposure, referrals, and industry advocacy
Community & collaboration through our private Facebook group, where members share ideas, challenges, and solutions
These benefits help members improve their skills, strengthen their businesses, and stay competitive in the marine canvas, auto upholstery, and awning industries.
The Work Our Members Do
Built by hand across the Chesapeake and beyond
Click any photo to see the member who built it.
Proudly Supported by Our Industry Partners
We’re grateful for the suppliers and industry partners who support CMCFA and help strengthen the
marine canvas, auto upholstery, and awning industries.
Ready to Join Us?
Whether you're a fabricator looking to grow or a boat owner
looking for the right shop, start here.
