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MAIN EDUCATION TRACKS

MASTER INTERIORS

FOCUSED ON INTERIOR TRIMMING & UPHOLSTERY TECHNIQUES

FRIDAY, MARCH 21st - SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd

MASTER INTERIORS: SESSION 1

8:00am - 9:15am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st - SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

Modern Upholstery Design:

Shop Talk With Industry Experts

Panel Format:

Join five of the industry’s leading experts for a dynamic and interactive panel discussion on designing modern hot rod interiors, hosted by Mal Maher. This engaging session brings together the creative minds behind some of the most striking custom automotive interiors to share their insights, techniques, and design philosophies.


Expert Panel:

Host: Mal Maher – Host of the NC Carpet Shop Talk Podcast


Panelists:

  • Jeremy Katz
  • Phil Cato
  • Chris Pate
  • Justin Marks
  • Charles Brazil
A collage of four men with one wearing a red shirt
Course Description:

Dive into the world of high-end custom interiors with a live panel featuring five seasoned experts who have mastered the art of designing for luxury clients and six-figure builds. This session provides an exclusive opportunity to explore the creative and technical processes behind crafting extraordinary automotive interiors. Gain actionable insights, practical strategies, and inspiration to elevate your work to new levels of creativity and sophistication.


What You Will Learn:
  • Collaborative Insights: Hear the panelists discuss their design ideation processes, share behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal how they overcome challenges to deliver stunning results.
  • Client-Centric Design: Discover proven strategies for attracting and working with high-end clients who value bespoke craftsmanship and are willing to invest in premium interiors.
  • Innovative Solutions: Learn how to balance bold creativity with practical functionality to create interiors that are both beautiful and durable.
  • Portfolio Building: Get expert tips on showcasing your skills, building your brand, and elevating your reputation in the competitive world of custom automotive interiors.


Bonus:

Don’t miss out on free giveaways and exciting prizes every 15 minutes during this must-see session!

This panel is a must-attend for anyone looking to refine their design approach, break into the luxury market, or expand their understanding of modern hot rod interiors.

MASTER INTERIORS: SESSION 2

9:30am - 10:45am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st - SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

MasterTech Seat Building Course: From Concept to Completion

Seat Building Course: Part 1 – Foundations & Techniques

Instructors: Phil Cato & Wes Cato


MasterTech Seat Building Course: From Concept to Completion
Join us for an immersive seat-building training taught by the industry's top automotive upholsterers. This course takes you through the entire process—from initial ideation to a finished custom seat—equipping you with the skills and techniques needed to elevate your craftsmanship. Gain expertise in foam shaping, seat cover design, and advanced upholstery techniques while working with premium materials from leading industry brands. Whether you're a professional fabricator or an enthusiast looking to refine your skills, this course delivers real-world knowledge in a dynamic and interactive environment.


Seat Building Course: Part 1 – Foundations & Techniques

The first session of the Seat Building Course sets the groundwork for mastering the art of custom seating. The course begins with an overview of safety protocols, followed by an introduction to the principles of seat design and foam shaping. Participants will learn key techniques in sculpting seat structures for both comfort and aesthetics. The course then shifts to an in-depth look at seat cover construction, exploring material selection, patterning, and fundamental stitching methods.


What You Will Learn:

  • Understanding seat design principles and ergonomics
  • Foam selection, shaping, and sculpting techniques
  • Essential tools and materials for seat fabrication
  • Fundamentals of pattern making for seat covers
  • Introduction to stitching techniques and seam construction
A collage of photos of a man standing next to a car.
A collage of four pictures of different types of seats.
A room with a shelf full of hats and a chair.
A close up of a bumper on a car in a garage.
There are many different types of leather hanging on the wall in this room.
A room with a bunch of towels hanging on a wall.
A computer monitor is sitting on a desk with a drawing on it.

MASTER INTERIORS:  SESSION 3

11:00am - 12:15pm / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st - SATURDAY, MARCH 22nd

MasterTech Seat Building Course: From Concept to Completion

Seat Building Course: Part 2 – Finishing & Completion

Instructors: Phil Cato & Wes Cato


Seat Building Course: Part 2 – Finishing & Completion

The second session focuses on refining your craftsmanship and bringing your custom seat to life. Learn advanced pattern making and precision seat cover application, ensuring a seamless and professional fit. Discover essential finishing techniques, learn how to perfect seams, enhance durability, and add aesthetic detailing. Final assembly and completion of each custom seat will be covered. With expert guidance, industry insights, and the use of top-tier materials, this session ensures that attendees leave with the expertise needed to execute high-quality upholstery work in their own projects—whether you're looking to refine your skills or take your custom builds to the next level.


What You Will Learn:

  • Advanced pattern making and precision seat cover application
  • Techniques for achieving a professional fit and finish
  • Seam reinforcement and durability enhancements
  • Fine-tuning details for aesthetics and performance
  • Final assembly and installation of custom seats
  • Best practices for working with premium materials
The back seat of a car with the trunk open.
A close up of the dashboard of a rivian car.
A close up of a car door with the door open.
The interior of a car with mountains in the background.
The interior of a car with a lot of seats and a sunroof.

MASTER INTERIORS:  SESSION 4

4:30pm - 5:45am / FRIDAY, MARCH 21st

8:30am - 9:45am / SUNDAY, MARCH 23rd

Automotive Upholstery Techniques: Top Five Tricks for 2025

Instructors: Anthony Medina & Chris Rawlins


Course Description:

Step into the future of automotive upholstery with this forward-thinking session designed to revolutionize your skillset. Whether you're a seasoned upholsterer or new to the craft, this course will empower you with cutting-edge techniques to elevate your projects.


Discover innovative approaches to seamlessly hide salvage seams on both hard and soft surfaces, ensuring your work remains sleek and professional. Master three essential material seaming techniques, incorporating modern top stitching (single and double), pattern-making finesse, and precision routing with closed-cell foam.


Learn how to create striking, blended designs by integrating aluminum inserts with flawless top stitching, achieving an unparalleled level of craftsmanship.


This session is your opportunity to explore the trends shaping the industry and bring modern sophistication to your automotive upholstery projects. Join us to gain practical insights and skills that will set you apart in 2025 and beyond.


What You Will Learn: 
  • Seamless salvage seam hiding techniques.
  • Essential material seaming and top stitching examples.
  • Advanced pattern making and foam routing skills.
  • Expert integration of aluminum inserts with top stitching.


Don't miss your chance to stay ahead of the curve—register today and redefine your upholstery potential!

Two men are working on a piece of leather on a table.
A close up of a speaker on the side of a car.
A man is sitting at a table using a sewing machine.
A close up of a red and black door panel on a car.
A man is using a sewing machine in a factory.
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