Our Sites

FABTECH Intl. & AWS Welding Show returns to Chicago

The 2007 FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, the largest North American showcase of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology, will return to McCormick Place in Chicago Nov. 11 to Nov. 14.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Miami; the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), Rockford, Ill.; and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Dearborn, Mich.; and supported by industry partner the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Washington, D.C., the show will cover 475,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and is expected to bring in about 25,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors from more than 75 countries. In addition to showcasing products and services, the event will provide opportunities for peer networking, problem-solving, and technology education.

The education sessions, led by more than 100 experts, will emphasize industry issues, trends, management, and developments in forming, fabricating, welding, and related technologies. The AWS will present in-depth conferences and seminars, RWMA resistance welding school, and a professional program showcasing new welding research and commercial developments. Topics include friction welding; hot wire welding and cladding; welding stainless steel; visual inspection; pricing and profitability; and arc welding.

The FMA and SME will offer 45 technical sessions—including 25 new sessions this year—focusing on management; operations and lean manufacturing; automation; cutting; lasers; fabricating and forming; materials and processes; stamping; and tube and pipe.

The show also will include a leadership summit addressing the skilled worker shortage in U.S. manufacturing; an executive forum breakfast with a presentation about finding growth opportunities in the global economy; free business improvement seminars; a laser cutting certificate program; a free end-user forum; an Innovation Theater with exhibitor-led product demonstrations; a job fair; and a professional welders competition.

Registration and additional information are available at www.fmafabtech.com.