Open your eyes at FABTECH

1/2-in. mild steel laser cut parts.
Photo courtesy of Barnes Metalcrafters.

NASA says a lunar eclipse happens twice a year, but some go unnoticed as they are barely visible. My dad and I were lucky enough to witness the recent lunar eclipse on the way to work the other day, and I must say that it was pretty cool.

FABTECH® happens once a year, and it is clearly visible, if you open your eyes. I’m telling you this because you, your company, and your career will benefit from what you can see.

Several years ago I attended my first FABTECH show, and I really didn’t know what to expect. I kept an open mind, and I was excited to be in Chicago—full of anticipation. The morning of the show we grabbed the shuttle bus to the convention center to begin our day. This would be the day that I truly opened my eyes to what is out there in the fabrication world.

I want you to know exactly how I felt that day, and this can happen only if you play the song “O Fortuna” from Carl Orff’s cantata “Carmina Burana.” If you know the song, you are probably smiling right about now. If you don’t, click the link, and then continue reading. I am smiling now with the hairs on my arms standing up.

We signed in at FABTECH, picked up our badges, and proceeded to the escalator to enter the “Show.” As I rose to the main floor, in my mind, “O Fortuna” was playing in the background. I was about to be exposed to everything great in the fabrication industry.

At the top of the escalator, my eyes opened just as wide as my smile. I call this place the “arena of awesomeness,” because that is what I think of FABTECH.

Pristine machines everywhere painted pictures of future products in my head. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning, full of complete excitement. There was so much to see! I think my jaw actually touched the floor a couple times when I saw equipment that I had never seen before.

I began to see ways to apply machines and tools to our current applications. Not to mention what I would benefit from knowing on future jobs. Opening my eyes and looking was all I had to do to kick-start my brain into future mode.

Everything I experienced had a positive effect on what I knew and who I was to my company’s growth. I would go on to interact with people who were engaged in their work, sharing experiences with me. Everyone was in a good mood because they were excited to share their product while developing potential relationships with companies.

Since that first show I attended in Chicago, I have been to a couple more and will be attending Nov. 11 - 13 in Atlanta. Every show I attend is a new experience that is always eye-opening.

Custom sign made for Weaver Parts.
Photo courtesy of Barnes Metalcrafters.

The owner of Barnes MetalCrafters, Tim Martin, who is also my dad, finds it very important to attend. He knows that staying up-to-date with technology and new product development helps our company grow. This year we are attending with four guys from our shop. We all have different backgrounds and different skills to contribute to our team.

Having a diverse group increases our chances of benefiting while visiting FABTECH. I may not see the forest through the trees on a particular product, while my co-worker may see a 10-minute savings on a repeat job. These types of interactions benefit our entire shop, progressively moving us forward.

This also is an opportunity to hang out with co-workers or family in a different environment from the everyday grindstone. Enjoying your time away from the shop and reviewing the day’s events can be pretty entertaining over a couple of evening drinks.

If you are thinking about attending FABTECH, I strongly encourage you to do so. Being engaged in this environment will greatly improve your foresight. Do what you can to make it there by talking to your boss and your co-workers. I promise you will learn something and see things that you have never seen before.

Make a list of must-see exhibits, because there are hundreds of things to see. It is easy to get sidetracked with all of the cool toys making noises.

Wear comfortable shoes and try to stand on the cushy carpet when looking at the awesome equipment.

Some booths give away some nice trinkets too. Just remember, if you pick it up, you have to carry it all day!

Take advantage of the presentations and speakers throughout the day. Rivet yourself to networking! Your next business partner or opportunity could be right in front of you. Open your eyes and learn something! (End “O Fortuna”)

Custom stainless steel reducer pipe flange.
Photo courtesy of Barnes Metalcrafters.