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FABTECH 2014 brings top manufacturing leaders from around the globe to Atlanta

The depth and breadth of manufacturing’s reach into the U.S. and global economies were on display at the recent FABTECH® 2014 exposition and conference in Atlanta. FABTECH, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center, is the largest annual metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event in North America. Besides setting records for numbers of attendees, exhibitors, and floor space at a FABTECH Atlanta show, the event featured briefings by high-level speakers and timely industry panel discussions.

More than 30,250 attendees from over 70 countries attended FABTECH 2014. During the three-day expo, attendees visited 1,477 exhibitors to see live equipment demonstrations and new technologies. The exhibits covered more than 550,000 net sq. ft. Attendees also benefited from the FABTECH educational conference that included expert-led sessions on some of the hottest topics in manufacturing.

Manufacturers heard keynote presentations from senior executives at two FORTUNE 50® companies: Walmart and Google. A state-of-the-industry panel discussion led by executives at leading companies offered insights on the future of U.S. manufacturing.

In honor of Veterans Day, FABTECH forcued on military veterans during special events on Nov. 11. A briefing was held with five leaders of organizations dedicated to helping close the manufacturing skills gap by connecting veterans and National Guard members with manufacturers. One of the panelists, Steve Nowlan, president of the Atlanta-based Center for America and campaign director for American Jobs for American Heroes, published an op-ed titled “Employ our Veterans” on this important issue during the show.

FABTECH attendees and exhibitors also raised money through the FABTECH Expo Cares program to benefit Workshops for Warriors, an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training, certifying, and placing veterans in manufacturing careers. More than $10,000 has been donated, and contributions are still being accepted at www.fabtechexpo.com/fabtechexpocares.

One special networking opportunity at this year’s show was the Industry Night event held on Nov. 12 at the newly opened College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Nearly 1,000 attendees gathered to enjoy the fan experience and network with industry peers.