A guide to FABTECH 2023 in Chicago

It is North America’s largest event for all things metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. And every other year, it calls Chicago and McCormick Place home.

FABTECH is just bigger in Chicago.

The north, south, and east (Lakeside Center) buildings of McCormick Place—North America’s largest convention center—will have about 1,600 exhibitors from around the world showcasing the latest in products and technology.

The FABTECH 2022 trade show in Atlanta brought in nearly 30,000 people. FABTECH 2023 in Chicago, Sept. 11-14, is anticipating 45,000 attendees.

The exhibiting companies will unveil between 500 and 600 new products on the show floor. Only here will attendees get a chance to see all this new technology in a matter of hours or days.

“If there’s one piece of advice I have, if you plan on spending one day [at FABTECH], I’d suggest spending two days there,” said Mark Hoper, senior vice president of media and expositions for Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), a FABTECH event partner.

Meanwhile, 180-plus educational conference sessions and workshops will be available to attendees. This year's 15 technology tracks include topics like robotics, automation, welding, smart manufacturing, job shop, and workforce development.

If new products, educational workshops, and walking the show floor aren’t enough for you, don’t forget about this year’s lineup of special events, which includes panel discussions with industry experts, the Women of FABTECH breakfast, 2023 State of Manufacturing, and keynote speakers that include pro golfer and PGA Tour announcer David Feherty.

Exhibitors raved about FABTECH 2022 in Atlanta, which was a return to form following a 2021 show still hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. FABTECH 2023 will continue that momentum, once again offering attendees a chance to network and connect with fellow shop owners, manufacturers, vendors, fabricators, and others in one of America’s greatest cities.

See you in the Windy City.

SHOW DETAILS

When

Monday, Sept. 11: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 14: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where

McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Dr., Chicago, IL 60616

Registration/Admission

Register by Sept. 8 to receive free show floor admission.

The registration fee will be $50 after Sept. 8 and on-site.

HELPFUL TOOLS

Visit fabtechexpo.com for more information on exhibiting companies, conference offerings, and floor plans. Closer to the show, download the FABTECH mobile app to:

• Stay organized with up-to-the-minute exhibitor, speaker, and event information.
• Sync the app across all your devices.
• Receive important real-time communications from FABTECH.
• Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors.
• Locate exhibitors on the venue maps and use the quick list for best path routing.
• Find attendees and connect with colleagues.
• Stay in-the-know and join the conversation using the social media icon.
• Share event photos and experiences with the photo gallery.
• Find local places in Chicago.

TRANSPORTATION AND LODGING

The official hotel provider for FABTECH 2023 is onPeak. Book through this service to secure discounted rates at a selection of Chicago hotels with flexible change and cancellation policies.

It is recommended you book early to receive the best selection and price. Visit fabtechexpo.com/hotel-travel for more details.

Those who book hotel rooms through onPeak will receive complimentary shuttle service to and from McCormick Place.

Be advised that other, unauthorized hotel resellers are not endorsed by or affiliated with FABTECH, and reservations through these resellers are at your own risk.

FABTECH has partnered with Delta Airlines to provide special discounts on some flights to and from Chicago Sept. 8-17.

Book your flight online or call the Delta Meeting Network at 800-328-1111 and refer to meeting event code NY22H. Not all fares are eligible for a discount.

Please visit mccormickplace.com/getting-here/ for McCormick Place driving directions, parking locations, and public transportation information.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR FABTECH?

FABTECH returns to the South next fall when the show descends upon Orlando, Fla., Oct. 15-17, 2024.

Internationally, FABTECH returns to Monterrey, Mexico with FABTECH Mexico, May 7-9, 2024. Meanwhile, FABTECH Canada is scheduled for June 11-13, 2024, in Toronto.

SPECIAL EVENTS

All special events are free and open to all attendees unless otherwise noted. The lineup for this year’s show includes:

MONDAY, SEPT. 11

8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Keynote: FABx Tech Talks

This year’s speakers are visionary leaders who are driving manufacturing forward. They will share insights on the latest innovative trends and technologies that are improving the metal fabrication industry and how to transform your leadership to drive results.

Presenters are Carol Reiley, serial entrepreneur and AI roboticist; Slade Gardner, president, Big Metal Additive; Ben Wald, founder, Very LLC; Laszlo Gonc, founder/CEO, Next Era Transformation Group; and Joanna Cooper, general manager, Mount Holly Daimler Truck North America.

12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Leadership Exchange—Advanced Manufacturing: Trends and Technologies Changing the Future of Metal Fabrication

It’s more important than ever for manufacturing companies to focus on and embrace new trends and technologies to keep up with customer demands and stay competitive.

The FABx keynote speakers will gather for a panel discussion, sharing the latest innovations in technology shaping the future of the fabrication industry.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 12

7:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Women of FABTECH Breakfast—How Did I Get Here? My Pathway to Manufacturing

Price: $40

Representing a variety of manufacturing roles within the primary FABTECH industries, our panelists and moderator will share their personal career stories in this interactive session, which will include a Q&A session. Learn from the experience of others as they reveal what led them to manufacturing, challenges they faced, successes, tips, and more.

Speakers are Teresa Beach-Shelow, owner, Superior Joining Technologies Inc.; Amanda Reel, training engineer, TRUMPF Inc.; Maryha Osheaski, vice president of sales, IFS Coatings; Lisa Habe, president and chairman of the board, Interlake Industries Inc.; and Karen Gilgenbach, zone vice president, Matheson.

8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Keynote: A Nasty Bit of Rough with David Feherty

Hilarious and outspoken, pro golfer and PGA Tour announcer David Feherty brings joy and smiles to audiences across the country. In addition to being golf’s most in-demand commentator and analyst, Feherty is one of the strongest advocates for U.S. troops in the line of duty and when they return home. Feherty will bring his sharp wit and colorful personality to FABTECH 2023, sharing great life stories and behind-the-scenes moments from life on the PGA Tour.

12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Leadership Exchange—Building the Future Workforce

With the nature of work changing so fast, transforming your workforce is necessary to ensure that advanced manufacturing and innovation supports technological competitiveness and drives product and process improvements. This requires a highly skilled workforce. The manufacturing industry faces challenges not only from skills gaps but also a shrinking workforce. This panel of experts will share key takeaways industry leaders can develop to secure future opportunities.

Panelists are Jeannine Kunz, chief workforce development officer, SME; Connie King, director of workforce development, PMA; Edward Dernulc, director-foundation, FMA; Monica Pfarr, executive director, AWS Foundation; and Lara Threet, program coordinator and instructor, industrial technology, Mississippi State University.

5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m.

Industry Night

Connect with industry colleagues and make new friends at the FABTECH Industry Night Party at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center. The event includes food, drinks, entertainment, and more. We expect this event to sell out so get your tickets early!

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 13

8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Keynote: Digital Leadership—The 5 Simple Habits of Digital Leaders

Leaders in this digital decade are made, not born. The key is understanding the balance of offline and online. Using profound and practical research, technology and digital leadership expert Erik Qualman showcases the five habits that drive success and happiness for employees, partners, and customers in a Wi-Fi world. Qualman—author of six bestselling books, including “Socialnomics”—reveals new techniques like Posting-It-Forward and Being FLAWsome to positively impact and transform your company.

12:30 p.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Leadership Exchange—Advancing Robotics in the Fabrication Metal Industry

Modern robotic technology is already contributing to higher-quality products and shorter turnaround times in every sector, performing a wide range of human activities with accuracy. These robots are proving to be effective and less prone to errors, require less downtime, and be more cost-effective. Robotic trends such as artificial intelligence integration and rapid design have intensified and have added to an increased demand for manufacturing robots. This panel of experts will share how robotics is advancing the fabrication world in metals.

Panelists are Aaron Prather, director, robotics and autonomous systems, ASTM Intl.; Edward Mehr, co-founder/CEO, Machina Labs; Gijs Van Der Velden, CEO, MX3D; Arnold Kravitz, CEO, Blueforge Alliance; and Chuck Brandt, vice president, technical initiatives, ARM Institute.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 14

8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.

Panel Discussion: State of Manufacturing 2023

The manufacturing industry faces new opportunities, challenges, and trends each year, captured in Fictiv’s annual State of Manufacturing survey of industry leaders. Join Fictiv CEO Dave Evans and a select panel of industry experts as they unpack and discuss the survey findings and share insights on key trends impacting the manufacturing industry this year to help you navigate 2023 and beyond.

• Discover insights from leaders on key trends in the manufacturing industry this year.
• Examine new avenues of global supply chain diversification.
• Learn how to boost productivity in the face of engineering workforce shortfalls.
• Explore artificial intelligence and its impact on manufacturing.
• Consider the merits of sustainability in manufacturing and digital manufacturing implementation.

Panelists are Joanne Moretti, CRO, Fictiv; Dave Evans, co-founder/CEO, Fictiv; Scot Lindemann, CEO, Mission Design & Automation; Sabrina Paseman, general partner, Omni Venture Labs; and Jean Olivieri, COO, Fictiv.

10 a.m.- 11 a.m.

Panel Discussion: Leadership Exchange—Financing Business: Sources of Funding for Business Owners

Growing a business requires developing new products, technologies, and systems. This growth is vital to the success not only of an individual company, but of the overall economy, which needs innovation to continue growing. Manufacturing is a cash-intensive sector. Businesses need to purchase inventory and expensive equipment, and they often have a lot of capital tied up in these assets. The first step is to look for government funding, nonrepayable grants, and low-cost loans. This panel of experts will share takeaway information to benefit your organization.

Speakers are Micki Vandeloo, president, Lakeview Consulting Inc.; John Madsen, vice president, manufacturing practice leader, Black Line Group; and Mike Devereux, CPA, CMP, Wipfli.