10 ways to enjoy FABTECH in September

FABTECH resumes and is in September this year.

Ahhh, September. The month when the sweltering summer heat begins to wane, trees begin their color show, orders start cranking up for the next year, and … FABTECH happens! Wait … isn’t FABTECH always in November?

This year—after many years of planning—FABTECH, the showcase event of the metal fabricating, stamping, welding, and finishing industries, will be held Sept. 13-16.

It will again be sited at McCormick Place. It will be the first B2B event to return to Chicago in 2021 as a live event since the COVID-19 pandemic disruption.

Metal stampers and fabricators are invited to attend for free (with advanced registration) to experience the technology and innovations demonstrated and exhibited there.

Why September?

The move forward harkens back to the expo’s original autumn timeframe when it was first launched and held at a smaller arena–the [formerly named] Rosemont Convention Center. In 1997, FABTECH outgrew it and relocated to McCormick Place. September and October dates at McCormick Place are highly coveted and were previously booked, according to FMA Senior Vice President Media & Expositions Mark Hoper. “There is a lot of competition for September dates.”

Hoper said that the event partners (FMA, SME, AWS, PMA, and CCAI) had long wanted to secure earlier dates at McCormick Place to accommodate the schedules of both exhibitors and attendees who wanted to veer away from Thanksgiving-through-winter-holiday season crunch times. “September 13 to 16 is a more desirable timeframe,” Hoper said. “The earlier dates allow exhibitors more time to follow up with and close leads from FABTECH, as well as to get equipment installed prior to the close of the year.”

Hoper pointed out that the more amiable weather is likely to enhance FABTECH-goers’ experiences because it allows for comfortable travel from hotels to the venue and to afterhours sites. It also opens opportunities for attendees to fan outdoors onto the arena’s landscaped decks. “Chicago is one of the nicest large cities in the world. September in Chicago is spectacular,” he said.

Hoper also commented that FABTECH’s being one of the 10 largest tradeshows in North America and the largest event held at McCormick Place in 2019 played a role in being able to secure September dates. Going forward, FABTECH will always be held in September in the alternating years that it is held in Chicago. In the alternating years when FABTECH rotates between Las Vegas and Atlanta, the show dates will remain in early November, Hoper said.

FABTECH Mask Restrictions

The state of Illinois moved into phase 5 of reopening on June 11 as COVID infections and hospitalizations fell, meaning that the state was fully open and most COVID-19 restrictions were lifted; however because a large percentage of Americans have not vaccinated and the Delta variant of the disease is more contagious and affecting younger people, the mask requirement has gone back into effect for large indoor gatherings. So nose and mouth coverings will again be required at FABTECH.

Don’t miss these exciting keynote presentations, held in the Lakeside Center: Adam Steltzner, leader and chief engineer, NASA Mars 2020 Mission, Rover Perseverance; David Ankin, CEO, ToyMakerz Inc.; and Adam Genei, owner, Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel Co. (Read more about these and other presentations on page 44 and at www.fabtechexpo.com/special-events.)

10 things you can now do because FABTECH is in September:

1. Attend coat-less and skip the coat check.

2. Walk to the show and area bars and restaurants without being wind-blown or snowed on.

3. Dine and take breaks outdoors on McCormick Place’s beautifully landscaped decks.

4. Experience Buckingham Fountain before the water is turned off in October.

5. Attend a Cubs v. Giants game right before the show opens on Sept. 10, 11, or 12.

6. Listen to free music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park on Thursday evening.

7. Ogle Artfest Michigan Avenue on Saturday and Sunday after the expo ends.

8. View the Chicago skyline from Skydeck Chicago while the view is clear.

9. Stroll along the Riverwalk on the south bank of the Chicago River.

10. Dip your toes in the Crown Fountain reflecting pool in Millennium Park. View Cloud Gate.

Got thoughts? I’d love to hear from you. kateb@thefabricator.com