FABTECH 2018 a success with strong attendance In Atlanta

FABTECH® 2018, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, welcomed more than 1,500 exhibiting companies and a total of 33,755 attendees from 75 countries to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center Nov. 6-8 to celebrate manufacturing at its best.

With more than 650,000 net sq. ft. of exhibit space, FABTECH offered visitors the chance to network, learn, and explore three exhibit halls full of new products, technology, and the latest manufacturing innovations. The event showcased several emerging technologies, including additive manufacturing, automation systems, and advanced fiber laser cutting machines. Attendees experienced hands-on product demonstrations and gained expert insight into current and future manufacturing trends.

“FABTECH 2018 was a successful one—there was a palpable energy radiating in and around the show floor and the education sessions,” said John Catalano, SME senior director, FABTECH. “The week was full of excitement and enthusiasm, and the introduction of leading-edge technology showed manufacturers there is a lot to be optimistic about in the year ahead. We were thrilled with the high turnout in Atlanta and hope that everyone that participated in FABTECH 2018 left feeling inspired by the ideas, insights, and new connections made at the show.”

Education continues to be a cornerstone of FABTECH, with an extensive lineup offered of more than 130 expert-led presentations and sessions covering the latest and best practices in the metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing industries. The most popular education tracks focused on automation, robotics, cutting and lasers, welding fabrication, lean, and workforce development.

Attendees learned solutions to make their businesses more productive and profitable.

New show floor features also gave attendees a glimpse into the technologies driving the future of the industry. The Smart Manufacturing Hub featured displays and daily presentations on advanced manufacturing technologies including automation, IoT, and 3D printing. An expanded 3D/Additive Manufacturing Pavilion introduced an Ask the Experts Knowledge Bar, which hosted small group sessions designed to provide answers to specific 3D/additive manufacturing challenges.

A variety of special events took center stage as well, including the popular FABx Tech Talks opening session, an inspirational keynote from NASCAR icon Kyle Petty, and an eye-opening panel discussion on the next generation entering the workforce. Recordings of the keynotes and panel discussions are available for purchase at www.fabtechexpo.com/digital-package.

FABTECH 2019 is set for November 11-14 at McCormick Place, Chicago. For more information, visit www.fabtechexpo.com.