FABTECH 2019 announces roster of keynote speakers

FABTECH® 2019, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, has released its roster of keynote speaker sessions Nov. 11-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The keynotes will be led by one of three featured speakers: three-time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings, author Frank Abagnale Jr., and “MythBusters’” Grant Imahara.

“FABTECH is distinctively positioned to provide industry professionals with access to the information, technology, and equipment they need to transform their businesses—exposure to these speakers will impart insights and enthusiasm through shared passions and experiences,” said John Catalano, SME senior director, FABTECH. “This year FABTECH is particularly honored to celebrate veterans who have served to protect our country and are now lending their leadership and talents to our industry. They are part of the blended, diverse fabric of professionals across the world that make up this amazing industry.”

On Nov. 11 from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., FABTECH opens with a celebration of veterans. FABx Tech Talks, designed to emulate the popular TED-style concept, will feature a lineup of veterans. These heroes will draw on their unique experiences to inspire attendees with their frontline stories focused on motivation, team building, and innovation.

FABx will welcome honored veterans Hernán Luis y Prado, founder/CEO, Workshops for Warriors; Jason T. Ray, co-founder/CEO, Paperless Parts Inc.; Shelly C. Rood, educational consultant, Mission Ambition LLC; and Michael Walton, manufacturing industry solution executive, Microsoft.

Kicking off the celebration is nine-year NFL veteran and three-time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings, who served in 45 successful combat missions with the Air Force. As a FABx featured speaker, Hennings will share how integrity, identity, and commitment lead to a lifestyle of excellence.

Known as one of the world’s most famous con men, Frank Abagnale Jr. will welcome the industry on the morning of Nov. 12 from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. This intriguing keynote session from the cybersecurity expert, bestselling author, and subject of “Catch Me If You Can” will provide entertaining insights into his life as the notorious imposter of the 1960s as he instructs attendees on how to protect themselves and their businesses from fraud.

Former host on Discovery’s “MythBusters” and animatronics engineering expert Grant Imahara will provide a glimpse at his work on various sets and productions while touching on the importance of advancing the engineering/manufacturing industry during his keynote session on Nov. 13 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Imahara will bring attendees inside the world of science and entertainment through stories of his experiences consulting for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he works on next-generation robots for Disney's theme parks. Having experience with electronics, designing, fabricating, machining, CAD layout, laser cutting, and moldmaking, Imahara has a full understanding of the industry and will make parallels to help guide attendees to growth and success.

Registration is now open for FABTECH 2019 – visit fabtechexpo.com to register and obtain more show details.