The return of FABTECH signals return to normalcy for manufacturing industry

FABTECH 2019 in Chicago will always be remembered as the show before everything came screeching to a halt because of COVID-19. Before we questioned everything – how is the virus transmitted, how do we keep ourselves and our family safe, how can we stay afloat financially if working from home is not an option? Before we had to add face masks to our check list of essential items necessary to have in our possession before we left home. Before.

Almost 700 days later, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event returns to Chicago after a two-year hiatus, for the first time in the month of September—a much gentler month in terms of the unpredictable Midwest weather.

FABTECH provides a one-stop shop for attendees to connect with suppliers from around the globe, see the latest industry products and developments, find the tools necessary to improve productivity, network with other industry professionals, and listen to industry experts discuss and debate the latest trends.

Even though life seems like it is slowly returning to normal with each passing day, FABTECH 2021 will no doubt look and feel a little different. Since the early days of the pandemic, the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago took aggressive measures to contain the virus by shutting down businesses, schools, and events. As infection rates decreased and vaccination rates soared, the state has slowly rolled back restrictions and opted for a gradual approach to reopening at full capacity.

Show organizers are working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local authorities, and McCormick Place to develop protocols meant to ensure the utmost safety for both exhibitors and attendees.

Exhibitors and attendees, particularly those who are coming from out of state or abroad, should visit www.fabtechexpo.com/safetyfirst often for the most current safety information and policy updates for this year’s show.

As we’ve seen in the last 18 months, protocols and recommendations change almost daily. If you are planning to attend the show, be sure you are up to date with current safety mandates in place in Illinois as they may differ from your location.

Show Details

When

Monday, Sept. 13 – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, FABTECH provides a one-stop shop for attendees to connect with suppliers from around the globe.

Tuesday, Sept. 14 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 15 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 16 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where

McCormick Place

2301 S. King Drive

Chicago

How to Register

Visit fabtechexpo.com/attend to register. If you register to attend the show before Sept. 9, you’ll receive complimentary admission. The registration fee is $50 if you register on-site or after the deadline.

Helpful Tools

Show organizers are working in conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and local authorities, and McCormick Place to develop protocols meant to ensure the utmost safety for both exhibitors and attendees.

Download the official FABTECH mobile app ahead of the show to:

Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors.

Stay organized with exhibitor, speaker, and event information.

Interactively locate exhibitors on the venue maps and use the Quick List for the best path routing.

Find local places in Chicago.

Downloading the app is free and can be found in the App Store for Apple devices and Google Play for Android devices.

Transportation and Lodging

If you haven’t yet booked your hotel, visit the Hotel & Travel tab on fabtechexpo.com. There you can scroll through available hotels, see a nightly rate for the week of the show, and have access to hotel assistance.

Book your hotel through OnPeak, the official housing provider of FABTECH, to receive a discounted room rate and complimentary shuttle service between hotels and McCormick Place. You will be allowed on the shuttle to McCormick Place to pick up your registration badge. Be sure the word “Bus” is printed on your registration badge. If you do not book your hotel through OnPeak, you can purchase a shuttle pass at McCormick Place for $30.

Special Events

For the first time in its history, the show will take place in Chicago in the month of September.

Monday, Sept. 13

8:30 -9:30 a.m.

FABx Tech Talks: Manufacturing Leadership in a Time of Change

Panelists David Ankin, CEO, ToyMakerz Inc.; Anna V. O’Brien, smart manufacturing leader, Panasonic; Keith Otterstatter, director of operations, Polaris Inc.; Scott Sawyer, co-founder/CTO, Paperless Parts Inc.; and Jon Sobel, co-founder/CEO, Sight Machine, will discuss how their businesses have stayed competitive in the ever-changing tech world.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Leadership Exchange – Explore the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

A panel of experts will discuss how they are using advanced manufacturing technology in both products and processes. They will also highlight how using that technology will help you remain competitive and add value to your organization. Panelists are Anna V. O’Brien, smart manufacturing leader, Panasonic; Keith Otterstatter, director of operations, Polaris Inc.; Scott Sawyer, co-founder/CTO, Paperless Parts Inc.; and Jon Sobel, co-founder/ CEO, Sight Machine. Dave O’Neil, VP media, SME, will serve as moderator.

Tuesday, Sept. 14

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Keynote: Adam Steltzner, leader and chief engineer, NASA Mars 2020 Mission, Rover Perseverance

Steltzner will discuss the design challenges and setbacks he and his team at NASA faced for almost a decade, how they overcame them, and how the lessons he learned can help you better lead your team.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

State of the Industry: Navigating into 2022

Dan Davis, editor-in-chief of The FABRICATOR, will moderate a panel discussion that will address pressing questions manufacturers have about meeting needs in supply, labor, and new technologies. Panelists include Adria Haines, regional head of Smart Factory Solutions at Bystronic Inc.; Todd Ludlow, president, Ludlow Mfg. Inc.; and Bryan Tice, senior partner, Metal Edge Partners LLC.

Wednesday, Sept. 15

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Keynote: David Ankin, CEO, ToyMakerz Inc.

Ankin is a hands-on entrepreneur, former stunt man, motorcycle racer, and custom motor vehicle fabricator. He will share his secrets to success as a leader and how his father has been his biggest inspiration.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Leadership Exchange: Why Can’t They Just Work Together? The Importance of Mobile Robot and Standard Robot Interoperability to Increase Adoption

This panel discussion will update you on the efforts to develop technology that allows organizations to deploy robots and autonomous mobile robots from multiple vendors within the same environment. It will provide insight into the challenges surrounding heterogeneous robotic environments such as information sharing, battery management, safety, and other performance characteristics and what the automation community is doing to overcome them.

Panelists are Samir Patel, senior director of robotics engineering, Kawasaki Robotics USA Inc.; Aaron Prather, senior adviser – technology research and planning, FedEx; Jason Walker, CEO/co-founder, Waypoint Robotics; and Ben Waters, CEO/co-founder, Wibotic. Arnie Kravitz, chief technology officer, ARM Institute, will serve as moderator.

Thursday, Sept. 16

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Keynote: Adam Genei, owner, Mobsteel and Detroit Steel Wheel Co.

Genei will discuss his workforce development formula, which has created a positive, invested, and competitive team. His talk is geared toward preparing the next generation of workers to navigate their way through the trades and business. He also will share the milestone and learning opportunities he has experienced while building his worldwide brands.

11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Leadership Exchange – Attracting and Preparing the Next Generation of Manufacturing Talent

How do we encourage the next generation to pursue manufacturing careers? This panel of experts will share how to get engaged, inspire, and prepare young people to be the next generation of manufacturers.Panelists are Ed Dernulc, director – foundation, FMA; Nichol Lopriore, executive director, PMA; Rob Luce, vice president – foundation, SME; and Monica Pfarr, executive director, AWS. Sheila Lamothe, executive director, CCAI Finishing Foundation, will serve as moderator.

Monday, Sept. 13 - Thursday, Sept. 16

3D/Additive Manufacturing Showcase

Check out the 3D/Additive Manufacturing Pavilion for presentations from industry leaders on the latest in additive manufacturing. A full schedule and topics can be found on fabtechexpo.com.