In this article, we’ll discuss all things Fabtech 2023, from where the show is happening to what you’ll learn and how to make the most of your time there.
FABTECH, the premier event in North America for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, takes place at McCormick Place, Chicago, in the South/North/Lakeside Center Buildings, from September 11-14, 2023. The Chicago show is an expanded program over last year’s show in Atlanta. Fabtech 2023 runs for four days and is set to attract an impressive crowd of around 45,000 attendees and 1,500 exhibitors.
Next year, Fabtech is scheduled to take place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, from October 15-17, 2024. The next three years are slated for the following dates and times:
Mark your calendar now and be part of the celebration that shapes the future of manufacturing.
Often hailed as a “celebration of North American manufacturing,” Fabtech attracts a diverse audience of welders, fabricators and manufacturers. Professionals in aerospace, agriculture, automotive, construction, defense, mining, utilities, and other sectors attend. The show offers something for everyone, from family-owned shops to Fortune 500 manufacturers.
Over 1,600 exhibitors showcase the latest technology and innovations in metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries. This year’s layout at McCormick Place is as follows:
Fabtech Expo also has 15 educational tracks, presenting the newest trends and insights in welding technology, advanced fabrication, workforce development, and leadership. Professionals can earn credits and re-certifications for attending these sessions.
We’ve attended Fabtech for many years. It’s more than an opportunity to showcase our latest innovations, though we enjoy that part immensely. The event makes it possible to talk with a wildly diverse audience of welders and fabricators, from aerospace engineers to shipbuilders and everyone in between. For us, the show is more than a tradition. It reflects our commitment to the industry and brand promise to improve the lives of welders.
From introducing new technologies in welding helmets to setting new standards in respiratory protection, our product launches at Fabtech have become an eagerly awaited event for welders and fabricators. Previous launches include:
At Fabtech 2023, we are thrilled to present three new products, each promising to set new standards in the welding industry. While we can’t divulge all the details, here’s a sneak peak:
From interactive displays that allow you to weld with our products and hands-on demonstrations, our 2023 Fabtech booth (B15043—jot it down!) is an immersive experience. Whether you’ve used optrel for years or you’re exploring our solutions for the first time, we welcome you to experience the optrel difference customers have come to expect.
Fabtech’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal. What started in 1981 in Cleveland, Ohio, has become the biggest event in metal forming, welding and finishing. Here’s a brief glimpse into the history of the Fabtech Expo throughout the years.
FABTECH’s origin and continued success are shaped by the collaboration of leading industry associations, including:
The Fabtech Expo stands as a living testament to the ever-changing and growing landscape of the industry. From its humble beginnings to its current status as North America’s most authoritative event, Fabtech continues to pave the way for professionals in metalworking.
If you’re wondering whether the Fabtech Expo is right for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 reasons you should attend the show.
We hope this guide helped you gain a better understanding of the Fabtech Expo. If welding, fabricating and finishing are your thing, you owe it to yourself to get down to McCormick Place in Chicago. Pack your bags. We can’t wait to see you at the show!
