Experience the Industrial Evolution at FABTECH 2017

FABTECH®, North America’s largest forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing show, returns to Chicago Nov. 6-9, 2017. Photo courtesy of Ron Schramm.

Speed is everything for new market growth. Entering into an era of Industry 4.0, the world has been a witness to the union of computers and automation. By integrating the virtual and physical world, industrial societies now possess a powerful way for conducting business.

According to Forbes, developing markets like India could achieve massive profits from Industry 4.0 use, and even the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, has announced itself an “Industry 4.0 demonstration city” to stimulate innovation and investment in the manufacturing sectors. This momentum displays the predictions of rapid payoffs in business, concluding that the concentration of working with both industrialization and technology will reward those who advocate it instead of neglect it.

Learn how your company can join the industrial evolution at FABTECH® 2017. One location will bring together the latest in the metal fabricating industry to inform, entertain, and educate. From social and networking opportunities to educational seminars and panel discussions, this tradeshow guarantees an experience that goes beyond browsing through aisles of capital equipment. Invite your peers to stay informed about the latest technological trends and master how to transform their enterprise in a Chicago way.

Chicago is home to more than 250 theaters, 225 music venues, and over 50 museums, so it is no wonder that over 50 million people visit the city annually. Whether you know the city for its nickname, “The Windy City,” or for its recent Cubs World Series parade, when it comes to unforgettable, Chicago knows how to deliver best. Besides visiting the iconic John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower, why not add an unforgettable experience at FABTECH?

Last year at the largest Las Vegas event to date, more than 1,300 exhibitors occupied over 550,000 net sq. ft. of floor space at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Organizers of this year’s Chicago show expect more than 50,000 attendees and over 1,700 exhibiting companies across 750,000 net sq. ft. displaying the newest and finest in additive manufacturing/3-D printing, coil processing, finishing, cutting, arc welding, bending and forming, and gases equipment and technology.

Show Info

Dates: Monday, Nov. 6-Thursday, Nov. 9

Times: Monday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Show organizers expect more than 50,000 attendees at McCormick Place during the four-day show.

Thursday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago

Website: Check out www.fabtechexpo.com to see the official floor plan layout, get a sneak peek at the new products that will be displayed, browse a listing of educational seminars, and look over travel accommodations such as hotels and shuttles to take to the event’s venue.

Show Co-Sponsors:

• SME
• American Welding Society (AWS)
• Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA)
• Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)
• Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI)

General Show Inquiry Contact:

Phone: 888-394-4362 (U.S. and Canada)

815-399-8700 (outside U.S. and Canada)

Email: information@fabtechexpo.com

Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linkedln, Instagram

Mobile App: Access show information on your phone at all times with the FABTECH 2017 mobile app. Available for iPhone®, iPad®, Android®, and other web-enabled devices, the app enables you to look up exhibitors, explore the show floor, and even build your itinerary. Download it for free on your mobile app store today.

Attendee registration is free if you register by Nov. 3. After that date and on-site the cost is $50.

Special Events

Monday, Nov. 6

Keynote Presentation

FABx Tech Talks

8:45-10 a.m.

Embracing the wildly popular TED Talks concept, FABTECH 2017 kicks off with a new and exciting format for the opening keynote. The FABx Tech Talks will spotlight visionary leaders who will motivate and inspire you via short inspirational talks on the topics of transformation, growth, advancement, and expansion for the future of manufacturing. Come hear how these leaders are driving innovation to take their businesses to the next level.

Panelists are Adam Genei, founder, Mobsteel; Jesse James, West Coast Choppers; Karen Kerr, executive managing director, GE Ventures; Albert Paley, world-renowned sculpture artist; Jacques Panis, president, Shinola; and Michael Walton, industry solution executive, Microsoft.

Opening Ceremony

10 a.m.

Join the FABTECH family in the Grand Concourse as we kick off the show. See the unveiling of the Paley/James metal sculptures. Arthur Paley and Jesse James of West Coast Choppers fame used their unique styles and collaborated to create two unique pieces of art, each starting their own sculpture and finishing the other. The completed sculptures will be on display throughout the show. Learn more about the project, watch videos, and view pictures at www.fabtechexpo.com/paley-james-project.

The show brings together forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing equipment; educational seminars; and networking opportunities with peers.

Expert Panel Session

Advanced Manufacturing for the Next Industrial Evolution

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Our panel of experts will focus on the evolution taking place in manufacturing. Advanced manufacturing is transforming the economy and jobs, using cutting-edge technology and new manufacturing processes to accelerate innovation. The panelists will discuss how their companies stay at the forefront of manufacturing advancements and how they embrace disruptive technologies to remain competitive and profitable.

Panelists are Karen Kerr, executive managing director, GE Ventures; Jacques Panis, president, Shinola; Michael Walton, industry solution executive, Microsoft.

Moderator: Jerry Foster, CTO, Plex Systems.

Tuesday, Nov. 7

Keynote Presentation

“FAST N’ LOUD” with Richard Rawlings

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 6, through Wednesday, Nov. 8, is the Professional Welding Competition. Welders can sign up to compete for the title of "Best Welder in America" as well as a monetary prize.

Co-host of Discovery Channel’s popular “Fast N’ Loud” series and founder of Gas Monkey Garage, a world-renowned hot rod shop, Richard Rawlings will share his entrepreneurial spirit and career to inspire you to innovate and take risks. Rawlings will speak about his businesses, challenges, opportunities, and pursuing one’s dreams with the discipline and persistence that are required for success. Rawlings will utilize any remaining time to answer audience questions about his life, the show, his business, or even the building of hot rods.

Featured Presentation

Evolution of Additive Manufacturing and What It Means for the Fabrication Industry

10:30-11:30 a.m.

What does 3-D additive manufacturing mean for the industry as a whole? How should we be preparing for the future? Industry expert Todd Grimm will explain the impact that additive manufacturing is having and will continue to have on manufacturing and how companies can embrace what it has to offer.

Todd Grimm, president, T.A. Grimm & Associates Inc.

Expert Panel Presentation

Effectively Incorporating Additive Manufacturing Into Your Business

2:00-3:00 p.m.

So you have decided to incorporate additive into your manufacturing process. Now what? Should you purchase equipment, or is a partnership with another facility a viable option? What about training? Expert panelists will discuss the resources that are available as your implement your additive manufacturing process. From funding to workplace development, get a complete guide to the best route for your business.

Panelists are Carl Dekker, president, Met-L-Flo; Dana Ellis, senior program manager, National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS); Federico M. Sciammarella, PhD, interim chair mechanical engineering department, College of Engineering & Engineering Technology.

Moderator: Todd Grimm, president, T.A. Grimm & Associates Inc.

Industry Night at Soldier Field

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sponsor: UPG

Cost: $50

Enjoy an evening of fun, food, drinks, and networking during the Industry Night Party at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears. The evening will include exclusive access to Soldier Field and a meet-and-greet with retired Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Dan “Danimal” Hampton.

VIP Experience Package (limited to 200 participants)

Cost: $75

Football fans will be excited about this opportunity to upgrade their Industry Night ticket to the VIP experience. As a VIP, you will get a behind-the-scenes tour that includes access to the visitor’s locker room, where Bears opponents gear up before game time, and a visit to the field where all the action happens. VIPs will also have the chance to win a football autographed by special guest Dan “Danimal” Hampton.

Learn more and purchase tickets at www.fabtechexpo.com/industrynight.

Wednesday, Nov. 8

Women of FABTECH Breakfast With Tech Tour

7:30-10:30 a.m.

Cost: $25

Women in manufacturing who are attending the show are welcomed to this networking breakfast to commemorate the significance of their impact in the manufacturing sector.

Keynote Presentation

Inspiring Creativity in the Workplace

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Speaker: Matthew Luhn, Original Storyteller, Pixar

As one of the original story creators at Pixar Animation Studios, Matthew Luhn participated in building and sustaining the creative culture at Pixar from startup to the most successful filmmaking group in the history of Hollywood. Luhn’s engaging and action-oriented talk will provide strategies on how to create a culture that encourages and nurtures new ideas and embraces fear and failing as a necessary part of the creative process. He demonstrates how to empower relationships and build trust through authentic communication.

Expert Panel Session

Innovative Approaches for Workforce Development & Recruiting Talent

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Sponsor: Kelly OCG

On a daily basis manufacturers face workforce shortages in key areas within their manufacturing operations. Those that engage with their communities—including technical high schools and colleges, manufacturing summer camps for youth, and Manufacturing Day celebrations—are ahead of the pack in filling these positions. Attend and learn from manufacturers and educators how to benefit from these approaches to build a consistent workforce pipeline.

Panelists are Mike Cattelino, apprenticeship manager, Fox Valley Technical College; Laura Elsner, workforce development manager, DeWys Manufacturing; Warren Long, commodity manager, Briggs & Stratton Products Group.

Moderator: Brad Beckner, Chicago territory vice president, KellyOCG

Monday, Nov. 6 - Wednesday, Nov. 8

Professional Welding Competition

During Show Hours in Hall C1

Professional welders can sign up on-site to compete for a $2,500 first prize, a $1,000 second prize, and a $500 third prize. Don’t miss the chance to cheer on competitors as they demonstrate their skills to earn the title of “Best Welder in America.” Contestants will make a single-pass SMAW weld with E7018 on low-carbon steel. Speed and quality will be the criteria. The winners will be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m.

Monday, Nov. 6-Thursday, Nov. 9

3D/Additive Manufacturing Pavilion

To accommodate the increasing interest in one of the fastest-growing technologies of the 21st century, FABTECH has added a new 3D/Additive Manufacturing Pavilion. For more information about the pavilion and special events taking place in the 3D/Additive Manufacturing Theater, go to www.fabtechexpo.com/3dadditive-manufacturing-pavilion.