FABTECH Canada preps attendees for what’s next

The past two years have been a reminder that business disruptions come in many forms. It’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, but there are trends in industry that clearly require attention. FABTECH Canada 2022’s education sessions will tackle some of the biggest of these concerns.

After two years of limited in-person events, fabricators and welders will finally have the opportunity to visit with a variety of industry suppliers and thought leaders from June 14 to 16. Approximately 350 exhibitors will be under one roof close to home—the Toronto Congress Centre. Attendees will have a multitude of education sessions to choose from to get the key insights they need to push their productivity further.

“The speed of change in industry has accelerated in recent years,” said Mark Hoper, senior vice-president, media and expositions at Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), a FABTECH Canada event partner. “Regardless of the industries they are serving, shops are making parts as fast as they can. New equipment demands are high, as is the desire to ensure fabricating processes are using the best technology for the job at hand. Companies have to consider how to work smarter as they invest in their futures. The drive to automate and to improve efficiencies in shops is more critical than ever. For the first time in four years, Canadians have a chance to test drive the technology that will help them manage this changing landscape close to home. We are excited to return to Toronto with our show partners.”

FABTECH Canada 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.

FABTECH Canada’s event partners are FMA, SME, Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI), and the American Welding Society (AWS).

The event organizers are pleased to have CWB Group partnering with them to bring their expertise to attendees as well. CWB does a great deal of work for the welding community through its certification programs and the many learning resources it provides. Specific welding education sessions will be available covering innovative technologies and processes. CWB is also sponsoring a keynote and a leadership exchange panel.

How to Register

Visit canada.fabtechexpo.com/attend to register. If you register before June 10, you will receive complimentary admission. The registration fee is $50 if you register on-site or after the deadline.

Helpful Tools

Download the official FABTECH Canada 2022 mobile app ahead of the show to:

• Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors.
• Stay organized with exhibitor, speaker, and event information.
• Get real-time alerts that remind you of what’s happening at the show.
• Gain access to the event’s social media channels.

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

Lodging

In partnership with onPeak, the show has secured discounted rates at a selection of Toronto hotels. Plans change, so to help ease your travel planning, onPeak, the only official hotel provider for FABTECH Canada 2022, offers hotel options with flexible change and cancellation policies. Book through them early for the best selection and price.

Special Events

The show will include a number of engaging keynote speakers and leadership exchange panels in addition to workshops and breakout sessions. Workshops include sessions on getting started on your robotics journey, additive manufacturing design and fabrication, and powder coating best practices. Below is a taste of what you can expect from the leadership panels and keynotes.

Tuesday, June 14

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Keynote: Dr. Jayson Myers, CEO, Ngen

Advanced Manufacturing: Canada’s Competitive Advantage

“With all challenges come opportunities, and it’s now time to rethink our business practices.” So said Dr. Jayson Myers, Ngen CEO. He will address in his keynote the changes occurring to the manufacturing industry and the opportunities for manufacturers. The discussion will address automated and data-driven strategies, upskilling your labour shortages, and creating a leadership culture mindset that can make you an adopter of digital tools and advanced manufacturing technology to stay competitive in today’s market.

2 - 3 p.m.

Leadership Exchange: The Digital Transformation and Canada’s Economic Strength

The pandemic has only accelerated the digital transformation that was already underway in Canada and globally. Advanced manufacturing is not just about new technology, it’s also about manufacturers introducing new technology to enhance, not replace, traditional manufacturing. These experts will share their insights to help further innovation, collaboration, and investment to remain competitive using advanced manufacturing as a strategy. Panelists are Mark Kirby, industry training and outreach co-ordinator, University of Waterloo; Martin Cloake, CEO, Raven AI; and Ian T. Howcroft, CEO, Skills Ontario. Dr. Jayson Myers, CEO, NGen, will moderate the session.

Wednesday, June 15

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Keynote: Doug Gilmour, former NHL captain

Heart of a Captain

Doug Gilmour could put a team on his back and rush it up the ice to turn the tide. A Stanley Cup champion, All Star, Team Canada superstar, and Hall of Famer, Gilmour did it all as captain or assistant captain for seven NHL teams. He broke into the league in St. Louis, won the Cup in Calgary, and stole hearts in Toronto. He was depended on as a leader in New Jersey, Chicago, Buffalo, and Montreal. Listen to Gilmour share his story as he highlights the importance of leadership and teamwork.

2 - 3 p.m.

Leadership Exchange: Considerations to Streamline Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Cybersecurity is important because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage. Companies and organizations have been harmed by theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, and other highly valuable information by cybersecurity attacks. Learn how manufacturers can understand the cybersecurity risks in relation to their organization, and integrate that across personnel, technical security, information assurance, and physical security; and establish protective monitoring to prevent and deter the “insider” threat. Panelists are Leah Dodson, cybersecurity researcher, Piqued Solutions; Steve Mosley, VP of sales, BitLyft Cybersecurity; Jeremy Dodson, CISO, NextLink Labs; and Josh Patton, principal architect – governance and security, Charter. Jay Korpi, principal adviser, NextLink Labs, will moderate the session.

Thursday, June 16

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Leadership Journey: People, Planning & Performance

Having navigated a global pandemic, Walters Group’s commitment to acting as a true partner and delivering an exceptional experience has never been more critical. Join Sam Barrett as he explains how combining people, planning, and performance has helped the company’s clients realize their vision.

Barrett will provide a profile of the company as it grew from its roots to its current integrated network of companies. He’ll showcase some of the projects that the company has completed, with a focus on those that provided some interesting challenges.This keynote is sponsored by CWB.

2 - 3 p.m.

Changing the Gear Ratio: Women in the Automotive Industry

This panel will discuss the importance of engaging women in the trades to support the transforming dynamics of the developing automotive and manufacturing markets in North America. By looking at educators, entrepreneurs, welders, fabricators, and mentors from all sectors, panelists will assess how manufacturers can increase the ratio of women to men in the workplace, some of the supports needed, and how to change the image of the trades as a “men only” forum. Panelists are Taylor Dittrich, wire products research engineer, Lincoln Electric Co.; Stephanie Hoffman, owner, Underground Metal Works; Nikki Noble, co-ordinator and professor of welding, Lambton College; and Leanne Jefferies, vice-president, Assured Performance Network/Certified Collision Care.

Show Details

When

Tuesday, June 14 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Wednesday, June 15 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 16 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where

The Toronto Congress Centre

South Building

650 Dixon Road

Toronto

Editor Robert Colman can be reached at rcolman@canadianfabweld.com.