FABTECH 2022 returns to Atlanta

FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, will descend upon Atlanta this November.

Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium knows a thing or two about Super Bowls, hosting one in 2019 where the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams for its sixth title. Odds are the ultra-modern stadium will host another one of these again.

But just across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium on the other side of Georgia International Plaza, the Super Bowl of our industry is slated to arrive this November.

Scores of exhibitors and attendees will descend upon the Georgia World Congress Center and Atlanta for the latest edition of FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event Nov. 8-10.

Approximately 1,200 exhibitors from across the globe will set up at FABTECH 2022, showcasing their latest products, developments, and offerings. Expect around 500 new products to launch on the show floor. And if you’re interested in learning something new, attendees will have about 150 educational conference sessions in multiple technology tracks to choose from.

“It’s the place once a year where the industry gets together and you’re able to network with your peers. You're able to network with suppliers. You’re able to see the latest equipment. There is no better opportunity than at FABTECH,” said Mark Hoper, senior vice president of media and expositions for Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Intl. (FMA), a FABTECH event partner.

The special events lineup includes panel discussions, a Women of FABTECH breakfast, and keynote addresses from NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski and Groundswell Founder/CEO Jake Wood.

Some would describe the return of FABTECH to Atlanta as peachy (pun intended). For starters, it has been four years since FABTECH was last held at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Also, some Southeast metal formers, fabricators, welders, and finishers wait until FABTECH comes closer to home to make the trek. For those unfamiliar with the area, a trip to Atlanta may just be what is needed to network and connect with a region that has experienced industry growth the last few decades.

Finally, expect a FABTECH that is bigger than last year’s show, which was affected by COVID-19, virus mitigation measures, and weary travelers. As a sign of how far we’ve come since 2021—or the last few years for that matter—masks won’t be required at this year’s trade show, although anyone wishing to wear one can do so.

If you have Georgia and metal fabricating on your mind, come out to FABTECH 2022 this November.

Approximately 1,200 exhibitors from across the globe will showcase their latest products, developments, and technology offerings. About 500 new products will launch at FABTECH.

SHOW DETAILS

When

Tuesday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 9: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 10: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where

Georgia World Congress Center

285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW

Atlanta, Georgia

REGISTRATION/ADMISSION

Register online at fabtechexpo.com to attend FABTECH 2022. Show floor admission is complimentary if you register before Nov. 4. Registration fee is $50 if you register on-site or after Nov. 4.

Attendees of FABTECH 2022 can expect a range of offerings, including educational conference sessions, new product launches, live technology demonstrations, and special events.

HELPFUL TOOLS

Visit fabtechexpo.com for more information on exhibiting companies, conference offerings, and floor plans.

Closer to the show, download the FABTECH mobile app to:

• Get up-to-the-minute exhibitor, speaker, and event information.
• Sync the app across all your devices.
• Receive important real-time communication updates from FABTECH.
• Build a personalized schedule and bookmark exhibitors.
• Locate exhibitors on the venue maps and use the Quick List feature for best path routing.
• Find attendees and connect with colleagues.
• Stay in-the-know and join the conversation on social media.
• Share event photos and experiences in the photo gallery.
• Find local places in Atlanta.

TRANSPORTATION AND LODGING

The official hotel provider for FABTECH 2022 is onPeak. Book through this service to secure discounted rates at a selection of Atlanta hotels with flexible change and cancellation policies. Attendees who book hotel rooms through onPeak will receive complimentary shuttle service to and from the Georgia World Congress Center. Visit fabtechexpo.com/hotel-travel for more details.

FABTECH has partnered with Delta Airlines to offer potential discounts on round-trip airfare to Atlanta. Book your flight using meeting code NMVC3; you also can call the Delta Meeting Network at 800-328-1111 and refer to the meeting code. Please note: Not all fares are eligible for a discount. This offer is valid for travel between Nov. 3 and Nov. 15.

2023 AND BEYOND

FABTECH will return to Chicago’s McCormick Place Sept. 11-14, 2023; the 2021 show was the first time it was held in September.

FABTECH Mexico will take place May 16-18, 2023 in Mexico City. FABTECH Canada is scheduled for June 11-13, 2024 in Toronto.

SPECIAL EVENTS

All special events are free and open to all attendees unless otherwise noted. The lineup for this year’s show includes:

TUESDAY, NOV. 8

9-10 a.m.

Keynote: FABx Tech Talks

The lineup of experts will share insights on emerging trends and innovations that are changing the way businesses operate. As manufacturing processes evolve at a rapid pace, it has become crucial for fabricators to leverage these innovations to stay competitive. Presenters will include Gillen Young, chief architect for IIoT Solutions, AT&T; Bryce Austin, CEO, TCE Strategy; Richard Boyd, CEO, Tanjo AI; and a special appearance from Bill Carlton, owner of Ekstensive Metal Works, featured on the popular reality TV show “Texas Metal.”

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Leadership Exchange—Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Opportunities

Innovation in manufacturing can take many forms, including new technology, changes in the supply chain, and product and process improvements. Innovation offers many important advantages to businesses and is often key to outperforming the competition. Panelists will share insights on innovative and disruptive technology shops can use to create cutting-edge products.

Panelists include Dave O’Neil, vice president of media, SME; Gillen Young, chief architect for IIoT solutions, AT&T; Richard Boyd, CEO, Tanjo AI; Bryce Austin, CEO, TCE Strategy.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9

7:30-9:30 a.m.

Women of FABTECH Breakfast

Learn about manufacturing trends, marketing strategies, and more through real-world examples shared by women leaders in manufacturing. This session will include a keynote speaker, expert panel, networking, and breakfast.

Price: $35

9-10 a.m.

Keynote: Winning the Manufacturing Race

Brad Keselowski, NASCAR driver, Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing owner

Brad Keselowski will discuss owning and operating Keselowski Advanced Manufacturing (KAM), as well as his unique standing as a champion driver in the NASCAR Cup Series. That understanding, coupled with his passion for technological innovations, led him to build KAM. He will share his experiences where technology, like advanced manufacturing, can help companies succeed—not only within automotive, but across multiple sectors.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Leadership Exchange—Planning for the Future of Work: How New Technology is Redefining the Workplace

With thousands of baby boomers retiring from manufacturing careers paired with the lack of young people entering the manufacturing workforce, manufacturers are scrambling to fill production demands, keep equipment running, and digitalize their organizations. In this panel discussion, four industry experts and enterprise talent leaders will bridge the gap between technology and vision.

Panelists will include Lisa Ryan, founder/chief appreciation strategist, Grategy; Brian Gerritsen, AVP product and manufacturing practice leader, Travelers (Talent and Upskill); Jacob Hall, a social influencer known as “The Manufacturing Millennial”; and Will Healy III, global business strategy manager—automotive, Balluff Worldwide.

THURSDAY, NOV. 10

8-8:45 a.m.

State of the Industry: Post-election Analysis and 2023 Outlook

Omar S. Nashashibi, founding partner, The Franklin Partnership

Omar Nashashibi will discuss the 2022 midterm elections and how the results may affect tariffs, taxes, trade negotiations, regulations, and workforce training. The choices voters made on Election Day may have a major impact on businesses. Nashashibi will cover a wide range of topics affecting the industry and answer questions about what is happening in Washington D.C.

9-10 a.m.

Keynote: Jake Wood, founder/CEO of Groundswell

The One and the Nine

For every 100 people in a typical organization or on your team, there are 10 people who shouldn’t even be there; 80 who, at their best, have a neutral impact; nine who perform exceptionally; and one who is a true leader capable of taking command and creating a winning team or culture. This reality is forcing organizations to rethink what they know about leadership, change management, and risk.

Using his own journey as an athlete, Marine scout sniper, and co-founder of Team Rubicon, Jake Wood will explain how you can find and build the team needed to win life’s battles and become the one others look to.

12:30-1:30 p.m.

Leadership Exchange—Considerations to Improve Your Cyber Security Strategy

Cyberattacks and data breaches are increasing with greater sophistication. It is only a matter of time before your organization is subject to a serious cyber incident. Companies and organizations have been harmed by theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, and other highly valuable information.

Learn how to understand the cyber security risk in relation to your organization, integrate across personnel, technical security, information assurance and physical security, and establish protective monitoring to prevent and deter the ‘insider’ threat.

The panel will include Vincent W. Howell Sr., a retired intellectual asset protection manager, Corning Inc.; Jason Miller, founder/CEO, Bitlyft; Jay Korpi, principal advisor, NextLink Labs; Jeremy Dodson, CISO, NextLink Labs; and Mark Haupt, IT manager, Wilson Tool.