FABTECH Chicago a go for September

When I sat down to write this editorial in June, all indications were that across Canada we were getting to a point where COVID-19 vaccination levels and the ability to keep new infections low were making the full-capacity reopening of all businesses a distinct possibility before too long.

There were also indications that the regulations surrounding border crossings into the U.S. soon would be eased too. I sincerely hope these take effect before the end of summer, because FABTECH is returning to Chicago Sept. 13-16. Illinois recently began allowing larger events to take place in facilities like McCormick Place, the location of FABTECH Chicago. Show management is actively working with McCormick Place and its vendor partners to develop protocols that will provide a safe environment for all attendees.

I am certainly looking forward to walking a show floor for the first time in two years. While it has been possible to catch up on a lot of technology via online events, there’s nothing quite like speaking to people in person about the technology and seeing it in action.

It may be difficult for many of our readers to plan to be at the event. Rest assured that we will provide extensive coverage before the show, in our August issue, and afterward, providing highlights of product introductions at the show, innovative technologies, and insights from event speakers.

There are also many events to look forward to in Canada if you can’t make it to Chicago this year. Our Metalworking & Manufacturing tabletop shows will return to Abbotsford, B.C. and Winnipeg in spring 2022. We will also be visiting Moncton again as well. These will be great opportunities to reconnect with industry colleagues and speak one-on-one with vendors. Watch for announcements about keynote speakers for both events in upcoming issues of the magazine. We are looking forward to being out on the road to see you soon.

FABTECH Canada also will return to Toronto June 14-16, 2022. It’s still a long way off, but I hope you’ll pencil that into your schedule for the coming year. It promises to be a busy event with plenty of educational sessions to complement the technology on the show floor. Again, it’s another opportunity for the manufacturing community to get together and exchange ideas in person—something I think we all sorely missed over the past year.

Looking forward to seeing you in person soon.