FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, today announced that registration is open for its most robust conference program to date. Attendees can choose from over 180 curated sessions and workshops offering insights and innovative solutions to transform their careers and business operations. Conference tracks including automation, robotics, smart manufacturing, job shop solutions, stamping, finishing, workforce development, welding, and forming and fabricating will help attendees stay ahead of the latest industry trends and advancements to increase productivity and profitability, harness leading-edge technology, build a talent pipeline and more. An estimated 45,000 people will attend FABTECH 2023, which runs Sept. 11-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
“The FABTECH conference is a one-stop resource where industry professionals will find inspiration as well as practical strategies to help their businesses evolve with the fast-paced changes shaping manufacturing,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director at SME. “Attendees can learn about today’s most urgent topics—such as leveraging smart technologies for operational excellence, using robotics in metal fabrication and overcoming labor shortages with automation—so they can maximize their productivity and profitability, meet customer demand and stay competitive.”
The FABTECH 2023 conference schedule is built to address the top industry trends impacting manufacturing today. Attendees can build a customized schedule based on their individual or company employee training needs. Key themes include:
Robotics
Modern robotic technology is already contributing to higher quality products and shorter turnaround times in every sector, performing a wide range of human activities with accuracy. These robots are proving to be effective and prone to fewer errors, require less downtime, and are more cost-effective. Robotic trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration and rapid design have intensified and have added to an increased demand for manufacturing robots.
Sessions: Robotic Solutions to Create Better Work Environments and Employee Retention, Getting Started in Industrial Robotics: What You Need to Know Workshop, Starting Small & Calculating the True ROI for Robotic Investment, Benefits of Robotic Automation Systems & ASTM Standards
Automation
Cloud computing, AI and other cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing manufacturing. Attendees will see how they can adapt these solutions to target sustainability, productivity, supply chain issues, workforce shortages and more.
Sessions: Small Manufacturers Can Overcome Custom Automation Challenges, Evaluating Business Case ROI & Affordable Automation Solutions, Robots Prepare Manufacturers for an Unpredictable Future, What to Understand Before Moving Your Shop to a Lights-Out Operation, Technology to Bridge the Skills Gap in Finishing
Smart Manufacturing
Experts will discuss strategies for streamlining operations through predictive planning, cybersecurity measures, and the development of digital twin technology, among other tactics. Attendees can also participate in an in-depth bootcamp that covers essential aspects of smart manufacturing.
Sessions: Improve Workforce Recruitment & Retention Through Technology, Communicate & Prepare Your Shop for the Factory of the Future, Getting Started with Data Collection & MES Systems
3D/Additive Manufacturing
These sessions will explore one of the fastest-growing technologies for manufacturing complex, highly detailed parts. Topics will include business considerations, industrial applications, and smart simulations and portable factories for additive manufacturing.
Sessions: Fundamentals of Additive Manufacturing for Fabricators, Pressure Components for Critical Applications and Quality Program Implementation, Additive Metal Binder Jetting & Post Process Cleaning
In addition to the conference, an expansive show floor will deliver access to more than 1,400 exhibiting companies and suppliers showcasing the latest products and innovations across every facet of the industry. Attendees can also look forward to unmatched networking with industry peers, leaders, buyers and manufacturers, as well as special events—from inspiring keynotes to expert-led panel discussions on the rapidly advancing manufacturing landscape and where it’s headed next.
