As Benjamin Disraeli’s familiar quote goes, “The secret of success is constancy to purpose.” That’s exactly what you can expect at FABTECH, set for November 16–18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show’s scope is constant in its devotion to metal fabricating and forming, including all types of welding and cutting, and this is all offered in one place, at one time. Not only can show visitors see the latest equipment and systems in operation, they can also participate in educational events that will give them the best chances for success in their occupational fields. For the past several years, the FABTECH brand has enjoyed growing success as a joint product of the American Welding Society (AWS) and its partners, SME, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International (FMA), the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI). By bringing all these related interests together at one event, the show partners are able to offer better value to both show attendees and participating exhibitors. On an international level, we have seen similar success with FABTECH-branded events in other countries. FABTECH Mexico, cosponsored by the same organizations, has grown every year since its inception. Similar growth has been a hallmark of the FABTECH Canada exhibition. As a testament to this success, the exhibition in Las Vegas will contain some 575,000 net square feet (nsf) of exhibits this year, with more than 200,000 nsf devoted to welding products and equipment. This is well over 100,000 nsf larger than the last FABTECH held in Las Vegas (2012) with an additional 25,000 nsf of welding-related exhibits. Educational opportunities at the show are also expanding with more than 100 educational sessions, a robust Professional Program of technical presentations, and much more. The 2016 FABTECH event offers all that our show attendees and exhibitors have come to expect over the past several years, but it also will include some new special features. For one, the show days are different, running from Wednesday through Friday. This will allow a better window for attendees to travel to Las Vegas for the show, and the Friday wrap-up provides a convenient connection to the city’s other attractions over the weekend. New features this year include “Welding without Borders: Welding Thunder 2016,” which is a team welding competition designed to permit welding instructors and students to showcase their skills. Involving teams from 15 high schools and colleges, this is an officially sanctioned event sponsored by AWS District 21. The keynote speaker on the opening day of FABTECH is boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, who will offer motivational insights on how to achieve success with focus, discipline, determination, and the right attitude. On the same day, an expert panel session titled “State of the Industry: Post-Election Analysis” will hone in on the 2016 national election results, their impact on manufacturing, and the developing business climate in the United States. Panelists will include Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence, Ned Monroe of the National Association of Manufacturers, and Omar Nashashibi of The Franklin Partnership. Additional special events include a “Women of FABTECH” breakfast; “Development Trends in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing” as well as “Advanced Manufacturing: Creating Competitive Advantages for Product Development” expert panel discussions; and “Shop Talk with Counting Cars” featuring stars from that reality television show. Add all this to important regular features, such as the RWMA Resistance Welding School, the AWS Excellence in Welding Awards, and the AWS Annual Meeting, and you have a recipe for success in the welding and metalworking field that cannot be matched at any other event. These are just a few of the important features that you can look forward to at this year’s FABTECH exposition in Las Vegas. Solving your occupational challenges and giving you an edge in today’s competitive manufacturing and construction environment is what FABTECH is all about. We cordially invite you to join us this month in Las Vegas for what may well be the most valuable FABTECH event you have ever experienced. EDITORIAL ‘Sharpen Your Edge’ at FABTECH 2016 Ray Shook AWS Executive Director “Solving your occupational challenges and giving you an edge in today’s competitive manufacturing and construction environment is what FABTECH is all about.” 6 WELDING JOURNAL / NOVEMBER 2016 WJ
Welding Journal | November 2016
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