FABTECH 2014 Brings Top Manufacturing Leaders from Around the Globe to Atlanta
DEARBORN, Mich. (PRWEB) November 20, 2014 -- The depth and breadth of manufacturing’s reach into the U.S. and global economies was on display at the recent FABTECH 2014 exposition and conference in Atlanta. FABTECH, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center, is the largest annual metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event in North America. In addition to setting records for numbers of attendees, exhibitors and floor space at a FABTECH Atlanta show, the event featured briefings by high-level speakers and timely industry panel discussions.
More than 30,250 attendees from over 70 countries attended FABTECH 2014. During the three-day expo, attendees visited 1,477 exhibitors to see live equipment demonstrations, including hundreds of new technologies, and to compare products side-by-side to find cost-saving solutions. The exhibits covered more than 550,000 net square feet. Attendees also benefited from the FABTECH educational conference that included expert-led sessions on some of the hottest topics in manufacturing.
“FABTECH Atlanta delivered a solid return on investment for exhibitors and provided manufacturers from across the U.S. and around the world with the opportunity to see new technology, gain knowledge and network with peers,” said Mark Hoper, FABTECH show co-manager at FMA.
“Attendees were impressed with the size and scope of the show and the large number of new products and groundbreaking technologies on display,” added John Catalano, FABTECH show co-manager at SME. “As important, our exhibitors told us they collected high-quality leads and sold machines right off the show floor.”
“At FABTECH, you have a wide display of new innovation and new technology every year,” said Air Liquide’s Charles Caristan in a video shot on the FABTECH show floor. “Also, there is a real ability to network among all of the associations and trade organizations at the show.” (Watch FABTECH show floor videos here.)
Manufacturers heard keynote presentations from senior executives at two Fortune® 50 companies, Walmart and Google. In addition, a State of the Industry panel discussion led by executives at leading companies such as Caterpillar Inc. offered insights on the future of U.S. manufacturing.
In honor of Veterans Day, FABTECH placed a special emphasis on military veterans during special events on Nov. 11. A briefing was held with five leaders of organizations dedicated to helping close the manufacturing skills gap by connecting veterans and National Guard members with manufacturers. One of the panelists, Steve Nowlan, president of the Atlanta-based Center for America and campaign director for American Jobs for American Heroes, published an op-ed titled “Employ our Veterans” on this important issue during the show. FABTECH attendees and exhibitors in Atlanta also raised money through the FABTECH Expo Cares program to benefit Workshops for Warriors, an accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training, certifying and placing veterans in manufacturing careers. More than $10,000 has been donated, and contributions are still being accepted.
One special networking opportunity at this year’s show was the Industry Night event held on Nov. 12 at the newly opened College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. Nearly 1,000 attendees gathered to enjoy the fan experience and network with industry peers.
The next FABTECH event will be FABTECH Mexico to be held in Monterrey, Mexico, on May 5-7, 2015. FABTECH 2015 will be held in Chicago on Nov. 9-12, 2015. Stay connected with FABTECH on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube by visiting its social media page.
About FABTECH’s Co-Sponsors
The five FABTECH co-sponsors represent a wide variety of expertise and include: SME, the American Welding Society, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, the Precision Metalforming Association and the Chemical Coaters Association International. Together, these associations bring unmatched technical proficiency and industry insight to FABTECH. Read more about FABTECH’s co-sponsors here.
Beth Oates, SME, +1 313-425-3190, [email protected]
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