If there’s one event that defines the future of metal fabrication, welding, and industrial manufacturing, it’s FABTECH. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned exhibitor, walking into the halls of McCormick Place during FABTECH is like stepping into the pulse of the industry. With over 1,500 exhibitors, tens of thousands of attendees, and hundreds of sessions, it’s both an incredible opportunity and a logistical beast.
That’s why preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Without a solid plan, it’s easy to miss the best demos, the right conversations, or critical learning opportunities. But with the right approach, FABTECH becomes more than a tradeshow—it’s a platform for accelerating business, sparking innovation, and making connections that last far beyond the event itself.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what FABTECH 2025 is all about—dates, location, and themes—and what you can expect specifically from the fabrication and welding side of the floor. We’ll also explore why attending or exhibiting is worth the investment. To make your experience seamless, we’ve included detailed checklists tailored to both attendees and exhibitors—from how to prepare before you arrive to what to bring and how to follow up after the event. Whether you’re looking to see cutting-edge automation (like Novarc’s live AI welding demos) or connect with industry leaders, this guide will help you make the most of every minute at FABTECH 2025.
What is FABTECH 2025?
FABTECH is North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing professionals. In 2025, it’s set to return to McCormick Place in Chicago, running from September 8–11. Expect more than 1,500 world-class suppliers and 40,000+ industry attendees under one roof fabtechexpo.com
Event Overview
Dates & Venue
- September 8–11, 2025
- McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
Scale & Reach
- Largest event in North America for metal industry professionals, showcasing sheet‑metal fab, welding, automation, and finishing
Theme & Focus
- Emphasis on the intersection of fabrication, welding, cutting, automation, and finishing technologies. Education sessions and live demos showcase industry innovation.
Why Attend or Exhibit?
For Attendees:
- Discover cutting-edge tech
- Explore the latest in welding, cutting, automation, robotics, and finishing.
- Learn through education
- Attend hundreds of technical sessions, workshops, and keynote panels.
- Network with industry leaders
- Meet peers, OEMs, integrators, and potential clients from across the sector.
- Hands-on demos – See live equipment demonstrations — an immersive way to witness new capabilities.
For Exhibitors:
- Access thousands of buyers – Connect with over 40,000 attendees, including decision-makers and influencers
- Showcase products live – Demonstrate the power of your technology—from welding systems to automation—in real time.
- Brand visibility – Gain awareness among global manufacturers and media.
- Collect high-quality leads – On-floor interactions foster meaningful conversations that drive ROI.
Top What-to-Expect Highlights
- Live welding & laser-cutting zones
- Automation and robotics in action
- Finishings like powder coating, plating, and fume extraction
- Leadership and innovation panels on AI, smart factories, workforce development, and welding trends
FABTECH 2025 Preparation Checklists
For Attendees:
- Plan your visit – Schedule demos (Novarc & other tech), reserve education sessions, mark floorplan.
- Register early – Save time and possibly unlock early-bird perks.
- Download the app – Use FABTECH’s mobile app to access floorplans, schedule updates, and networking features.
- Bring essentials – Sturdy bag, business cards, notebook/tablet, portable charger, comfy shoes.
- Buff up basics – Review key terms—e.g. welding codes, additive manufacturing—to maximize session value.
- Meeting prep – Connect with exhibitors in advance to schedule demos.
- Networking etiquette – Bring your pitch and set goals: who to meet, what to discover.
- Plan logistics – Book Chicago accommodations early; figure transport options to McCormick Place.
- Follow-up kit – Post-show, revisit notes, connect with contacts, follow up on demos.
For Exhibitors:
- Finalize booth materials – Print banners, brochures, signage with Novarc demo QR codes.
- Schedule onsite activities – Assign staff, arrange live demos and giveaways.
- Promote pre-event – Email customers and LinkedIn audience inviting them to your booth.
- Train booth crew – Practice pitches, tech facts, lead capture protocols.
- Lead management setup – Add lead forms, QR scanners, demos scheduling system.
- Booth logistics – Arrange shipping, storage, electricity, internet, cleaning.
- Collect assets – Ready camera for onsite filming and professional photography.
- Plan demo schedule – Send reminders to booked demo sessions.
- Post-show follow-up – Pre-write follow-up messages, plan post-event content and outreach.
Pro Tips: Event & Tradeshow Ready
- Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be walking miles.
- Pack smart tools – snack bars, water bottle, charger, hygiene items.
- Be camera-ready – staff should represent the brand professionally, especially during demos or social media.
- Monitor social media – use #FABTECHexpo to engage with attendees before, during, and after the show.
- Build moments – host mini-contests, giveaways, or live-stream demos to draw traffic.
Final Thoughts
FABTECH 2025 is your chance to connect with thousands of qualified buyers, gain insights into industry shifts, and position Novarc as a thought leader in the fabrication and welding tech space. This guide helps both attendees and exhibitors prepare for a high-impact experience.
Ready to see Novarc in action?
We will be at Booth B17063, stop by anytime during the show week.