FABTECH 2009 to focus on economic recovery.

Press Release Summary:



Scheduled for November 15-18 in Chicago, FABTECH® International and AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is expected to draw 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors. John Catalano, FABTECH show manager, believes expected attendance indicates manufacturing will thrive when economy picks up. Co-sponsored by AWS, FMA, SME, and PMA, event will include keynote panel discussions, solutions showcase seminars, education/technical sessions, and professional welding competition with grand prize of $2,500.



Original Press Release:



FABTECH 2009 Provides Solutions to Survive Recession and Prepare for Recovery



North America's Largest Metal Forming, Fabricating & Welding Event Expects 35,000 Attendees and 1,000 Exhibitors in Chicago

DEARBORN, Mich., June 25, 2009 - Many economists are predicting that the recession will end and the economy will begin to rebound by the end of 2009. Scheduled for the middle of the fourth quarter, the FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, is timed to provide manufacturers with the latest tools, technologies and processes to enable them to take advantage of the recovery period.

FABTECH is expected to draw some 35,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors to Chicago's McCormick Place Nov. 15-18. It is the largest tradeshow in North America dedicated to showcasing a full spectrum of metal forming, fabricating, stamping, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology.

Cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int'l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the event is the ultimate solutions showcase. Thousands of buyers and sellers from across the globe will gather at the exhibition to exchange products and services, network with peers, discover new products and vendors, and educate the industry on the latest technologies.

"Those involved in evaluating and purchasing new equipment, products or services in the industry will find the most comprehensive lineup of the industry's hottest innovations in action and gain invaluable knowledge by attending the show," said John Catalano, FABTECH show manager.

"For exhibitors, this event provides a unique opportunity to showcase products and services in front of the industry's most targeted buying audience. With our expected attendance, we think this ultimate gathering of buyers and sellers is proof positive that manufacturing-a key indicator of an improving economy-will thrive when the economy does pick up," said Catalano.

In addition to viewing the latest products, attendees will benefit from a comprehensive array of educational offerings. The 2009 show also will include the first official METALFORM Pavilion exhibition that will display innovations in stamping technology.

Other show highlights include:

Keynote Presentations: Two dynamic speakers will moderate keynote panel discussions. On Monday, Nov. 16, Jeff Knauf, president of Medalist Laserfab, Inc., will moderate a panel discussion titled Best Practices for Thriving in Tough Times on business strategies for surviving and thriving during an uncertain economy. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, William Haas, client program manager for The Shaw Group, will lead a discussion called Energy - The Outlook Is Bright, But Where Will It Lead Us that will include experts from the surging wind and solar energy sectors with experts from the oil and gas industries to discuss trends and forecasts, government issues and what it all means to current suppliers.

FREE Solutions Showcase Seminars: The Solutions Showcase will offer managers and business owners solutions and strategies for operating a more efficient and competitive business. Located on the show floor, these free, expert-led sessions cover a wide range of topics, including maintaining sales focus in a down economy, smart strategies for preserving stakeholder relationships, protecting a company from bankruptcy, what the wind energy market means for metal manufacturing, the growth of solar energy, the essentials of job shop marketing, and social media 101.

Education/Technical sessions: Attendees can take advantage of a unified educational curriculum during the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM. The event offers a variety of technical seminars, conferences, professional programs and more. From metal forming, fabricating and welding technology to economic, operation and management issues, the programming has been designed to provide the latest and most up-to-date information attendees need to successfully operate in every aspect of the industry. More than 25 new sessions are planned, including a newly expanded stamping track.

Professional Welders Competition: November 15-17 - Professional welders will compete on the show floor Sunday through Tuesday for a chance to win a grand prize of $2,500 and recognition as the best welder in America. Entrants will be required to make a pipe-to-pipe plate weld on a pre-tacked joint in five minutes or less, and AWS Certified Welding Inspectors will judge the work. A $1,000 second prize and a $500 third prize also will be awarded. Visit www.aws.org/competition for more information, including competition and safety rules.

To register for the 2009 FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show, including METALFORM, call 800.733.4763 or 313.425.3000, ext. 4500 (outside the U.S. and Canada), or online at www.fabtechexpo.com.

About FMA

The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA), is a professional organization with more than 2,300 members working together to improve the metal forming and fabricating industry. FMA brings metal fabricators and fabricating equipment manufacturers together through technology councils, educational programs, and networking events, while providing the resources needed by companies to improve operations. FMA's technology affiliate, the Tube & Pipe Association, Intl (TPA), focuses on the unique needs of companies engaged in tube and pipe producing and fabricating. Visit www.fmanet.org for more information.

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with 250 sections and student chapters. For more information, visit www.aws.org.

About SME

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its many programs, events and activities, SME connects manufacturing practitioners to each other, to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning all manufacturing industries and disciplines, plus the key areas of aerospace and defense, medical device, motor vehicles, including motorsports, and oil and gas. A 501(c)3 organization, SME has members in more than 70 countries and is supported by a network of technical communities and chapters worldwide.

About PMA

The Precision Metalforming Association is the full-service trade association representing the $91-billion metalforming industry of North America. Its 1100 member companies include metal stampers, fabricators, spinners, slide formers and roll formers as well as suppliers of equipment, materials and services to the industry. Through advocacy, networking, statistics, the Educational Foundation, METALFORM tradeshows and MetalForming magazine, PMA helps lead innovative member companies toward superior competitiveness and profitability. Visit www.pma.org.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact SME Public Relations by phone (313) 271-1500, e-mail communications@sme.org, or Fax: (313) 425-3403

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