FABTECH 2024 Champions Manufacturing Innovation, Connects 30,000 Industry Leaders Globally

FABTECH 2024, on of North America’s premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing, successfully concluded at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from Oct. 15-17. The event attracted 30,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries, showcasing over 500 new product launches from 1,500 exhibitors, including 279 first-time participants.

This year marked FABTECH’s inaugural event in Orlando, highlighting Florida’s significant role in the U.S. manufacturing landscape, which has seen a 67.8% increase in output over the past decade.

“FABTECH 2024 showcased the real momentum behind the industry’s evolution, with trends like automation, sustainable manufacturing and advanced materials taking center stage,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME. “This year’s event was not only a hub of groundbreaking technologies on the show floor but also a platform for celebrating the vital role of women in manufacturing and empowering the next generation of leaders. The conversations, connections and breakthroughs that emerged at FABTECH 2024 will undoubtedly shape the future of manufacturing and inspire continued growth.”

With an extensive education program offering over 200 sessions, attendees gained insights on topics including AI integration, supply chain resilience and workforce development. Keynote speakers included NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and manufacturing leaders who addressed the future of the industry.

In addition to industry advancements, FABTECH organizers established a hurricane relief fund to support communities affected by recent severe weather, donating $25,000 to various disaster relief organizations.

Looking ahead, FABTECH 2025 will take place from Sept. 8-11, 2025, in Chicago, promising to build on this year’s success and further innovate within the metalworking sector.