TPT May 2012

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14 May 2012
Industry News
Fabtech 2011 breaks records
and exceeds expectations
FABTECH 2011 culminated with a total of
1,360 exhibiting companies covering an
astounding 523,740ft2 of floor space. More
than 35,000 attendees were present at the
Chicago event at McCormick Place, making
this the largest FABTECH to date.
The organisers said that exhibitors invest
in FABTECH to generate sales leads and
2011 was no different. In fact, 29 per cent
of exhibitors reported FABTECH exceeded
their lead generation expectations. Beyond
lead generation, FABTECH exceeded
expectations in image building, being able
to demonstrate new technology and as a
platform for new product launches.
FABTECH is a ‘key industry resource’
according to show attendees, with 57 per
cent reporting in post show surveys that
FABTECH exceeded their expectations
as an overall event. Visitors came to see
and evaluate new products/technologies
and were very pleased, with more than
35 per cent being exceedingly satisfied.
Seeing equipment in action is always
another primary reason buyers annually
visit FABTECH. In 2011, exhibitors
demonstrated thousands of products with
nearly 41 per cent of attendees saying their
expectations were exceeded. When buyers
think about new technology, FABTECH is
the place they come to see the latest and
greatest available to the world.
Some key audience facts included: 52 per
cent were first time attendees and 61 per
cent attend no other show; 29 per cent had
job titles of corporate executive/top-level
management or job shop owner; 11 per cent
of attendees came from outside the US; 82
per cent of visitors are involved in some way
in their company’s purchasing plans; 44 per
cent indicated budgets of $200,000 or more
to spend on products and services; 52 per
cent of attendees plan to make a purchase
in the next 6 to 9 months.
The momentum of FABTECH continues
as the show heads to Las Vegas, 12-14
November 2012 in the Central and North
Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The previous Las Vegas show proved to be an
outstanding opportunity to reach the western
manufacturing market and this year will be no
exception. The Las Vegas venue also attracts
a large number of buyers from the Midwest,
Western Canada and internationally. If you
have not booked your space already, be sure
to contact a sales representative below to
see what is available.
Fabricators & Manufacturers
Association, International – USA
Fax: +1 815 484 7701
Email:
Website: