TPT May 2012

I ndustry N ews Fabtech 2011 breaks records and exceeds expectations

FABTECH 2011 culminated with a total of 1,360 exhibiting companies covering an astounding 523,740ft 2 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: information@fmafabtech.com Website: www.fabtechexpo.com

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M ay 2012