TPT March 2008

I ndustry N ews

Record breaking attendance for Fabtech 2007

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Hailed by many exhibitors as “the best show in years”, Fabtech

Fabtech International & AWS Welding 2007, which took place last November, surpassed attendance expectations and again gave a continued show of strength as the leading US industry event. Organiser the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), has revealed that the four-day exhibition was a record breaking event, with a substantial 31,354 visitors from 75 countries, which is a 27 per cent increase on the 2005 show in Chicago. Hailed by many exhibitors as “the best show in years”, Fabtech 2007 covered over 481,427ft 2 of net floor space in the north and south halls of McCormick Place, utilized by another record setting 1,004 exhibitors. The event attendance comprised 89.5 per cent domestic visitors, 4.4 per cent from Canada and 6.1 per cent international. Within the US, the largest draw of attendees came from the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio,Wisconsin, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and California. Of the 6.1 per cent of international visitors, the largest number traveled from Mexico, Columbia, Japan, Brazil, Italy, China, India, Venezuela, France and the UK. “We have already received so much positive feedback about this year’s show from both exhibitors and attendees,” said Mr Jerry Shankel, president and CEO of FMA. “There were more than a thousand exhibitors, a 27 per cent increase over 2005, and they have been telling us how pleased they are with the quantity and quality of attendees.” A variety of professionals and staff were represented at the show including 29

per cent corporate executive/top-level management or job shop owners, 19 per cent manufacturing engineers or product design/development, and 14 per cent with manufacturing production job functions. Attendees came to the show to not only view but purchase a range of forming, fabricating and welding equipment. According to FMA

covered over 481,427ft 2 of net floor space

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statistics, 80 per cent of the visitors who attended the show indicated that they are involved in some way in their company’s purchasing plans. Attendees actively sought over 500 new products on display at the show. The ‘Innovation theatre’ attracted hundreds of attendees for a series of 28 different free presentations on new technology. The event also offered a comprehensive line-up of more than 100 conferences, seminars, professional programs, and other technical sessions.

› Over 31,000 visitors attended Fabtech 2007 at McCormick Place in Chicago

Other show highlights included the new thermal spray pavilion, job fair/ workforce development pavilion, laser cutting certificate program, business improvement seminars, and the 2007 professional welders competition. In addition, more than 300 people attended the leadership summit, which addressed the shortage of skilled workers in US manufacturing. The success of Fabtech & AWS Welding is set to continue in 2008, with the event being held in Las Vegas, Nevada from 6- 8 October. Taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, over 90 per cent of floor place has already been sold. Tube & Pipe Technology and Tube Products International will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas show. Fabtech and AWS Welding is cosponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and supported by industry partner the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

“The education programs drew a record number of participants, with more than a thousand professionals choosing to attend more sessions than in the past,” said Mr Mark C Tomlinson, executive director, Society of Manufacturing Engineers. “This clearly shows that the workforce is clamouring for information that will advance personal careers, increase profits for companies and improve productivity.”

fi Fabtech 2008 will take place in Las Vegas from 6-8 October, where it is sure to transfer its incredible success to the west coast region

Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA) – USA

Fax : +1 815 484 7701 Email : info@fmanet.org Website : www.fmanet.org

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