EVENT PREVIEW
Above, below right and opposite: FABTECH 2025 in Chicago, USA.
FOCUS ON FABTECH
We preview FABTECH, which returns to Las Vegas( for the first time in ten years) from 21-23 October 2026.
“ The 2026 show floor will span 725,000 square feet, equivalent to roughly 12 football fields, and feature more than 1,400 exhibitors across 40 product categories.”
FABTECH, North America’ s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, will return to Las Vegas( USA) for the first time since 2016, welcoming“ an expected 31,000 attendees.” Taking place from 21-23 October 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, the event returns to the Western U. S. at a moment when manufacturers are making critical decisions on equipment, workforce and modernisation. ISMR is an international media partner.
“ Manufacturers are navigating tighter margins, persistent workforce constraints and the pressure to modernise without disrupting output,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME.“ For many, the question is no longer whether to invest but when and in what. FABTECH brings equipment, suppliers and technical expertise together in one place, giving attendees direct access to both solutions and the experts behind them.”
The 2026 show floor will span 725,000 square feet, equivalent to roughly 12 football fields, and feature more than 1,400 exhibitors across 40 product categories. The recently
The Las Vegas Convention Centre. renovated Las Vegas Convention Centre features modernised exhibit halls, improved amenities and enhanced meeting spaces.
FABTECH’ s five event partners are the American Welding Society; the Chemical Coaters Association International, now rebranding as the Industrial Finishing and Coating Association( IFCA); the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International( FMA); the Precision Metalforming Association( PMA) and SME.
Challenges and opportunities
“ Whether running a job shop or a largescale operation, attendees can evaluate automation systems, smart factory solutions
40 | ismr. net | ISMR July / August 2026