FABTECH Special Show Events

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS     FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES

Location: Solutions Showcase Theater, Hall B

FABTECH is more than just a trade show. The event offers countless opportunities for you to gain the knowledge you can use to advance your career or improve your business. The programming is designed to help you survive and thrive in today's economy.

Tuesday, November 2 • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Diversify Your Business or Die (K1)
In today's manufacturing environment, relying on one customer, one market or one process can spell certain death — diversifying is critical to survival. But understanding your choices and deciding how and when to diversify can be complex. This panel discussion will bring together your peers — those who have been there and done that — along with diversification experts to share what works and what doesn't, identify an approach that fits your business and discuss the risks and rewards of various diversification options. Attending this session will arm you with first-hand perspectives and insights you can use to jumpstart and grow your business.

Moderator: Paul Veryser, Strategic Leader, Novitas Advisors

Panelists: Roy Verstraete, President and CEO, Anchor Danly
Sam Strausbaugh, Managing Partner, Defiance Metal Products
Brent Schwartz, VP of Engineering, MetoKote Corporation

Wednesday, November 3 • 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Make Green by Going Green:
How Manufacturers Can Gain a Competitive Advantage (K2)
Case study after case study, the pursuit of sustainable manufacturing practices and execution of conservation principles have proven profitable for manufacturers. This keynote panel will focus on how implementing a “practical lean and green” approach to consuming water, gas, utilities and raw materials can benefit not only the environment, but your business as well. Our panelists will share examples of how they've done it. If you want to learn how to improve your bottom line and gain a competitive advantage by going green, this unique presentation is for you!

Moderator: Kristin Pierre, Manager-Green Suppliers Network, U.S. EPA

Panelists: Mary Ellen Mika, Manager-Energy & Environment, Supply Chain Dept., Steelcase, Inc.
Jon DeWys, Owner, DeWys Manufacturing,
John Spangler, Technical Steward, Caterpillar

SOLUTIONS SHOWCASE   FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES

Location: Solutions Showcase Theater, Hall B

Ready to find solutions and strategies for operating a more efficient and competitive business? Stop by this popular theater area to hear FREE expert-led sessions covering a wide range of hot topics, including sessions related to the keynote presentations.

Tuesday, November 2

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Look Before You Leap — The Economics of Diversification (T1)
Although diversification into new markets and production areas can be an exciting and profitable step, relying on vague beliefs that an industry or market is a good fit with existing operations, or that recent market or industry trends are indications of long-term health, could spell long-term failure. Get the updated insight on how our manufacturing markets are performing and what's in store for the future. Consider regulatory issues, costs of entry, distribution and other economic factors that will ultimately impact your diversification success.

Presented by: Dr. Chris Kuehl, Managing Director, Armada Corporate Intelligence
Dr. Ken Mayland, President, ClearView Economics

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
The Nuts and Bolts of Diversification (T2)
What is your growth strategy, and how will you get it to work? During this down-and-dirty presentation, gain the knowledge and tools to accurately assess your current business performance and check that your strategy reflects what your business does well. Understand how your current resources will change, like sales and marketing, workforce development and cross-training. Finally, how will you finance your growth strategy? These questions, and more, will be answered.

Presented by: Paul Veryser, Strategic Leader, Novitas Advisors

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
The Choice to Merge or Acquire (T3)
The list of good reasons for growing your business through acquisitions or mergers is long and compelling: acquire additional skills, broaden customer base, expand funding, diversify products and reduce competition. But the list of what can go wrong may have you thinking twice. Without the time and consideration in carefully planning your expansion, you may end up in a bidding war, damage your core business, lose your business culture or a myriad of resources. Get expert advice in forecasting the potential pitfalls and confidently decide if your business is ready for expansion
through acquisition or merger.

Presented by: Robert Contaldo, Managing Partner, Corporate Finance Associates

Wednesday, November 3

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
The Lean and Green Audit: Step One to Practical Green (T4)
The U.S. EPA and NIST-MEP network have partnered to form the Green Suppliers Network (GSN). Using the value stream mapping process, the GSN team focuses companies on incorporating process, energy and material efficiencies into their operations, leading to substantial environmental benefits and reductions in labor and capital costs. Learn how manufacturers have saved money and improved the environment by taking this first audit step.

Presented by: Kristin Pierre, Manager, Green Suppliers Network, U.S. EPA
Mary Ellen Mika, Manager, Energy & Environment, Supply Chain Dept., Steelcase, Inc.

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Is It Possible to be Lean and Green with Your Finishing System? (T5)
Finishing systems have never been thought of as lean ... or green. In fact, some lean experts believe that paint is the one production area in today's factories that cannot conform to the lean methodology. Learn some of Caterpillar's trade secrets that make your finishing system lean with point of use access to your factory floor. Also, decrease the amount of valuable floor space, while a cutting energy and chemical costs compared to the traditional monument systems.

Presented by: John Spangler, Technical Steward, Caterpillar, and Technical Advisor for
IntelliFinishing

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Converting Factory Lighting: Process and Payback (T6)
Many metal fabrication, stamping, welding and finishing operations have converted to highefficiency lighting and have seen payback within 12 months. Converting these bulbs and fixtures has become a logical first step on the road to energy efficiency. Learn the steps necessary to complete this conversion in your own facility.

Presented by: Ankur Patel, Outside Sales Associate, MSC Industrial Supply

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Outlook for Welded Pipe Usage in Natural Gas Shales (T7)
Forecasts are strong for pipe installations in a variety of natural gas shale regions in North America. Attend and learn what's new in welding and pipe for natural gas installations, and the latest forecasts and expected installation schedule for the near future.

Presented by: John C. Bruskotter, President, Bruskotter Consulting Services, and President, AWS

Thursday, November 4

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The Essentials of Job Shop Marketing (T8)
It is very challenging in manufacturing today; how to survive and grow as the economy sorts itself out. Many marketing-savvy contract manufacturers & job shops are being aggressive, right now! They are going after new business while others are hiding their heads. This session points you in the right direction without breaking the bank. Topics we will discuss:
• What's so important about Web sites & tradeshow displays?
• What is required in a successful Web site?
• How much WOW-factor should you have and why?
• How much thought to give to Google and Bing.
• How to avoid the easy but fatal mistakes.
• How much should you be investing right now?

Presented by: Rob Edwards, VP, The Job Shop Company

WELD TRIALS COMPETITION

The AWS Skills Competition Committee will showcase six finalists selected from 24 student welders that competed in the SkillsUSA Championships in 2009 and 2010. They will test their skills in this qualifying event for the WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 2011, and only three will advance to the next round.

Don't miss the chance to see competitors demonstrate their skills by completing standard test weldments (plate and pipe), sheet metal projects in aluminum and stainless steel, and a pressure vessel. Welds will be judged for soundness and appearance. Written skills and welding code interpretation will also be judged. Ultimately, the 2011 TeamUSA Welder who will represent the U.S. at WorldSkills will be selected at the US Open Weld Trials in summer 2010. This winner will receive a four-year scholarship worth $40,000 from the AWS Foundation and sponsored by The Miller Electric Manufacturing Co., a four-year AWS membership, an AWS Certification, and up to $1,000 in AWS publications."

For more information on the competition, contact the American Welding Society (AWS) 800-443-9353

JOB FAIR & CAREER PAVILION   FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES

Location: Show Floor, Hall C    
           
Tuesday, November 2 • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Job Fair only)
Wednesday, November 3 • 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 4 • 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Get your resume ready! Whether you're a veteran professional or a student just entering the
workforce, the Job Fair & Career Pavilion will give you an excellent opportunity to network with
prospective employers, education and career development advisors and other job seekers.
When you visit the pavilion, please dress appropriately and bring your résumé – you may get an
interview on the spot!