What To Expect at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando As A First Time Attendee

Each year in North America, FABTECH events welcome over 65,000 total visitors from over 90 countries. While our US event has typically rotated between Las Vegas, Chicago, and Atlanta – this fall we’re taking North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing show to a new location: sunny Florida. 

Attending FABTECH 2024 in Orlando this year is a pivotal opportunity for professionals in every corner of the manufacturing industry. As the premier and most authoritative event in the metals and manufacturing industries, FABTECH offers a highly immersive education experience. It’s the only place to see high-tech metalworking machinery, the latest developments in automation, and many of the best welders in the world up close and personal.  

Whether you’re a frequent attendee or this is your first ever visit to our show floor – keep reading for some insights on what to expect at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando. 

One of the most important tips we can offer is to register in advance for the show. Registration is required for entry, and it’s free if you get it done before October 12, 2024. Booking your hotel/travel accommodations is also made easier by visiting our web portal to find hotel partners and discounts for FABTECH attendees.  

Once you’ve got all of that out of the way, here are some of our top tips for getting the most out of your first FABTECH experience: 

There is so much to see and do at FABTECH that most visitors never get to it all. That’s why making a list of priorities (and hitting those list items first) will help you make the most of your time here.  

Our show floor is packed with over 800,000 square feet of exhibitors, live technology demonstrations, and industry professionals connecting and exchanging knowledge. It can be intimidating to find just one area to explore, let alone locate a specific booth. That’s where it will really benefit you to download our mobile app once the 2024 version is available – a few months before the show. The app (and our website) allows you to view a list of exhibitors and their booth locations and plan an itinerary with conference sessions and special events included. Technology that you can expect to see at FABTECH 2024 includes: 

During the 3-day show in Orlando, the FABTECH conference will also be in full swing, providing insights, innovative strategies, and potential solutions for your career or business. Check back to see the full education schedule in June; we’ll be announcing it on FABTECH social media when it goes live. The American Welding Society presents welding education programs led by top professionals in the industry, and individuals who attend AWS education programs are awarded 1 PDH (Professional Development Hour) for each hour of attendance.  

Tailor your educational journey to fit your schedule and priorities at the show by using the FABTECH mobile app to track your itinerary. Sign up early – all conference sessions are 60-90 minutes in length and offer practical knowledge you’re sure to use.  

Throughout the event, opportunities to make new contacts with industry peers and leadership will be frequent. From the FABTECH Bistro at lunchtime to the receptions and sponsored events after hours, this is the place to forge new relationships in your industry. 

Effective networking in a trade show environment requires a strategic approach – it’s important to come prepared with a clear objective and an elevator pitch that succinctly communicates what you’re about. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself first and ask open-ended questions to engage with new contacts. Foster deeper connections by listening attentively and exchanging business cards or social media profiles. Don’t forget that networking is a two-way street; be sure to offer insights, resources, or introductions whenever possible. An engaging trip to FABTECH can help you build a robust network that yields lasting benefits for you or your company. 

As overwhelming as the bustling conference atmosphere may seem already, there’s always an extra layer of excitement and opportunity at FABTECH when we post updates to our Special Events schedule. Beyond the standard exhibition and educational sessions, these keynotes and leadership panels bring together professionals from various sectors of the industry for celebration, collaboration, and insights into the future of our work. Keep an eye on our social channels for updates and where to find these special events when they are posted. 

We’re so excited to see you at the show this year, and to offer a unique and unparalleled experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. Attend FABTECH 2024 to see a diverse array of cutting-edge machinery and processes showcased in real-time, witness innovation in action and gain high-value connections. Since 1981, the FABTECH experience has given attendees the opportunity to engage directly with experts, ask questions, and explore potential applications for their own operations. Register today to see it all in one place and stay ahead of the competition.