It might appear that progress is slow, but since 2010, the share of women in manufacturing has been steadily rising. The most recent U.S. census revealed that women made up about 47% of the American workforce and about 30% of the manufacturing workforce. Manufacturers are beginning to understand the ways in which diversity can boost the bottom line and foster a more creative environment.
However, more work needs to be done. Manufacturing can be a lucrative career path. Those working in this field earn over 21% more than the median income. Yet only 1 in 4 manufacturing leaders are women.
FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas this October aims to improve those numbers further. It will feature plenty of successful women among its dynamic keynote speakers and panelists. In addition, the show’s Women of FABTECH networking event continues its more than decade-long tradition of empowering women in metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. While you test-drive the latest technology from the exhibit floor and connect with 31,000+ industry leaders, suppliers, and innovators who are shaping the future of manufacturing, you can also be inspired by the stories of the women blazing a trail of innovation and productivity in the manufacturing field.
This year’s Women of FABTECH program honors many inspiring women who are shaping the industry and paving the way for future generations. This community is purpose-built to help women connect, collaborate, and inspire one another. The lineup for FABTECH 2026 promises to be the best yet. It will feature strategies to help women manage more effectively and maintain a confident frame of mind. Dozens of sessions and panels during the show will feature remarkable women who are among the leading lights of the manufacturing and fabrication fields. Attendees will learn from their personal career stories, how they navigated the ups and downs, and the lessons they learned along the way that can encourage more women to enter our growing industry.
Those attending Women of FABTECH find the show a tremendous boost to both their ambitions and careers. They realize they are not alone. They meet so many other women succeeding in fabrication, stamping, manufacturing, automation, welding, robotics, and 3D printing. They learn the role women can play in shaping the future of the industry by adding their skills, creativity, and drive to the workplace.
Across all 200+ sessions and the 13 educational tracks that comprise FABTECH 2026, women play a prominent role. Those attending will have the opportunity to find like-minded groups that can support them in their careers. AWS, for example, has a strong support structure of events and certifications that encourages women to take up a career in welding. More women are stepping into welding programs, apprenticeships, inspection roles, and engineering pathways. FABTECH 2026 is the place to find out about scholarships, mentorship opportunities, and industry membership programs designed to increase visibility for women in welding at every stage—from high school technical programs to advanced inspection roles.
Similarly, FMA, SME, the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), the Women in Manufacturing Association (WiM), Industrial Finishing & Coating Association (IFCA), and Women in Finishing (WiF) will all be represented at the show. FABTECH 2026 provides unprecedented access to a world of possibilities for women in our industry.
Register today for FABTECH 2026.