With 1,700+ exhibitors across 885,000 square feet, FABTECH 2025 highlighted manufacturing’s growth, innovation, and commitment to workforce development
CHICAGO (Sept. 18, 2025) — FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, concluded its four-day run in Chicago with the largest show floor in its history. The event brought together 42,000 manufacturing professionals and more than 1,700 exhibitors to connect, explore new technologies and drive business forward.
“The energy on this year’s record-breaking show floor was a clear reflection of the manufacturing industry’s confidence and forward momentum,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director at SME. “FABTECH is more than just a showcase for technology; it’s the critical venue where face-to-face connections are made, partnerships are forged, and business gets done. The level of engagement we saw this year was exceptional.”
FABTECH by the Numbers
42,000 industry participants
1,700+ exhibitors covering 885,000+ square feet of exhibit space
300 first-time exhibitors
800+ new products launched
200+ education sessions across 13 tracks
$80+ million estimated economic impact to Chicago
FABTECH’s Biggest Show Floor to Date
The expansive, record-setting show floor served as the central hub for FABTECH 2025, a bustling marketplace of discovery where attendees and exhibitors alike found measurable value. Its prominence was underscored by a visit from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who toured the floor with leaders from FMA and SME, to meet with Illinois-based manufacturing companies.
Exhibitors, both large and small, conducted live product demonstrations, unveiling world-premiere machines and giving buyers the chance to see technology in action. The show floor was also organized into specialized pavilions, including the new Job Shop Pavilion, helping participants efficiently compare solutions side by side. For many, the ability to hold face-to-face conversations with technical experts and evaluate equipment firsthand reaffirmed FABTECH as the place where real business gets done.
“FABTECH has been a great show for us. Our goal for the show was about 250 qualified leads, and we have well over 400 qualified leads. Plus, we sold two machines directly off the floor, so the ROI is already hit,” said Jack Smith, Global Director of Business Development, Pacsize.
“FABTECH is always number one on our list, the biggest show, the quality of the customers that we see. We even get to connect with our dealers and such that are in town, so it’s a can’t miss for us,” said Jennifer Vogelman, Director of Business Development, Trilogy Machinery.
“FABTECH is our Super Bowl. It's been an excellent show for TRUMPF. We've had a record turnout, a lot of familiar faces, some new faces as well. It's always great to reconnect with our customers,” said Jesse Imse, Head of Marketing, TRUMPF.
Spotlight on Trends
Over 800 new products debuted across the exhibit halls as engineers, buyers, and executives discovered breakthrough technologies and interacted directly with innovators behind the latest advancements. Many of the most prominent themes on display were a direct response to the industry’s need for greater efficiency and productivity, including:
Automation: Robotic systems and automated solutions were widely showcased, designed to address workforce shortages, increase throughput, and improve operational consistency.
Smart Manufacturing: From AI-enabled platforms to connected equipment, exhibitors showcased solutions that provide real-time data for better decision-making and greater operational transparency.
Advanced Technologies: Advanced lasers, welding techniques, and finishing systems were on display to meet the growing demand for complex components and high-quality finishes in critical industries.
Sustainability-Focused Solutions: A growing number of exhibitors offered strategies and equipment aimed at reducing operating costs and meeting corporate environmental goals through energy conservation and waste reduction.
“I come to FABTECH to see new technology and new ways that I can improve production,” said Derek Wilson, Shop Manager, Flint Energy.
Curated Experiences: Special Events & Conference
FABTECH 2025 delivered a comprehensive education program with more than 200 sessions and workshops. Keynote highlights included Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, who spoke about perseverance and leadership; NASCAR innovator Andy Papathanassiou shared lessons on teamwork, and Harry Moser of the Reshoring Initiative outlined new opportunities in North American manufacturing. Following the keynote, Moser presented GE Appliances and Marlin Steel with the 2025 National Metalworking Reshoring Award in recognition of their leadership in revitalizing U.S. manufacturing.
The State of the Industry address provided a big-picture look at global market forces, while expert-led panels explored critical topics including technology adoption, operational excellence, and sustainability. Together, these sessions offered actionable insights designed to help attendees drive their businesses forward.
In addition to the conference program, FABTECH created spaces for inspiration and community-building. A major highlight was the 10th anniversary of the Women of FABTECH program, featuring a keynote from performance coach Dr. Amber Selking. The event served as a platform for candid discussion, mentorship, and career growth. Networking highlights such as the Industry Night Party brought professionals together to spark meaningful conversations, reinforcing FABTECH’s role as a hub for collaboration.
Investing in Workforce Development
Workforce development remained a top priority at FABTECH 2025, with programs designed to prepare the next generation of talent. The Emerging Leaders Program returned for its second year, connecting early-career professionals with mentors and industry leaders, while workforce-focused sessions explored recruitment, training, and retention strategies. These offerings underscored FABTECH’s role in supporting the talent pipeline essential to the industry’s future.
Looking Ahead to FABTECH 2026
FABTECH will return to Las Vegas for the first time in a decade, taking place October 21–23, 2026.
“For decades, FABTECH has been the trusted gathering place for the manufacturing community, and this year’s record-setting event was a powerful reminder of that legacy,” said Mark Hoper, Senior Vice President of Media & Expositions at the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA). “We are incredibly grateful to our exhibitors, attendees, speakers and partners who brought such tremendous energy to Chicago. We look forward to building on this success in Las Vegas in 2026.”
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