Fabtech 2025 Heads to The Second City Sept. 8-11 with Expanded Exhibits and Sessions
Fabtech, a major North American event for metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing technologies is set to return to Chicago’s McCormick Place from Sept. 8-11, 2025. The show’s event partners include Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), American Welding Society (AWS) and Chemical Coaters Association Intl. (CCAI)—all of which will bring attendees the largest show floor yet as well as expansive education programming and a record number of exhibitors.
This show is an opportunity for mechanical and design engineers focused on precision metalforming, stamping, tool and die, and press automation technologies.
Record Scale and a Renamed Pavilion
This year’s event will occupy more than 850,000 sq.-ft. with more than 1,500 exhibitors spanning 40 technology categories. Organizers anticipate tens of thousands of industry professionals from across the globe.
Tracy Garcia, CEM, Fabtech group director at SME, said Chicago has a central role in manufacturing’s innovation ecosystem and highlighted the show’s combination of scale and meaningful content that supports attendees in improving productivity and supply chain resilience. “We are focusing on real-world strategies, from integrating new technologies and developing talent to optimizing processes for a competitive edge,” Garcia said in a press release.
The former METALFORM Pavilion has been renamed the Stamping, Tool & Die, and Press Automation Pavilion. Managed by the PMA, this rebranding clarifies the pavilion’s focus on key areas within metal forming production, highlighting, stamping operations, tool and die manufacturing and press automation systems.
According to Doug Trout, PMA exhibition manager, the change improves alignment between pavilion content and PMA's management scope at Fabtech.
Educational Programming to Address Industry Challenges
The event’s standout feature is its comprehensive education program with more than 200 sessions across 13 tracks, 150 of which are new for 2025. These sessions cover smart manufacturing and automation, workforce development and leadership, operational excellence and innovations in core manufacturing processes such as welding, finishing, cutting, forming and fabricating.
“Our education program is a direct extension of the innovation attendees will witness on the show floor,” Garcia said, adding, “It’s designed to help attendees solve problems, improve operations and make confident, informed decisions as they explore new technologies and solutions and the event.”
The keynote speaker lineup includes several industry thought leaders. Harry Moser, president of the reshoring initiative, will address reshoring benefits for OEMs and job shops. Dr. Amber Selking will focus on mental performance strategies for women in manufacturing in celebration of the Women of Fabtech’s 10th anniversary.
Other keynote speakers slated to appear include NASCAR innovator Andy Papathanassiou, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and elite performance coach Alan Stein Jr.—each sharing lessons applicable to leadership, teamwork and operational excellence.
Expert-led panels will tackle topics such as practical automation strategies, economic and technology outlooks, and workforce recruitment and retention—all challenges that modern manufacturers are facing.
New Pavilion for Job Shops, Networking Opportunities
Responding to growing demand among small and mid-sized manufacturers, the new job shop pavilion will debut at Fabtech 2025, offering tailored solutions to help improve operational efficiency and streamline production workflows. Organizers report that this new pavilion complements six other specialized technology zones, including Automation; Forming and Fabricating; Tube and Pipe; Stamping and Press Automation; Welding; and Finishing.
Beyond the exhibit floor and education sessions, Fabtech offers networking experiences such as the Women of Fabtech program, Industry Night Party and the Fabtech Biergarten. Additionally, the Emerging Leaders Program returns, providing early career professionals with mentorship and specialized education to build skills for an evolving workforce.
Registration is open now, with complimentary exhibit hall passes available. Education sessions and workshops may require pre-registration and additional fees. To learn more, visit fabtechexpo.com.
