CHICAGO – FABTECH 2025 made history as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, filling 885,000 square feet of McCormick Place with more than 1,700 exhibitors and drawing in 42,000 manufacturing professionals Sept. 8-11.
“The energy on this year’s record-breaking show floor was a clear reflection of the manufacturing industry’s confidence and forward momentum,” Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director at SME®, said. “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.”
This year’s event included 300 first-time exhibitors, more than 800 new products and more then 200 education sessions across 13 tracks.
The show is said to have generated an estimated $80 million in economic impact for Chicago.
From world-premiere machines to live product demonstrations, the show floor gave buyers hands-on opportunities to compare solutions. Pavilions such as the new Job Shop Pavilion streamlined the experience for attendees evaluating specialized technologies.
Exhibitors reported strong results. “Our goal was about 250 qualified leads and we have well over 400. Plus, we sold two machines directly off the floor, so the ROI is already hit,” Jack Smith, Global Director of Business Development at Packsize, said.
TRUMPF also saw record engagement. “FABTECH is our Super Bowl,” Jesse Imse, the company’s Head of Marketing, said. “It’s been an excellent show for TRUMPF. A lot of familiar faces, some new faces as well. It’s always great to reconnect with our customers.”
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High-Profile Keynotes and Awards
Keynote highlights in the conference program included Emmitt Smith, Pro Football Hall of Famer, on perseverance and leadership; Andy Papathanassiou, NASCAR innovator, on teamwork and performance; and Harry Moser, Reshoring Initiative Founder, on opportunities in North American manufacturing.
Panels and the annual State of the Industry Address offered perspective on global trends, sustainability and operational excellence, providing attendees with actionable strategies.
FABTECH also focused on industry culture and talent development. The Women of FABTECH program celebrated its 10th anniversary with a keynote from performance coach Dr. Amber Selking, fostering mentorship and career growth. Networking highlights, including the Industry Night Party, reinforced the event’s role as a hub for collaboration.
Workforce development was another priority. The Emerging Leaders Program, now in its second year, connected young professionals with mentors while targeted sessions explored strategies for recruitment, training and retention.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker underscored FABTECH’s importance with a show floor visit, meeting with local manufacturers alongside industry leaders.
“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,” Mark Hoper, Senior Vice President of Media & Expositions at the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, said. “Our job is to ensure FABTECH continues to be the platform that helps drive that growth, whether it is launching new products, sharing expertise or attracting the next generation of talent.”
FABTECH will return to Las Vegas for the first time in a decade, Oct. 21–23, 2026, promising to build on the momentum of Chicago’s record-setting edition.
Reach Tracy Garcia and Mark Hoper at jfranks@mdg.agency
