Fabtech International & AWS Welding show a success

The first Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show to take place in the Southeast recently concluded at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center, following three days of impressive crowds and bustling exhibits. More than 21,000 attendees from around the world visited the show to evaluate, purchase and explore innovative technologies. A total of 873 companies exhibited, taking over 300,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“The move to Atlanta from a traditional midwestern region was a culmination of many factors, including input from exhibitors and extensive research to determine new markets of metal fabricators and welders that had previously never been to our event,” said Mark Hoper, FMA show manager.

Attendees actively sought the more than 300 new products on display at the show, and the Innovation Theater attracted hundreds for a series of free presentations on new technology. Other show highlights included a new automated manufacturing laser cell, the Skills USA Open Weld Trials, the AWS job fair and the Miller welding and cutting exposition, featuring a custom-built semi-truck trailer complete with an on-board classroom and space for live welding and cutting demos. More than 300 people attended the opening keynote to hear NAM president John Engler, discuss the future of manufacturing in North America.

“The positive response and high level of excitement at this year’s event clearly indicates the strength of manufacturing, not only in the Southeast but also around the globe,” said Jeff Weber, AWS show manager, and SME show manager John Catalano added that turnout far exceeded expectations.

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