September 18, 2023

FABTECH 2023, the pinnacle event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, successfully wrapped up its four-day run at Chicago's McCormick Place on September 14, achieving significant milestones for attendance, exhibitors, and show floor size. From September 11 – 14, FABTECH 2023 welcomed 40,505 attendees from across the globe—a 26 per cent year-over-year gain in attendance compared to the 2022 event in Atlanta and a 40 per cent increase compared to the 2021 event in Chicago. Representing 80 countries and all 50 states, these industry professionals converged at McCormick Place to explore cutting-edge technology, engage in education sessions, establish new business relationships, and foster invaluable networking connections.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to the attendees, exhibitors, speakers, members, and everyone who joined us for FABTECH 2023 in Chicago," expressed Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME. "This year's event was an exceptional gathering, offering the industry a one-stop-shop for solutions with an expansive show floor that truly showcased the future of manufacturing. FABTECH remains well positioned to continue its leadership role in delivering access to leading-edge trends, technologies, and innovations that are driving manufacturing forward."

FABTECH 2023's show floor, spanning an impressive 825,325 square feet across three exhibit halls, featured an extensive showcase of over 1,500 world-class suppliers. Among these were 235 new exhibitors unveiling more than 575 new products, exemplifying the industry's unwavering commitment to innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. The energy at FABTECH 2023 was palpable, with attendees experiencing a whirlwind of activity on the bustling exhibit floor. The event witnessed a remarkable 26 per cent expansion of the show floor compared to the 2022 edition in Atlanta and 38 per cent more than the 2021 event in Chicago, accommodating 40 per cent more exhibitors. 

The eight technology pavilions, spread across three halls, explored critical sectors such as 3D/Additive Manufacturing, Forming and Fabricating, Finishing, METALFORM, Tube/Pipe, Robotics and Industrial Automation, Welding, and Welding Automation. Prominent industry leaders, alongside a diverse range of exhibitors, once again converged at the event, drawing significant attention. Notable companies missing from the show floor in 2021 such as Lincoln Electric, AIDA-America, and MC Machinery Systems/Mitsubishi Laser, among others, were back in Chicago to showcase their latest products and solutions, contributing to the event's success.