FABTECH, a metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event will occur in Orlando from October 15-17. This year’s special events, which are free to all attendees unless noted, will feature a dynamic lineup of industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries who will challenge attendees to rethink their approaches, explore new manufacturing leadership, advanced manufacturing techniques, digital solutions, AI and robotics, steel production, and strategies for workforce development, while also offering insights into global economics and the current state of the industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools, empowering them to lead and excel in the evolving manufacturing landscape.
Tracy Garcia, CEM, group director – FABTECH Series at SME, said, “FABTECH 2024 is designed to ignite change and drive advancements across the manufacturing sector. With an extensive lineup of influential speakers, we aim to provide attendees with the knowledge and inspiration to embrace new technologies and innovative practices. Our mission is to empower every participant to overcome industry challenges and propel their organizations forward.”
The FABTECH 2024 special events schedule includes:
DAY 1: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15
FABx Tech Talks
Keynote
8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
Industry leaders will highlight the importance of transforming fear and doubt into innovation and growth, sharing their own experiences and offering actionable insights. Presentations and speakers include:
- Embracing Change: Lessons from Immigration Stories Applied to Manufacturing Transformation (Andrew Kossowski, owner of Veterans Metal LLC)
- Tackling the Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt That Limit Manufacturing (Rhonda Dibachi, CEO and founder of Hey Scottie)
- Reviving the Flatlining Steel Business & Embracing Change (Troy Underwood, owner ofUrban Metals LLC)
- The Dynamic Workforce and the Power of Mindset in Custom Manufacturing (Adrian Little, founder of JETechnology)
Advanced Manufacturing: Integrating New Technologies & Materials for the Fabrication Industry
Leadership Exchange Panel
12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
Attendees will gain insights into how new technologies are enhancing efficiency, precision, and opening possibilities for product development and design.
Panelists include Jake Volcsko (vice president of Integrated Media SME), Rhonda Dibachi (CEO and founder of Hey Scottie), Andrew Kossowski (owner of Veterans Metal LLC), Troy Underwood(owner of Urban Metals LLC), and Adrian Little (founder of JETechnology).
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
Empowering Voices: Charting a Path for Aspiring Women Leaders
Women of FABTECH Breakfast
7:00-8:30 a.m. ET;
Price: $40
Keynote speaker Angela Phillips (CEO of Phillips Tube Group Inc.) will showcase her journey of resilience and innovation in manufacturing. With over three decades of experience, she has led her company to prominence in the precision welded steel tube market. Phillips will discuss her leadership journey and share insights on embracing change, inspiring other women to pursue leadership roles in manufacturing.
The Power of Team: Leadership and Followership
Keynote
8:30-9:30 a.m.
ET
Peggy Whitson (historic NASA astronaut and one of TIME’s Most Influential People) will deliver a keynote on leadership and building resilient teams. Drawing from her remarkable career, Whitson will inspire attendees with stories of her perspective on teamwork and how effective leadership and dedicated followership are both crucial for achieving extraordinary goals.
Attracting, Engaging, Training, and Retaining Next Generation Employees
Leadership Exchange Panel
12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
This panel will explore strategies for attracting and retaining the new generation of manufacturing talent. Industry leaders and educators will discuss approaches to address employment challenges and provide insights on what methods are effective or not.
Panelists include Max Ceron (executive director of CWB Association), Michael Cole (regional campus president at StrataTech Education Group), Angela Phillips (CEO of Phillips Tube Group, Inc.), and Lori Tapani (co-president of Wyoming Machine, Inc.).
DAY 3: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
Forging the Future: A Vision of CNC Mastery and Innovation
Keynote
8:30-9:30 a.m. ET
Titan Gilroy (CEO of TITANS of CNC) will present an engaging keynote on CNC machining and innovation. Known for his cutting-edge techniques and revolutionary strategies, Gilroy will offer insights into advancements shaping the future of manufacturing and provide actionable strategies for excelling in fabrication and machining.
FABTECH 2024 State of the Industry
Leadership Exchange Panel
12:30-1:30 p.m. ET
This panel will explore current trends, challenges, and innovations in metal fabrication. Leaderswill discuss the impact of global economic dynamics, processing technology, and AI on theindustry. Attendees will gain insights into how companies are navigating these challenges andpreparing for the future.
Panelists include Tim Heston (senior editor at The Fabricator), David Harrold (vice president –corporate purchasing at Alro Steel Corporation), Greg Frye (CEO and president at Anchor Fabrication), and Eric Miller (president at Miller Fabrication).
FABTECH conference
FABTECH offers a comprehensive conference with 60–90-minute sessions as well as full- and half-day workshops covering advanced fabrication and welding technology, workforce development, and management topics. Attendees can customize their agenda from 14 tracks, gaining practical knowledge to address specific manufacturing and production challenges. Each session provides immediately applicable insights, making it a valuable investment for professionals at all experience levels.
FABTECH Emerging Leaders Program
The new program has been designed to equip young professionals and rising stars with the tools and confidence to shape their future and drive positive change in their organizations and the industry. The three-day program will act as a launchpad for those ready to elevate their careers to new heights, featuring an opening keynote luncheon, interactive workshop, guided show floor tours, and networking opportunities.
Related Glossary Terms
- computer numerical control ( CNC)
computer numerical control ( CNC)
Microprocessor-based controller dedicated to a machine tool that permits the creation or modification of parts. Programmed numerical control activates the machine’s servos and spindle drives and controls the various machining operations. See DNC, direct numerical control; NC, numerical control.
- robotics
robotics
Discipline involving self-actuating and self-operating devices. Robots frequently imitate human capabilities, including the ability to manipulate physical objects while evaluating and reacting appropriately to various stimuli. See industrial robot; robot.
- shaping
shaping
Using a shaper primarily to produce flat surfaces in horizontal, vertical or angular planes. It can also include the machining of curved surfaces, helixes, serrations and special work involving odd and irregular shapes. Often used for prototype or short-run manufacturing to eliminate the need for expensive special tooling or processes.
