Q: What is the FABTECH International and AWS Welding Show?
A: It’s the largest event in North America showcasing metal forming, fabrication, tube and pipe, and welding equipment and technology. Thousands of buyers and sellers from around the world come together at this annual event to:

• Forge new business relationships
• Discover new products and services
• Problem-solve
• Share best practices

Q: How does the show help attendees solve problems?
A: Imagine the information power of hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of products all together under one roof. In just a few days, you’ll get more ideas, advice, and information about new equipment and services than you might get the rest of the year. Here are just a few ways the show offers solutions to the challenges you face:

• Make more informed purchasing decisions by comparing welding, metal forming and fabricating equipment in action
• Explore what’s new in the industry to gain a competitive edge
• Save money with cost-cutting idea and productivity improvements from more than one hundred presenters
• Take advantage of hands-on help and face-to-face advice from leading industry experts

Q: Who should attend?
A: Every year, the show attracts decision-makers from a wide spectrum of companies. These are the people involved in evaluating and purchasing new equipment, products, and services and include (to name just a few):

• Presidents/CEOs/Executives
• Job Shop Owners
• Plant Managers
• Planning and Design Engineers
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Construction and Civil Engineers
• Quality Managers
• Shop Floor Employees
• Everyone who has an interest in boosting productivity, quality, and cost-savings

Q: What kind of processes will I learn about?
A: Because it’s the largest gathering of its kind in North America, what you can learn is limited only by your ability to ask questions. In the past, here’s a good sampling of ready-to-use knowledge attendees have come away with:

• Arc/gas welding and cutting equipment including GMAW, GTAW, SMAW, plasma, electrogas and submerged arc welding
• Resistance welding
• Laser, electron beam, electroslag, friction stir welding
• Friction welding
• Thermal spray
• Brazing
• Soldering
• Much more!

Q: What will I learn about related equipment and services?
A: There’s always new stuff in the works, but here’s what’s been showcased in the past:

• Robots
• Assembly
• Automation/fitting tools
• Sensors/controllers
• Non-destructive testing/examination
• Finishing, hardfacing, surfacing
• Safety/hygiene
• Gases
• CAD/CAM
• Educational materials
• Welding accessories
• Consumables
• Labor saving devices
• And much more from the tube and pipe, forming, and fabricating industries

Q: What’s new and hot coming up at the 2009 show?
A: Lots! Including:

• Professional Program Peer-Reviewed Papers
• World-Class Bookstore with Thousands of Titles
• Conferences and seminars
• Job Fair
• Professional Welder Competition
  
• FREE programs for evaluators and trainers
• FABTECH-sponsored Educational Tracks

Q: What industries come to the show?
A: There’s a wide cross-section, including people from these industries:

• Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
• Aerospace
• Agriculture
• Appliance
• Automotive
• Chemical
• Construction Products and Materials
• Electronics & Electrical Products
• Food Service and Processing
• Furniture and Fixtures
• Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning
• Heavy Equipment
• Job Shop/Contract Manufacturing
• Medical
• Metalworking
• Military/Defense
• Mining/Utilities/Power Generation
• Recreational Equipment
• Transportation

Q: What are the show hours?
A: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Q: When is the show?
A: November 15-18, 2009.

Q: Where is the show?
A: McCormick Place, South and North Halls, Chicago, Illinois.

Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: Advance registration is FREE, though there is an additional charge for some of the meetings. Register online or via mail/fax form here.

Q: Is there an advantage to registering in advance?
A: Absolutely! For one, you’ll save money: register on-site and you pay a $50 fee and wait in line. Save yourself money and time by registering early.

Q: Okay, so I pre-registered. When do I get my badge?
A: You should have your badge about four weeks before the show.

Q: Is there an age restriction for attendance?
A: The event is open only to industry professionals. No one under 16 will be admitted.

Q: Where can I get more information?
A: E-mail John Ospina or call (800) 443-9353 ext. 462.