FABTECH Signs on to Stay in Atlanta for 2018 and 2022

January 20, 2014

With this year’s show tracking well in Atlanta, the organizers of FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event, are sticking with success by signing up to bring the show back to the city in 2018 and 2022.

The Society of Manufacturing Engineer’s FABTECH was last held in Atlanta in 2010, drawing 22,000 attendees from 50 countries, and this year’s event, scheduled Nov. 11-13 at Georgia’s World Congress Center, is expected to draw expect to draw 27,000 attendees and 1,400 exhibitors.

The group signed up for two more years at a meeting held during the International Association of Exhibitions and Events in December in Houston.

“When FABTECH’s attendees return this year, nearly $1.5 billion in new attractions, transportation options and retail developments will have opened in Atlanta,” said William Pate, president and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB).

He added, “We’re excited to offer so many new experiences for attendees since their last visit.”

Some of that new development includes the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame and Atlanta Streetcar, which all will have opened since the group last was in town in 2010.

The 2013 show in Chicago broke several records, with 40,667 attendees visiting 1,573 exhibitors to see live equipment demonstrations, compare products side-by-side to find cost-saving solutions at product displays spread across a 650,000 square foot showfloor at McCormick Place.

That was an 11 percent increase in attendance, a 19 percent increase in exhibitors and a 25 percent jump in square footage, compared with the previous event in Chicago in 2011.

FABTECH is co-sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA), and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI).

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact