FABTECH 2025 Announces Education Program, Adds Keynote Speakers

The organizers of FABTECH 2025 have released the event's educational program, which is designed to address current challenges in the manufacturing sector. North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event is scheduled for Sept. 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The program will feature over 200 sessions, including 150 new offerings, across 13 educational tracks.

The conference content is structured to provide actionable strategies for manufacturers navigating issues such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and new technology adoption.

Conference Tracks and Key Themes

The program sessions are organized under several key themes, including:

• Smart Manufacturing and Automation: Tracks will cover automation/robotics, smart fabrication, and laser technologies.
• Workforce Development and Leadership: These sessions will focus on leadership, talent management, and marketing and sales.
• Operational Excellence: Tracks are dedicated to job shop operations, production, and stamping.
• Innovations in Manufacturing Processes: This theme includes tracks on welding, finishing, cutting, and forming and fabricating.

New Additions to Keynote Lineup

FABTECH has also added two new speakers to its keynote schedule, which already includes manufacturing strategist Andy Papathanassiou, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, and performance coach Alan Stein Jr. The new speakers are:

• Harry Moser, president of the Reshoring Initiative, will lead a session on Thursday, Sept. 11, titled "How OEMs and Job Shops Can Benefit from Reshoring." He will present national survey findings and strategies for capitalizing on domestic supply chains.
• Dr. Amber Selking of the Selking Performance Group will be the speaker for the Women of FABTECH 10th Anniversary Breakfast on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Her presentation will focus on mindset and mental conditioning for professional performance in the manufacturing industry.

Expert Panels to Address Industry Issues

In addition to the keynote sessions, the event will host several expert-led panel discussions. Topics will include practical strategies for automation, the 2025 state of the industry, and solutions for finding and retaining the next-generation workforce.

FABTECH 2025 will also continue its Emerging Leaders Program, which offers leadership development and networking opportunities for early-career professionals in the manufacturing industry.