FABTECH 2026 Focuses on Manufacturing Workforce

FABTECH 2026 will feature more than 180 education sessions focused on workforce development, automation, artificial intelligence and manufacturing technology as the industry continues to address a growing skilled-labor gap.

FABTECH, North America's metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, is scheduled for Oct. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. The 2026 conference program will include sessions addressing workforce development and technology adoption across the manufacturing industry.

The event comes as manufacturers face ongoing challenges related to skilled-worker shortages and an aging workforce. The FABTECH organizers cited an average U.S. welder age of 51, highlighting concerns about the number of experienced tradespeople leaving the workforce compared with the number of new workers entering manufacturing careers.

Workforce Development Takes Center Stage

Workforce development will be a recurring theme throughout the FABTECH 2026 education program. Sessions will cover employee upskilling, career development, leadership, talent retention and strategies for addressing the manufacturing labor shortage.

The program is designed to provide educational opportunities for both newer manufacturing professionals and experienced workers, according to Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME.

As manufacturers increasingly adopt automation and digital technologies, developing employees who can operate, maintain and manage those systems has become an important consideration for companies investing in modernization.

FABTECH 2026 Conference Tracks

The 2026 conference program includes more than 180 sessions across 12 tracks. Topics range from artificial intelligence and automation to fabrication technologies and business strategy.

Key areas include:

• AI and Smart Manufacturing: Industrial AI strategies, shop-floor intelligence, digital twins and connected factory systems.

• Automation and Robotics: Automation adoption, collaborative robotics and return-on-investment considerations.

• Operational Excellence: Lean manufacturing, predictive maintenance, downtime reduction and cost optimization.

• Workforce Development: Employee upskilling, career development, leadership and strategies for addressing the labor gap.

• Digital Transformation: ERP modernization, real-time manufacturing data and cybersecurity.

• Advanced Fabrication Technologies: Developments in laser, forming and finishing technologies.

• Business Growth: Capital investment, scaling operations and supply chain strategies.

The conference will feature speakers from manufacturing companies, technology providers, educational institutions, consulting firms and other organizations involved in the manufacturing industry.

AI, Automation and the Changing Manufacturing Workforce

Technology adoption is expected to remain a major topic at FABTECH 2026 as manufacturers evaluate ways to increase productivity while addressing workforce challenges.

Automation and robotics can change the types of skills required on the manufacturing floor, creating demand for employees who can work with increasingly connected equipment and digital systems. Sessions at FABTECH will examine technology adoption strategies as well as workforce preparation.

The conference program also includes discussions focused on smart factories, digital twins, connected manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence.

Leadership and Workforce Panels

FABTECH's Leadership Exchange series will address several issues affecting manufacturing businesses, including workforce development, supply chain pressures, reshoring and technology investment.

A panel titled “Building Tomorrow's Workforce: How to Attract, Train, and Keep Next-Gen Employees” is scheduled for Oct. 22. The session will bring together representatives from different generations of the manufacturing workforce to discuss employee recruitment, training and retention.

Other Leadership Exchange sessions will examine the state of the metal fabrication industry and strategies involving financing, tax incentives and business investment.

Emerging Leaders Program Returns

FABTECH will also host its Emerging Leaders Program on Oct. 22. The half-day program is designed for professionals preparing to take on expanded leadership responsibilities.

The program will include networking, a keynote presentation and skill-focused sessions covering leadership development.

Keynotes and Special Events

The 2026 event will feature keynote presentations from technology commentator Amber Mac, former NFL player Jerry Rice and Welder Up founder Steve Darnell.

Topics will include artificial intelligence, leadership, workplace culture, craftsmanship and innovation.

Additional events will include the WeldArt World Championship, which will showcase welding skills through a live competition, and the Women of FABTECH program, which will focus on women in manufacturing leadership.

New FAB Pass Offered for 2026

FABTECH is also introducing a new premium attendee option called FAB Pass for the 2026 event. The package includes access to conference sessions and keynotes, VIP Lounge access, FABTECH Bistro lunch tickets, early entry to select events and other attendee benefits.

The conference and exhibition will take place Oct. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.