FABTECH 2026 sets non-Chicago attendance record in Las Vegas

FABTECH 2026 drew more than 32,500 participants to Las Vegas, setting the event’s largest attendance outside Chicago and its highest first-day crowd in history. The show’s strong debut for first-time attendees, first-time exhibitors and new product launches points to continued momentum heading into Chicago in 2027.

Why it matters: - FABTECH 2026 reinforced the show’s role as North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event. - Strong attendance, exhibitor traffic and reported equipment sales signal healthy demand for manufacturing technology. - The Las Vegas return also broadened the event’s reach, with 59% of attendees new to FABTECH.

What happened: - FABTECH 2026 drew 32,530 industry participants to the Las Vegas Convention Center from Oct. 21-23. - The event logged its largest attendance outside Chicago. - FABTECH also set its highest first-day attendance in show history. - The show featured 1,461 exhibitors, including 220 first-time exhibitors. - Exhibitors displayed 628 new products across 727,251 square feet of exhibit space. - All 50 states and 80 countries were represented. - California, Texas, Nevada, Utah and Arizona made up about 41% of attendees.

The details: - FABTECH’s show floor spanned the North, Central and South halls and covered 40 product categories. - Manufacturers compared equipment and technologies through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences. - Eight specialized pavilions focused on Welding, Automation, Forming and Fabricating, Tube & Pipe, Finishing, Job Shop, Stamping & Press Automation and the new Artificial Intelligence for Manufacturing Pavilion. - The AIM Pavilion debuted as a dedicated space for learning about AI applications in manufacturing. - The conference program offered more than 180 educational opportunities across 12 tracks. - Sessions and workshops covered industrial AI, digital twins, collaborative robotics, automation ROI, lean practices and workforce development. - The inaugural FAB Pass sold out at 200 participants. - The premium pass included full conference and keynote access, a VIP lounge, priority entry to select activities and other benefits. - Amber Mac discussed AI readiness on Oct. 21. - Steve Darnell spoke on craftsmanship and grit in fabrication on Oct. 23. - Jerry Rice drew about 1,000 people to the FABTECH Theater on Oct. 22 for a keynote on discipline, teamwork and excellence. - Women of FABTECH marked its 11th year with a record 170 attendees and sold out. - Vanessa Heim, president and CEO of Brenco Industries, was the featured speaker at Women of FABTECH. - The State of the Metal Fabrication Business panel on Oct. 21 cited equipment availability, supplier capacity, recruiting and training as top challenges. - Panelists said companies should hire for potential as well as experience and use turnaround time as a competitive advantage. - Panelists also discussed measuring AI and automation value in hours saved on tasks such as data analysis and early-stage engineering. - The panel emphasized preserving human connection where it matters while using specialized employees on higher-value work.

Between the lines: - The share of first-time attendees suggests FABTECH is attracting a new wave of buyers, engineers and decision-makers. - First-time exhibitors reached an audience that was also largely new to the event, which can change the sales dynamic for product launches. - The mix of strong lead generation, on-floor sales and education sessions shows the show is still functioning as both a trade marketplace and an industry forum. - The addition of an AI-focused pavilion reflects how manufacturing technology conversations are shifting from concept to application.

What’s next: - FABTECH returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place Sept. 13-16, 2027. - The 2027 show already has 92% of planned exhibit space sold. - More information is available at fabtechexpo.com.

The bottom line: - FABTECH 2026 delivered record non-Chicago attendance, strong exhibitor results and a clear signal that manufacturing tech buyers are still showing up in force.