FABTECH Canada 2014 preview

After the remarkable success of FABTECH Canada in 2012, the event is scheduled to make an even bigger and better return to Toronto in 2014. Promising to be the main manufacturing event of the year, FABTECH Canada 2014 will take place in the newly-renovated Toronto Congress Centre on March 18^th – 20^th, 2014.

FABTECH Canada 2014 will renew its focus on the latest technologies, tools and trends in fabricating, welding, metal forming, stamping, coating and finishing – the only event in Canada to do so. The show also includes many first-time features that will make it a new experience even for those returning for the second time.

New partners contribute to the new FABTECH Canada

Two new partners – PMA (Precision Metalforming Association) and CCAI (Chemical Coaters Association International) have joined SME, FMA (The Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International) and AWS (The American Welding Society) to create an event that is unmatched in Canada in size, scope and opportunity. With more than 300 years of combined experience, these sponsors understand what companies want and need to remain competitive in the current challenging economic climate.

A bigger venue

FABTECH Canada visitors and exhibitors can look forward to a larger conference and welding area, as well as new finishing and stamping pavilions. The event will bring together hundreds of exhibitors, many of which will be showcasing their products and services for the first time. But the expansion isn’t limited to physical space. The event has been enhanced to showcase the latest technologies, products and tools in innovative ways, attracting high-profile decision-makers – CEOs, supervisors, engineers, and production personnel responsible for researching and investing in the equipment they need.

Exhibitors welcome the opportunity

Reacting to the high level of interest and anticipation the event has generated, Janine Saperson, Event Manager with SME said: “We’ve had to expand the show floor to meet the response. This is a great indication of the growing demand for this level of technical expertise and interaction. This event is filling a tremendous need for knowledge, insight, growth, and networking opportunities. Everything FABTECH is about.”

Featured at the show are 250 exhibitors, all experts in their various technologies. Companies that specialize in fabricating technologies include Amada, LVD Strippit, Trumpf, Mazak Optonics, Bystronic, Flow International, Omax, Prima Finn Power and Salvagnini, while exhibitors specializing in welding are Victor Technologies Canada, Hypertherm, Praxair, Air Liquide, Kuka Robotics Canada, ABB, and Yasakawa Motoman Canada.

Educational programmes for every level of manufacturing

In addition to the activity on the event floor, there will be ample opportunities to network and learn through interactive education sessions, panel discussions, workshops and networking hubs.

Both visitors and exhibitors will also benefit from a range of special show features, including the New Products Programme, where new exhibitor products are promoted before and during the event. The goal is to ensure awareness among attendees, and maximum turn out at exhibitors’ booths.

FABTECH Canada offers a spectrum of educational opportunities that focus on both business and individual growth. Between technical, operational, economic and managerial sessions, everyone who comes to FABTECH Canada can discover the solutions they are looking for – whether it’s to help them advance in their career or take their business to the next level. For attendees and exhibitors alike, the chance to network with peers, learn from top industry experts, exchange best practices and explore the latest technologies across multiple industries, is unbeatable.

The educational sessions are designed for everyone from engineers to plant managers, job shop owners and corporate management. These sessions cover a variety of topics including laser/cutting, management, forming and fabricating, finishing, welding, stamping and robotics. There will also be a half-day workshop on Lean (Training Within Industry) – providing a dynamic hands-on learning experience and skills development for team leaders and supervisors.

Keynote speaker, Jessi Combs, focuses on diversity in the workplace

One of the highlights of FABTECH Canada is the featured keynote speaker, Jessi Combs. Best known for her achievements as a race car driver and TV personality, she has also made a name for herself as a metal worker. Speaking from her own experience about the challenges and opportunities for women in manufacturing, her presentation on “Diversity in the Workplace,” will focus on women’s growing presence in manufacturing and engineering, and the importance of supporting diversity in the workplace.

After the presentation, visitors will get the chance to participate in a panel discussion led by Natalie Panek, Mission Systems and Operations Engineer for MDA Space Missions, and Karin Lindner, Founder of Karico Performance Solutions. Together, these accomplished women will lead the discussion about women in manufacturing to discuss the challenges, the opportunities and especially the future of women in manufacturing.

More chances to meet, greet and do business

An Open Networking Reception, on Tuesday, 18^th March, 2014 gives visitors the chance to connect with colleagues, make new contacts and network with people from other industries. Likewise, The Job Shop Day, on Wednesday, 19^th March, 2014, is open to independent job shop owners to see live presentations of the latest manufacturing technologies. This is an opportunity for suppliers to not only stay current on the latest product developments, but also network. This culminates in a reception with free beer and pizza.

“FABTECH Canada 2014 is the must-attend event for anyone who is looking for new ways to expand their business, productivity and profitability in an increasingly competitive industry,” said Saperson. “This is the one event designed to meet all of the business needs of anyone in fabricating, metal forming, welding and finishing. “

As Mark Hoper, V.P. Expositions of FMA sums it up: “The success of the FABTECH brand, both in Canada and around the world, is the result of the strong combination of the five partners, each of whom brings a slightly different perspective to the show. Together, we are excited to bring an expanded event to such a key market as Canada in 2014.”

For more information about FABTECH Canada 2014, or to register, please visit wwwfabtechcanada.com or call 001 888 32207222, ext. 4447.

Edited from source by Elizabeth Corner

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/07022014/fabtech_canada_2014_preview/