The last time Fabtech visited Chicago, it coincided with tornadoes and severe thunderstorms that pummeled Illinois the day before the show opened.

Two years later, the weather was much better — as was the attendance at the Nov. 9-12, 2015, sheet metal products trade show at McCormick Place convention center.  The event brought 1,700 exhibitors and close to 44,000 attendees from 90 countries to the city.

It made organizers of the sheet metal forming event very happy.

“This year’s show was incredible,” said show co-manager Mark Hoper. “It’s difficult to fully express our gratitude to all those who made Fabtech a success — the city of Chicago, our loyal exhibitors and the thousands of attendees that not only made the week special, but who continue to drive and move our industries forward. Between the variety of events and education programs, to our diverse and expansive show floor, attendees walked away with more knowledge, expertise and industry connections than ever before.”   

The official attendance count was 43,836, over 3,000 more than the sheet metal works show attracted in 2013. Exhibitors took up 730,000 square feet of floor space — 80,000 more than two years ago.