The FABTECH event partners announced in March new event dates and locations for FABTECH in 2024 and 2026. FABTECH, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, will be held October 15-17, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center and October 21-23, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The decision to relocate FABTECH to Orlando in 2024 was made after careful deliberation by FABTECH show management. FABTECH was originally scheduled for Las Vegas in November 2024; however, the city of Las Vegas is slated to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix Race during the same timeframe in November, with 100,000-plus projected visitors expected to descend on the city. This development makes Las Vegas not optimal to host FABTECH in 2024 as planned. As a result, other viable venue locations were evaluated.

“We are pleased to have secured dates and space in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando,” said John Catalano, SME senior director, events and strategic partnerships, FABTECH. “Orlando can accommodate FABTECH’s size and scope and has excellent facilities including a modern convention center with experience hosting large manufacturing trade shows, numerous hotels within walking distance, and a nearby airport easily accessible for U.S. and international travelers.” 

“The Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is proud to welcome FABTECH to The Center of Hospitality,” said Mark Tester, OCCC executive director. “The event will generate an impressive $90 million in economic impact for our community. We look forward to establishing an impactful partnership that will continue to drive the manufacturing industry forward.” 

“Orlando is the perfect location for this group of innovators,” added Casandra Matej, president and CEO, Visit Orlando. "We are excited to work together to create memorable event experiences our destination is known for which includes the amazing attractions, entertainment, and dining options FABTECH attendees and exhibitors can enjoy in our convention district.” 

The changes in location deviate from FABTECH’s regular rotation of Chicago, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. However, according to event partners, these changes to the schedule will ensure a better overall experience for attendees, exhibitors, and all event stakeholders.

“Mitsubishi Laser is excited about the FABTECH move to Orlando in 2024 and looks forward to FABTECH’s return to Las Vegas in 2026,” said Shane Herendeen, national sales manager – fabrication products, Mitsubishi Laser/MC Machinery Systems, Inc. “Orlando offers several appealing factors including the October time frame relative to customer follow-up, proximity of hotels to the convention center, the opportunity to reach a new market, and the ability to anchor our equipment into the show floor, which allows Mitsubishi to bring and operate our latest equipment and automation technology that FABTECH attendees want to see.”

The full schedule of locations for FABTECH in the U.S. over the next five years is as follows.

Future U.S. Show Dates and Locations

• 2023 – September 11-14 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
• 2024 – October 15-17 at Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL
• 2025 – September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
• 2026 – October 21-23 at Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV
• 2027 – September 13-16 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

For more information, visit fabtechexpo.com or follow FABTECH on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest event details.

ABOUT FABTECH

FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. The event provides a convenient venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the solutions to improve productivity and increase profits. FABTECH is made possible by its five event partners, all of whom represent the varied and diverse makeup of the manufacturing industry. They include the American Welding Society, the Chemical Coaters Association International, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, the Precision Metalforming Association and SME. Read more about FABTECH’s event partners here.