FABTECH 2025 has announced a comprehensive education program designed to address today's most pressing manufacturing challenges. North America's largest metalforming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, taking place September 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, will feature 200+ sessions across 13 educational tracks-equipping attendees with practical tools and strategic insights to navigate industry shifts and accelerate performance.
"Manufacturers in North America are navigating a time of transformation marked by supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and the rapid adoption of new technologies," said a spokesperson. "As global economic pressures reshape industry priorities, many companies are rethinking operations and shifting toward more resilient, localized supply chains. FABTECH's education program speaks directly to these challenges, offering actionable strategies and expert perspectives to help manufacturers adapt and thrive in this new era."
Focused Learning Across Dedicated Tracks
The comprehensive program features over 200 sessions, with 150 new this year, offering in-depth exploration of critical industry topics. Led by respected industry experts and practitioners, these sessions are meticulously curated to deliver strategies attendees can use to enhance their operations and advance their careers.
Content across the 13 tracks focuses on several key themes essential for manufacturing professionals, including:
- Smart Manufacturing & Automation: Exploring the latest in robotics, AI and data analytics with tracks on Automation/Robotics, Smart Fabrication and Laser Technologies
- Workforce Development & Leadership: Providing strategies for attracting, training and retaining skilled talent through tracks like Leadership/Management, Workforce & Talent Management and Marketing and Sales Tools
- Operational Excellence & Efficiency: Focusing on optimizing shop floor performance and productivity with tracks dedicated to Job Shop Operations, Job Shop Production and Stamping
- Innovations in Manufacturing Processes: Showcasing breakthroughs in core techniques through tracks, including Welding, Finishing, Cutting and Forming & Fabricating.
Additions to FABTECH 2025 Keynote Lineup
FABTECH 2025's keynote lineup, which includes previously announced manufacturing visionary Andy Papathanassiou, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith and top performance coach Alan Stein Jr., is further enhanced with the addition of two more speakers:
- How OEMs and Job Shops Can Benefit from Reshoring-Thursday, Sept. 11, 10 AM to 11 AM
Harry Moser, President of the Reshoring Initiative, will share national survey findings and practical strategies to help OEMs and job shops capitalize on shorter domestic supply chains. The session will cover automation justification and workforce alignment and feature the 2025 National Metalworking Reshoring Award.
- Women of FABTECH 10th Anniversary Breakfast: Winning the Mental Game as a Woman in Manufacturing-Tuesday, Sept. 9, 7 AM to 9 AM
Dr. Amber Selking, of the Selking Performance Group, will speak on how mindset and mental conditioning can elevate professional performance. Drawing on her work in sports and industry, she will provide effective tools to help women in manufacturing strengthen focus, resilience and leadership, marking a special 10th-anniversary event.
Expert Panels to Tackle Pressing Industry Issues
Further enriching the learning experience, FABTECH 2025 will feature a series of expert-led panel discussions on some of the most pressing issues facing the industry today.
Key topics include:
- Navigating Automation: Practical Strategies for Success-Learn how to plan, implement and scale automation solutions that match your business needs.
- Navigating the Future: 2025 State of the Industry-Gain insight on economic trends, technology advancements and market opportunities to aid manufacturers in strategic planning for the year ahead.
- Finding and Keeping the Next Generation Workforce: Explore innovative solutions to one of manufacturing's most critical challenges.
Fostering Future Talent
In addition to its core educational offerings, FABTECH 2025 continues to support the future of manufacturing through its Emerging Leaders Program. This initiative is tailored for early-career professionals, offering leadership development, career-building tools and peer networking opportunities to help shape the next generation of industry leaders.
"Our education program is a direct extension of the innovation attendees will witness on the show floor," said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH Group Director at SME. "It is designed to help attendees solve problems, improve operations and make confident, informed decisions as they explore new technologies and solutions at the event."
For more information and to register, visit fabtechexpo.com.