FABTECH 2026 expands workforce training and leadership programming in Las Vegas

FABTECH will bring 180-plus sessions, new premium access, and expanded leadership programming to Las Vegas Oct. 21-23 as manufacturers confront automation, labor shortages, and succession challenges. The 2026 event puts workforce development and modernization at the center of North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing show.

Why it matters: - Manufacturers are facing two pressure points at once: faster technology adoption and an aging workforce. - FABTECH 2026 is designed to help shops modernize while also building the people who can run the new systems. - The event also targets rising leaders, not just executives and longtime industry veterans.

What happened: - FABTECH announced an expanded education program for Oct. 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas. - The program includes 180-plus expert-led sessions across 12 tracks. - The conference is centered on modernization and workforce development. - FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event. - Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME, said the program is built to support attendees at every career stage.

The details: - The 12-track program covers AI and smart manufacturing transformation, automation and robotics, operational excellence and cost optimization, workforce development and leadership evolution, digital transformation and connected factory systems, advanced fabrication technologies, and business growth. - Session topics include industrial AI strategy, shop-floor intelligence, digital twins, connected factory ecosystems, collaborative robotics, ROI, downtime reduction, lean practices, predictive maintenance, ERP modernization, real-time data, cybersecurity, laser innovation, forming, finishing, capital investment, scaling, and regional supply chain strategy. - Attendees can customize their learning path across the full program. - Sessions will be led by industry veterans, innovators, thought leaders, manufacturing companies, technology providers, educational institutions, consulting firms, and industry organizations. - FAB Pass is a new premium upgrade for 2026. - FAB Pass includes full access to conference sessions and keynotes, VIP Lounge access, daily FABTECH Bistro lunch tickets, early entry to special events, jump-the-line privileges for registration and select activities, exclusive merchandise benefits, and other premium perks. - Garcia said FAB Pass is meant to give attendees more value and flexibility.

Between the lines: - FABTECH is leaning into workforce development as a business issue, not just an HR issue. - The emphasis on AI, automation, cybersecurity, and connected factories shows how fast manufacturing expectations are shifting. - The new premium pass suggests FABTECH sees demand from professionals who want a more efficient, higher-touch event experience. - The programming mix also signals an effort to keep first-time attendees, mid-career workers, and senior leaders engaged in the same event.

What's next: - The keynote lineup runs Oct. 21-23 and focuses on leadership and industry change. - Amber Mac will speak Oct. 21 on AI risks, rewards, and readiness for 2027 and beyond. - Jerry Rice will speak Oct. 22 on championship culture in manufacturing. - Steve Darnell will speak Oct. 23 on craftsmanship and grit in fabrication. - The Leadership Exchange panel series will cover the state of the metal fabrication business, building the next-generation workforce, and funding and profit strategies for fabricators. - The inaugural WeldArt World Championship will run Oct. 21-23, with live competition in the Round of 16 and a path to the global finals in Düsseldorf. - Women of FABTECH will return Oct. 22 for its 11th year with Vanessa Heim, president and CEO of Brenco Industries. - The Emerging Leader Program will run Oct. 22 from 12-3 PM PT for rising managers and high-potential employees. - FABTECH directs attendees to more information and registration options for exhibit hall passes, conference sessions, FAB Pass upgrades, and media passes.

The bottom line: - FABTECH 2026 is positioning itself as both a technology showcase and a workforce pipeline event for the next phase of manufacturing.