2025 keynote lineup brings industry leaders and sports icons together to share strategies on leadership, teamwork, and performance
CHICAGO (March 24, 2025)—Registration is now open for FABTECH 2025, North America’s largest and most influential event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, returning to McCormick Place in Chicago, Sept. 8-11. This year marks FABTECH’s largest show floor ever, spanning a record-breaking 850,000+ square feet with 1,500+ exhibitors across 40 technology categories. The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of industry professionals, making it the leading marketplace for sourcing solutions, networking, and gaining insights into the future of manufacturing.
With live equipment demonstrations, cutting-edge technology debuts, and expert-led education sessions, FABTECH 2025 will provide attendees with the resources to improve productivity, strengthen supply chains, and stay ahead of industry shifts. The event also features an unmatched keynote lineup, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, performance coach Alan Stein Jr., and NASCAR industry innovator Andy Papathanassiou, who will share strategies on leadership, adaptability, and teamwork.
“FABTECH is where the manufacturing industry’s top minds, technologies, and solutions come together in one place,” said Tracy Garcia, CEM, FABTECH group director at SME. “Chicago has long been a major hub for manufacturing, home to a strong industrial base and a skilled workforce that drives innovation across sectors. Its central location and deep-rooted manufacturing history make it an ideal setting for an event of this scale, bringing together professionals from across the country to explore new technologies, forge connections, and address industry challenges. This year, we’re delivering more than just scale—we’re ensuring attendees walk away with meaningful insights, supplier connections, and practical strategies to enhance their operations.”
FABTECH 2025’s keynote lineup will feature renowned leaders who will share actionable insights on leadership, teamwork and business performance:
| Over the Wall Thinking Monday, Sept. 8, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CT Andy Papathanassiou, NASCAR visionary and motorsports industry innovator, will explore how high-pressure environments demand quick decision-making, teamwork, and innovation. He will discuss how the strategies he introduced to NASCAR pit crews—emphasizing preparation, communication, and continuous improvement—can be applied to business settings to optimize efficiency and leadership. |
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| Game On: A Championship Vision Tuesday, Sept. 9, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CT Emmitt Smith, Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, entrepreneur, and bestselling author, will discuss leadership, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. As a three-time Super Bowl champion and the league’s all-time leading rusher, Smith will share insights on overcoming challenges, setting goals, and adapting to new opportunities—both on the field and in business. |
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| Raise Their Game: How to Improve Your Leadership Performance, Impact and Influence Wednesday, Sept. 10, 8:30-9:30 a.m. CT Alan Stein Jr., performance coach, speaker, and author, will break down the leadership habits and mental performance strategies used by elite athletes and high-performing organizations. Drawing from his experience coaching NBA greats like Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Kobe Bryant, he will outline practical methods to enhance leadership, strengthen team culture, and create an environment where employees perform at their best. |
In addition to keynotes and panels, FABTECH 2025 will offer more than 180 expert-led conference sessions across 12 educational tracks, covering critical topics such as advanced manufacturing technology, workforce development, and trends in job shop production and operations. FABTECH 2025 will highlight advancements in automation, precision engineering, and materials innovation that support high-performance applications across the manufacturing sector.
FABTECH's Emerging Leaders Program will return following its successful launch at FABTECH 2024. This program offers early-career professionals specialized education, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to empower the next generation with the skills and connections needed to excel in an evolving workforce. Additionally, attendees can look forward to the return of popular event features such as the Women of FABTECH program, the Industry Night Party, and the FABTECH Biergarten. These signature offerings provide exceptional networking opportunities and enhance the overall event experience for all participants.
New for 2025, the Job Shop Pavilion will debut at FABTECH 2025 to address the growing demand for solutions tailored to small and mid-sized manufacturers. This pavilion will focus on strategies to enhance operational efficiency, streamline production workflows, and connect attendees with suppliers offering custom job shop solutions. It joins six other specialized technology pavilions—Automation, Forming and Fabricating, Tube and Pipe, Stamping and Press Automation, Welding, and Finishing—each providing targeted solutions for industry professionals.
“FABTECH is built for manufacturers who want to take action—whether that means integrating new technologies, learning from experts, or making the right industry connections,” said Mark Hoper, senior vice president of expositions and media at FMA. “With hands-on demonstrations, direct supplier access, and targeted education, attendees leave FABTECH ready to implement new solutions and drive their businesses forward.”
For more information, visit fabtechexpo.com or connect on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. To secure a complimentary exhibit hall pass, register here. Members of the press can register for a media pass here.