FABTECH has always been North America's premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. For the 2026 event, we added a large AI element to the show. As well as a new AI for Manufacturing Pavilion on the exhibit floor, we have assembled the top global AI experts who will explain how to implement AI on fabrication, forming, finishing, welding, and manufacturing shop floors.
Here is a glimpse of what is in store at FABTECH 2026:
The AI conversation begins on Wednesday morning with the opening keynote, The New AI Power Shift: Risks, Rewards, & Readiness for 2027 & Beyond, presented by Amber Mac. A new AI power shift is underway, reshaping how we work, lead, and compete. In this thought-provoking keynote, Amber explores the risks, rewards, and readiness required to navigate an AI-driven future with confidence. Drawing on two decades of experience working with leading technology companies and reporting on emerging trends, she provides a practical blueprint for making smarter decisions, building resilient teams, and ensuring organizations are prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how manufacturers can embrace AI while empowering their workforce and maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly changing landscape.
Following the keynote, those looking to deepen their understanding of AI can attend sessions throughout the conference program. Bright and early on Wednesday morning as part of the Smart Fabrication track, we have a session on AI Foundations for Smarter Manufacturing: Building the Data and AI Readiness Layer. While everyone is talking about AI-driven insights, predictive maintenance, autonomous workflows, and smarter decision-making, few organizations are truly prepared to implement them. The reality is simple: AI is only as strong as the data behind it. This session demystifies the data readiness journey and offers practical steps for building a foundation that delivers ROI on AI initiatives. It breaks down what “AI‑ready data” really looks like, how manufacturers can assess where they stand, and the processes and governance needed to support AI adoption.
Later that morning, another session in the Marketing and Sales track will cover CRM, AI and Automation in Sales and Marketing. It debunks the hype around AI and automation for those just getting started or for those who have already made an investment in AI-based CRM and other sales and marketing technologies. The session shares practical guidance on how to use AI to improve your sales results and close more sales. One of the key concepts to grasp is that AI will never replace professional salespeople. However, salespeople who use AI will replace those who don’t.
The Job Shop Production and the Job Shop Operations tracks, too, contain plenty of AI know-how. For example, on Wednesday afternoon, one session called Execution That Works: AI Guidance and Cost-Effective Inventory Strategies for Real Shops, explains how every job shop has a similar problem: the knowledge that keeps production running lives in people's heads. When experienced operators retire or go home, that knowledge disappears. The result is an execution gap. This session explores how high-mix fabrication and contract manufacturing operations are using AI-powered assistance to close that gap by augmenting existing systems or replacing legacy tools.
That is just a sampling of sessions from the first day. There are dozens of AI-related sessions throughout the schedule. That’s good reason to join us this week in Las Vegas October 21–23 for FABTECH 2026, North America's premier event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, finishing, and AI in manufacturing. For the first time in 10 years, FABTECH is returning to Las Vegas. Test-drive the latest technology and connect with 31,000+ industry leaders, suppliers, and innovators who are shaping the future of manufacturing.