Forward-looking programming gives manufacturing experts platform to share industry outlooks

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 18, 2016 — (PRNewswire) — FABTECH 2016, North America's largest collaboration of technology, equipment and knowledge in the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries, will examine the future of manufacturing with three forward-looking panel sessions at this year's show, taking place Nov. 16-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The sessions — State of the Industry: Post-Election Analysis; Development Trends in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing; and Advanced Manufacturing: Creating Competitive Advantages for Product Development — will give experts the opportunity to share their perspectives about current and future industry dynamics.

"Part of FABTECH's unique value is allowing our exhibitors and attendees to see not only where our industries are today, but also where they are headed," said Mark Hoper, FMA show co-manager, FABTECH. "This benefit rings even truer in an election year. Coupled with the growth of advanced technologies within our industries, we want to make sure these important topics are addressed by our programming."

Wednesday, November 16
State of the Industry: Post-Election Analysis
FABTECH Theater, Central Hall Lobby, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Following one of the most important presidential elections in recent history, William Gaskin, president of the Precision Metalforming Association, will moderate panelists from Armada Corporate Intelligence, The Franklin Partnership LLP and the National Association of Manufacturers as they consider how the election results will impact American manufacturing. Panelists will cover what it means for the global business climate, capital investment and tax updates, and how attendees' businesses could be affected.

"There are many factors that go into running a successful business and understanding how public policy can affect your business is one of them, especially in regard to manufacturing," said Gaskin. "Through the Post-Election Analysis panel, we want to give attendees a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that a new presidential administration presents to manufacturers."

Thursday, November 17
Development Trends in Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
FABTECH Theater, Central Hall Lobby, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Carl Dekker, president of Met‐L‐Flo Inc., will lead experts from Formlabs, GE, Linear Mold & Engineering Inc. and Materialise USA through a discussion on the technology and materials driving practical solutions and innovation using 3D printing. Panel members will take questions and provide answers based on real-world case studies.

Advanced Manufacturing: Creating Competitive Advantages for Product Development
FABTECH Theater, Central Hall Lobby, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Guided by innovation, new technologies, design and workforce education, advanced manufacturing is the next industrial revolution to drive organizational change and improve products and processes. Advanced manufacturing executives from Autodesk, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility and Plex Systems will discuss these topics, as well as how to remain competitive in an innovative environment and succeed in the future of making things.

For more information about FABTECH 2016's special events and programming, please visit this link.

To register to attend FABTECH, go to fabtechexpo.com.

About FABTECH
FABTECH is North America's largest collaboration of technology, equipment and knowledge in the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries. The event provides a powerfully aligned hands-on, face-to-face business growth experience, attracting more than 1,500 exhibitors and 28,000 attendees. The event is made possible by its five co-sponsors, all of whom represent the varied and diverse makeup of the manufacturing industry. They include the American Welding Society, Chemical Coaters Association International, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, the Precision Metalforming Association and SME. Read more about FABTECH's co-sponsors here.