NFL’s Chad Hennings, Author Frank Abagnale Jr. and Mythbuster’s Grant Imahara anchor keynote sessions

FABTECH 2019, North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, is set to engage the industry with forward-thinking, solution-driven, inspirational keynote sessions on November 11-14 at Chicago's McCormick Place. The informative and captivating keynotes will be led by one of three dynamic featured speakers, including three-time Super Bowl Champion Chad Hennings, Author Frank Abagnale Jr., and Mythbuster's Grant Imahara.

"FABTECH is distinctively positioned to provide industry professionals with access to the information, technology and equipment they need to transform their businesses—exposure to these speakers will impart insights and enthusiasm through shared passions and experiences," said John Catalano, SME senior director, FABTECH. "This year, FABTECH is particularly honored to celebrate veterans who have served to protect our country and are now lending their leadership and talents to our industry. They are part of the blended, diverse fabric of professionals across the world that make up this amazing industry."

On Monday, November 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., FABTECH opens with a unique celebration of veterans. FABx Tech Talks, designed to emulate the popular TED-style concept, will feature a powerful lineup of visionary veterans. These heroes will draw on their unique experiences to inspire attendees with their frontline stories focused on motivation, team building and innovation. Kicking off the celebration is nine-year NFL veteran and three-time Super Bowl Champion, Chad Hennings, who served in 45 successful combat missions with the Air Force. As a FABx featured speaker, Hennings will share how integrity, identity and commitment lead to a lifestyle of excellence. FABx will also welcome honored veterans: Hernán Luis y Prado, founder and CEO, Workshops for Warriors; Jason T. Ray, co-founder & CEO, Paperless Parts, Inc.; Shelly C. Rood, educational consultant, Mission Ambition, LLC; and Michael Walton, manufacturing industry solution executive, Microsoft. Each speaker brings their life experiences and expertise to inspire forward-thinking and organizational leadership.

Known as one of the world's most famous con men, Frank Abagnale Jr. will welcome the industry on the morning of Tuesday, November 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. This intriguing keynote session from the cybersecurity expert, bestselling author and subject of "Catch Me If You Can" will provide entertaining insights into his life as the notorious imposter of the 1960s as he instructs attendees on how to protect themselves and their businesses from fraud. Attendees will experience an emotional roller coaster ride as Abagnale takes them on a hilarious and poignant journey of his time as a wanted criminal and speaks of his personal transformation.

Former host on Discovery's Mythbusters and animatronics engineering expert, Grant Imahara, will provide a glimpse at his work on various sets and productions while touching on the importance of advancing the engineering/manufacturing industry during his keynote session on Wednesday, November 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Imahara will bring attendees inside the world of science and entertainment through stories of his experiences consulting for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he works on next-generation robots for Disney's theme parks. Having experience with electronics, designing, fabricating, machining, CAD layout, laser cutting, mold making, and machining, Imahara has a full understanding of the industry and will make parallels to help guide attendees to growth and success.

Exclusively focused on advancing the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries around the world, FABTECH offers an unmatched trade show experience with a diverse and robust lineup of keynote speakers and special events. Registration is now open - visit fabtechexpo.com to register and obtain more show details.

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ABOUT FABTECH
FABTECH is North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event. The event provides a convenient venue where you can meet with world-class suppliers, see the latest industry products and developments, and find the tools to improve productivity and increase profits. FABTECH 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, the Chemical Coaters Association International, the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, the Precision Metalforming Association and SME.