Another Incredible FABTECH Experience
FABTECH returned to Las Vegas October 21 through 23, 2026, bringing thousands of manufacturing professionals together at the Las Vegas Convention Center. As North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event, FABTECH is an opportunity to explore new technology, meet industry professionals, discover products, and reconnect with people who make this industry what it is.
After months of planning, tracking events, and getting ready for the trip, it was finally time to get back on the show floor. Overall, this was an incredible FABTECH. Being back in Las Vegas was great, and the show itself was well organized. The show floor was clean, easy to navigate, and laid out in a way that made getting around the convention center relatively straightforward. The staff we interacted with were friendly, helpful, and willing to point people in the right direction.
With so many exhibitors, demonstrations, products, and people packed into one event, organization matters. A good show experience starts before you ever reach a booth, and FABTECH made it easy to spend more time exploring and less time trying to figure out where to go.
Of course, you still cannot see everything in three days. There are too many booths, too many conversations, and too many things worth stopping to look at. That is part of what makes FABTECH exciting. Every trip through the halls offers another opportunity to find something new.
The Exhibitors: Products, People, and Plenty to Explore
One of the best parts of FABTECH is getting to see the companies, products, and people behind the brands we use, work with, and follow throughout the year. This year's show gave me an opportunity to connect with several companies across the welding, fabrication, tooling, and apparel industries. Each booth offers something different, whether it is a new product, a familiar face, a conversation about what's happening in the industry, or a chance to learn something that might make its way into the shop.
Here are some of the companies that were part of my FABTECH experience.
Uniweld Products
Established in 1949, Uniweld Products has built a long history of manufacturing tools and equipment for the welding, cutting, brazing, HVAC/R, and plumbing industries. The company offers a broad range of products designed for professionals who rely on dependable equipment in the shop and in the field.
Uniweld's product lineup includes oxyfuel welding and cutting outfits, torch handles, cutting and heating tips, gas regulators, pressure gauges, hoses, and brazing equipment. The company also manufactures specialized tools for refrigeration and HVAC technicians, including manifolds, vacuum pumps, charging hoses, and digital measurement equipment.
One of the interesting things about a company like Uniweld is the range of applications its products serve. From welding and cutting metal to brazing, heating, and working with refrigeration systems, its tools support a variety of skilled trades and industrial applications. FABTECH provided another opportunity to connect with the Uniweld team, learn more about its product offerings, and see how the company continues to serve professionals across these industries.
The Uniweld booth was also home to sculptures from The Wild Bison - Metal Art Co., giving attendees an opportunity to see some metal art alongside the company's equipment. It was cool to see the sculptures displayed as part of the show and to see people stopping to take a closer look.
To explore UniWeld's product lineup, visit its official website. www.uniweld.com
ESAB
ESAB continued to be a major part of the welding conversation at FABTECH, showcasing welding and cutting technology, new products, educational opportunities, and live demonstrations. Their booth was such a cool design and layout with innovative designs, multiple section to weld and cut, and you could use pretty much any welders or plasma cutters they offer. We think they absolutly crushed it and brought the fun!
They also did welding competitions and demo multiple times a day for people to win some welding hoods, belt buckles and other great prizes. That was a pretty cool opportunity for some people. Stay on the look out for some new machines like the Thermal Dynamics Cut Master X and the MIG Handy Arc.
Holemaker Technology
Holemaker Technology was another company on my list. The show is an excellent opportunity to see specialized tooling and fabrication solutions in person and learn more about how companies are addressing the everyday challenges manufacturers face, especially with drilling through metal.
For anyone working in fabrication, being able to see products up close and talk directly with the people behind them can make a difference. Online product information is useful, but face to face conversations often provide additional context about applications, capabilities, and where a product might fit into your workflow.
https://holemaker-technology.com
Southern Leather Works
Workwear and protective gear are important parts of the welding industry, and companies such as Southern Leather Works are part of that conversation. FABTECH brings together more than machines and manufacturing systems. It also brings together the products, apparel, accessories, and specialized equipment that help people do their jobs. Checkout Southern Leather Works for great quality welding hoods at fantastic prices.
Seeing these companies represented alongside equipment manufacturers is a good reminder of how many different businesses contribute to the industry.
https://southernleatherworks.net
Markal Markers
Markal is a great example of a brand whose products can be easy to overlook until you spend time using them in the shop. Marking materials, identifying parts, and making clear reference points are everyday tasks in fabrication. The right marking tool can make those tasks easier and more efficient like the rough rider paint marker, the needle nose marker or silver streak. It was good to see Markal represented at the show and to continue the conversations around products that solve practical problems for welders, fabricators, and manufacturers.
Bessey Clamps
Anyone who has spent time in a fabrication shop knows the value of a good clamping setup. Bessey is a familiar name in clamping and workholding, and FABTECH is an opportunity to see tools up close rather than relying only on pictures and specifications. For fabricators, the right clamp can make positioning, fitting, and holding material more manageable. Sometimes the most useful products are the ones that make routine shop tasks a little easier.
Up In Smoke Welding Apparel
Welding apparel is another part of the industry that continues to attract attention, and Up In Smoke Welding Apparel was among the companies on my radar because of their quality, fit and style. Workwear has to balance comfort, durability, and function. Welders need clothing that works for the environment they spend their days in, and apparel brands have an opportunity to bring their own identity and style into the trade. It was great to see Up In Smoke welding apparel represented alongside the equipment, tools, and technology that make up the rest of the show.
https://www.upinsmokewelding.com
BUG-O Systems
BUG-O Systems is known for mechanized welding and cutting equipment, an area of manufacturing that highlights how technology can improve consistency and repeatability. Mechanized solutions are particularly interesting because they demonstrate how fabrication shops can approach certain tasks differently. Depending on the application, automation and mechanization can help improve productivity, reduce repetitive manual work, and deliver more consistent results. FABTECH is an ideal place to explore these technologies and see how they fit into the bigger picture of modern manufacturing.
Salt City Steel and Picket Master Pro
Metal fabrication is not limited to industrial production. It also includes ornamental metalwork, decorative fabrication, and the equipment that helps people turn raw material into finished projects. Salt City Steel and Picket Master Pro were among the names on my list this year. Companies serving this part of the industry help connect the practical side of metalworking with the creative side. Whether a shop is building railings, gates, decorative panels, or custom metalwork, having access to the right materials and equipment can make a real difference like the picket master pro and the center finder. Showcasing the equal spacing tool from Salt City Steel is one of those tools you never know you needed but once you have it you didnt know what you did before it. Highly recommended to check it out.
The Wild Bison - Metal Art Co.
Of course, we have to give The Wild Bison - Metal Art Co. its own section. Codie Aljets of Sage Country Customs and Jonny Snider of JonnySWeld had scrap metal Bison sculptures displayed at the Uniweld booth, and the response was a highlight of the show. People stopped to look at the artwork, ask questions, and learn more about the project. They also had opportunities to talk with attendees about the metal art kits we sell. Those conversations are important because The Wild Bison is about more than selling a finished sculpture. The kits are designed to give people an opportunity to create something of their own using metal and their welding skills. The welding industry has a creative side that deserves attention. A pile of scrap metal can become a sculpture, a functional object, or something completely unexpected. The Wild Bison is built around that idea.
Having the sculptures visible in a busy booth helped introduce the project to people who might not have encountered it otherwise. It was great to see them step forward for the brand, and we’re looking forward to seeing where they take it next.
www.thewildbisonmetalartco.com
The FABTECH Mobile App: A Useful Tool for Navigating the Show
One of the most useful tools we had during FABTECH was the official FABTECH mobile app. With so many exhibitors spread across a massive convention center, keeping track of booth numbers and locations can quickly become a challenge. The app made that process much easier. We could search for companies, find booth numbers, and use the interactive floor plan to work out where we needed to go. Instead of constantly trying to locate information or remember where a company was located, we had a practical reference right on my phone. The app also supports personalized schedules, conference sessions, special events, and show updates. These features are designed to help attendees plan their time and stay organized throughout the event. My experience was positive. It was easy to use, and the map was especially helpful when moving between exhibitors.
My recommendation for next year
If you are planning to attend FABTECH in the future, download the official app before arriving. Make a list of the companies you want to visit, save their booth locations, and identify the sessions or events you do not want to miss. It is much easier to build a plan before the show starts than to try to organize everything while walking the floor. You probably will not follow your schedule perfectly, and that is fine. The goal is to have a starting point so you can spend more time talking with people and less time figuring out where to go.
The Metal Artist Collective: Bringing Creativity to the Show Floor
This year, part of FABTECH 2026 was the Metal Artist Collective. Located at Booth S12104, the Collective brought together metal artists, welders, fabricators, and sculptors to showcase the creative possibilities of metalworking. The space included artwork, opportunities to meet artists, discussions, and programming focused on metal art and the welding community.
The response was fantastic. The booth was a hit, and people seemed to enjoy the sculptures, the artists, and the opportunity to see a different side of the metalworking industry. Instead of focusing exclusively on production equipment and manufacturing processes, the Collective highlighted what happens when technical skills meet imagination.
For those of us who work in metal art, that matters. Welding is a practical skill, but it can also be a creative medium. The same knowledge used to build a structure, repair a component, or fabricate a machine can be used to create sculptures and artwork. The Collective gave attendees a chance to see that firsthand. It also created opportunities for artists to connect with each other, share experiences, and talk about their work. Those connections can be valuable long after the show ends.
From what I heard during the week, there is already discussion about significantly expanding the Collective for FABTECH 2027 in Chicago. That would be an exciting next step, although the final plans will depend on how the organizers develop the event. If this year's response is any indication, there is a real appetite for bringing the artistic side of welding and fabrication into the larger manufacturing conversation. I am excited to see what comes next.
https://www.instagram.com/metalartistcollective/
FABTECH After Hours: The Conversations Continue
For many attendees, the trade show does not end when the convention center closes. Some of the most memorable experiences happen at the after parties, networking events, and informal gatherings that bring people together outside the show floor. FABTECH 2026 offered plenty of opportunities to connect with people across the welding, fabrication, and metal art communities. We attended several events, and each had its own atmosphere.
The Sosa Metalworks and Luis Varela-Rico Party
The gathering at Sosa Metalworks and Luis Varela-Rico's studio was a hit. There were great people, good conversations, and plenty of opportunities to spend time with members of the metal art community. It was one of those events where people could connect over their work, share stories, and enjoy being around others who understand the industry. It was also a chance to see the creative side of the community outside the convention center. The energy was great, and it was easily one of the memorable evenings of the week. And apparently, one party was not enough. We ended up back at Sosa's for another after party on a separate night.
Afterparty 2.0. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that were never on the original schedule.
AWS Arcs & Ales
AWS Arcs & Ales was another enjoyable evening. The event offered an opportunity to meet new people, have conversations, and connect with members of the welding community outside the usual trade show setting. Professional networking can sometimes feel like a series of introductions and business conversations. Events like this make it easier to get past that initial stage and begin building relationships. It was a good night, and we were glad we made time to attend.
The Kevin Stone Metal Artist Collective Party
The end of the show brought another opportunity to spend time with the metal art community at Kevin Stone's studio. After several days of walking the convention center, visiting booths, and meeting people, it was a welcome change of pace to gather with artists and industry friends. The event was a fun way to close out the week and continue conversations that had started during the show.
Events We Wish We Had Made Time For
As much as we enjoyed the events we attended, there were a couple we were disappointed to miss. The Breaking the Mold: Women in Welding panel and the FMA Meet and Greet for Fabricators were both on my radar, but we did not make it to either one. That is one of the challenges of FABTECH. There is so much happening during the day and in the evening that attending everything is practically impossible. It is a good problem to have, but it also means planning matters.
Next year, we want to identify my priority events earlier and make a more intentional schedule. We still want to know what is happening throughout the week, but do not want every hour spoken for. Sometimes leaving an opening in the schedule is the best decision you can make.
The People Behind FABTECH
A successful trade show requires a tremendous amount of coordination, planning, and work behind the scenes.
FABTECH is produced through the collaboration of several industry organizations, including the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International; the American Welding Society; SME; the Precision Metalforming Association; and the Industrial Finishing & Coating Association. Together, these organizations help bring the manufacturing community together through events, education, networking, and industry resources.
The event itself is a massive undertaking. Exhibitors need space, equipment needs to arrive and be installed, schedules need to be coordinated, attendees need information, and countless details must come together for the show to operate smoothly.
From my experience this year, the overall organization and helpfulness of the staff made a positive impression.
We also appreciate the work these organizations do throughout the year to support their respective industries. FABTECH is more than three days on a calendar. It is a gathering point for companies, professionals, educators, and organizations that contribute to the future of manufacturing.
Events like this give the industry a place to share ideas, showcase new technology, discuss challenges, and develop relationships that can continue long after everyone goes home. That kind of gathering does not happen without a great deal of work behind the scenes.
www.fmamfg.org | www.aws.org | www.sme.org | www.pma.org | www.industrialfinishing.org
The Best Networking Did Not Always Happen on the Show Floor
If there is one lesson I am taking away from FABTECH 2026, it is that some of the most valuable networking happens when you have time to slow down. We spent all three days at the Uniweld Products booth, walking the convention center, meeting people, at the ESAB Booth, attending events, and trying to make the most of every opportunity. There were plenty of good conversations, and we met people we hope to stay connected with.
But we also noticed how easy it is to fall into the same questions over and over again. "How's the show going?" - "What are you doing after the show?"
There is nothing wrong with those questions. They are natural conversation starters when everyone is busy and moving from one place to another. However, we had a handful of conversations that went much deeper. Those were the conversations where we learned something new, heard about what someone was working on, or got a better understanding of the person behind the business. Those conversations stood out.
One of the best parts of the entire week was spending some quality time with Codie Aljets, Frankie Vargas from UniWeld, David Madero. Spending time together away from the convention center gave us an opportunity to connect on a different level. We had conversations that would have been difficult to have while standing in a busy booth or trying to make it to the next event. There was no show floor to navigate, no crowd waiting to speak with us, and no immediate need to move on to the next thing. We could simply spend time together, talk, and get to know one another better. That experience was one of the highlights of the trip.
It reminded me that networking is not just about collecting contacts or introducing yourself to as many people as possible. It is about building relationships, learning about others, and finding ways to stay connected.
Our goal for FABTECH 2027
Next year, we want to approach networking a little differently. We still want to know which events are happening, still want to visit exhibitors, see new products, support the people and companies, and attend gatherings that bring the community together.
But we also want to leave more room for meaningful conversations. We want to ask people how they are actually doing and want to hear what is new in their lives, what projects they are excited about, what challenges they are facing, and what they are working toward. We want to spend more time with people we already know while continuing to meet new people. And want to avoid turning the entire week into a race from one event to another. The goal is not to do less for the sake of doing less. It is to make more room for the experiences and relationships that matter most.
Quality over quantity.
What FABTECH 2026 Reinforced About Social Media and the Welding Industry
From a Slag Tag Media perspective, FABTECH is also a reminder of how important real world relationships are to marketing.
Social media gives businesses a way to introduce themselves, share their work, communicate with customers, and remain visible between trade shows. But the strongest content often begins with real experiences.
A conversation at a booth can become a product feature. A demonstration can become a short video. A discussion with a company representative can lead to a useful educational post. A sculpture on display can introduce a new audience to a brand.
The Metal Artist Collective is a good example of how visual content and community can work together. Metal sculptures naturally attract attention, but the stories behind them give people a reason to stop, ask questions, and remember the artists.
The same principle applies to exhibitors throughout FABTECH.
Showing a product is useful. Explaining why it matters, how it works, and who it helps gives the audience more context.
For companies attending future welding expos and manufacturing trade shows, I would encourage you to think beyond simply posting a picture of your booth. Capture the people behind the products. Show equipment in action. Share conversations and demonstrations. Explain what makes a product useful. Highlight the people who make your company what it is. And remember that social media is not only about what you publish during the show. It is also a way to continue the conversation afterward.
Follow up with the people you met. Share useful information from the event. Thank the companies and organizers who made the experience possible. Keep the relationships active instead of allowing them to end when the show closes. That is how a trade show can become part of a longer marketing strategy rather than a three day burst of activity.
Looking Ahead to FABTECH 2027 in Chicago
FABTECH 2026 was an excellent experience, and were already looking forward to what comes next.
The exhibitors, the people, the products, the booths, the staff and the after hours events all contributed to a memorable week in Las Vegas. The Wild Bison received valuable exposure through the sculpture display at the UniWeld booth. The Metal Artist Collective brought the creative side of metalworking into the spotlight. We met new people, reconnected with industry friends, and had conversations that we will remember long after the trip.
There were also lessons to carry forward. Next year, we want to plan the important events earlier, keep a little more room in the schedule, and spend more time having meaningful conversations. Also want to continue supporting the companies and people who make this industry great while being more intentional about where we spend our time.
FABTECH will always offer more to see than anyone can fit into a few days. That is part of what makes it such a valuable event. The challenge is deciding which opportunities matter most and giving yourself enough time to enjoy them.
Chicago is next, and we are excited to see how the show will continue to grow.
If you attended FABTECH 2026 in Las Vegas, we would love to hear about your experience. What were your favorite booths, products, events, or conversations? And if you are planning to attend FABTECH 2027 in Chicago, what are you looking forward to most?
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