FABTECH

Where Welding Innovation Takes Center Stage

FABTECH

FABTECH 2025 is where breakthrough ideas become reality.

Join AWS for four days of cutting-edge education, expert-led sessions, and hands-on experiences that move the industry forward.

FABTECH

Countdown to FABTECH

Get Ready for FABTECH, Chicago, September 8-11, 2025

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Learn.  Advance.  Lead.

Whether you're a student, educator, professional, or executive, FABTECH offers learning opportunities to help you meet your goals.

AWS Welding Track

AWS Welding Track

Earn PDHs and CEUs while exploring emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.

Professional Program

Professional Program

Dive into research-driven presentations and technical insights that address critical issues in welding and materials joining.

Poster Session

Poster Session

See what’s next from the next generation. Explore student research and innovations pushing the boundaries of welding today.

Be Part of the Conversation

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Be Part of the Conversation

EXPERT-LED PANEL: WELDING THE FUTURE

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Wednesday | 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Location:
McCormick Place (TBD)

"Welding the Future: Connecting Education, Certification, and Industry"

Join us for an engaging conversation on how welding educators and industry leaders are collaborating to prepare the next generation of skilled welders. This discussion will explore innovative partnerships, evolving curriculum needs, and real-world strategies to close the skills gap. You’ll hear from educators, employers, and workforce professionals on what’s working–and what’s next.


Moderator: Joe Young, Associate Director, AWS Foundation

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PANELISTS INCLUDE:

Dr. Joshua Burgess

Dr. Joshua Burgess, PhD

Vice President
American Welding Society

Garra Liming

Garra Liming, PCM, CDMP

Director, Public Relations and Government Affairs
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)

Anthony Nighswander

Anthony Nighswander (Tony)

President, APT Manufacturing Solution
Hicksville OH

Dr. W. Richard Polanin

Dr. W. Richard Polanin, CMfgE, CWI

Professor, Illinois Central College
President, WRP Associates
Co-Principal Investigator, Weld-Ed (National Center for Welding Education and Training)
2022 President, American Welding Society

Explore the AWS Experience

Explore the AWS Experience

Your Gateway to Welding Innovation, Education & Career Growth

Visit Our Booths for Interactive Features & Resources

  • Main Booth: B29000
  • AWS Bookstore: B29002
  • Careers in Welding Trailer: B25110
  • Welding Competition: B21107
Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit


Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit

Explore hands-on virtual welding techniques in this immersive experience. The highest score each day wins a $1,000 scholarship!

AWS Welding Competition


AWS Welding Competition

Test your skills in a high-energy challenge with daily cash prizes.

$20 cash entry | Ages 18+

Weld Wednesday Live at FABTECH 2025

Weld Wednesday Live at FABTECH 2025

  • • Hosted by Jason Becker, Arc Junkies Podcast
  • • AWS Booth B29000
  • • September 8–10 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM Daily

Join Jason Becker, host of the industry-leading Arc Junkies podcast, for live recordings of Weld Wednesday—straight from the AWS Booth at FABTECH 2025. Each episode brings unfiltered conversations about welding careers, certifications, shop life, and the evolving skilled trades landscape.

These sessions go beyond surface-level talk. Whether you’re just starting out or leading a team, you’ll gain insights that can impact your next step—and your career. Audience Q&A included.

Live Episode Schedule

Monday, September 8
Starting a Welding Business: What I Wish I Knew
Guest: Kevin Johnson, JMW Fabrication (Quakertown, PA)
A candid discussion about launching a shop—from licensing and bidding to insurance, client management, and scaling.

Tuesday, September 9
Welder to Inspector: Making the Leap Without Losing Your Identity
Guest: TBD
Explore what it really means to become a CWI, debunk common myths, and learn how to stay connected to hands-on work.

Wednesday, September 10
Beyond the Skills Gap: What’s Really Holding Back the Workforce?
Guest: TBD
A big-picture conversation on graduate readiness, the role of automation, and how collaboration can solve tomorrow’s labor challenges.

Check back soon for the full guest lineup


AWS Foundation Recognitions

AWS Foundaqtion Wall

AWS Foundation Recognitions

AWS Foundaqtion Wall

Are you an AWS Foundation scholarship recipient or donor?

Visit Booth B29000 to find your name and celebrate the individuals and organizations who invest in welding’s next generation.

AWS Foundaqtion Wall

CELEBRATE THE AWS COMMUNITY

AWS Society Events

CELEBRATE THE AWS COMMUNITY

AWS SOCIETY EVENTS

AWS Society Events

AWS hosts a variety of valuable events–exclusively for members. This year, catch up with fellow members, find out who won the National Awards and Foundation Scholarships, network with industry professionals, and more.

AWS Society Events

WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards and AWS Foundation Ceremony

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WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards and AWS Foundation Ceremony

Honoring the individuals and organizations shaping the industry's future

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Presented by WEMCO and the AWS Foundation, this annual event honors the individuals and organizations shaping the future of welding.

Awards will be presented across categories including:
Individual | Educator | Educational Facility | Small & Large Business | Distributor | AWS Section | Media | Veterans

Hosted by Dave Taylor, WEMCO Awards Committee Chair, the ceremony will include trophy presentations and brief remarks from recipients.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025
2:30 – 3:30 PM
FABTECH Theater, McCormick Place, Chicago

Open to all FABTECH attendees — don’t miss this inspiring celebration!
Stay around afterward as we honor AWS Foundation recipients and donors.

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ARCS & ALES HAPPY HOUR

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Wednesday, September 10, 2025 | 6 - 8 PM

Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick Event

Host: Jason Becker

Arcs and Ales is back! Unwind with fellow welding professionals over drinks, bites, and great conversation—just a short walk from the convention center.

We’ve reserved the entire first floor so there’s plenty of room to unwind, connect, and enjoy the evening. Drinks and bites are on us—while they last. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win exclusive giveaways and prizes. Special shout-out to our sponsors! Space is limited and individual registration is required.

Save time by picking up your wristband at the AWS booth at B29000 during show hours—or grab it when you arrive at the venue.

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Promotions & Giveaways

Win a Kindle Fire + Online Course

Custom Helmet and Self-Paced Course

Win a custom welding helmet along with complimentary access to a self-paced AWS course of the winner's choice.

AWS Bookstore Discounts

AWS Bookstore Discounts
(Booth B29002)

We’re offering huge savings on AWS publications and toolkits sold at the show at the Bookstore Booth. Nonmembers can enjoy 40% off, while members can rack up savings of 55% percent off. Also, when you buy from the bookstore, you’re entered for your chance to win a copy of either D1.1 or D1.5.

Join AWS On-Site

Join AWS On-Site

Join or renew your AWS membership with promo code FABTECH2025 to be eligible for the following giveaways:

  • AWS Individual and Corporate Members: 15 months for the price of 12
  • AWS Early Career Members: Chance to win 1 of 5 exclusive AWS hats
#MyMemberStory

#MyMemberStory –
2025 Edition

Tell us what AWS membership means to you by completing the quick survey below.

Then, stop by the AWS booth at FABTECH to see your name and membership milestone featured in our member recognition showcase.

 

Looking Back to Move Forward

FABTECH 2024 connected thousands of professionals, sparked new ideas, and celebrated the people who make this industry strong. In 2025, we’re expanding those opportunities to learn, connect, and lead.

Stay informed

Start the Conversation with AWS

Get the latest FABTECH 2025 updates, including schedules, event details, and registration info.