McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
September 8-11, 2025
Jump to:
Where Welding Comes Together
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.
Countdown to FABTECH
Get Ready for FABTECH, Chicago, September 8-11, 2025
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
Earn PDHs and CEUs while exploring emerging technologies, materials, and industry best practices.
Professional Program
Dive into research-driven presentations and technical insights that address critical issues in welding and materials joining.
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
Be Part of the Conversation
EXPERT-LED PANEL: WELDING THE FUTURE
Wednesday | 2:30 – 3:30 PM
Location: McCormick Place, Room N136
"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
PANELISTS INCLUDE:
Dr. Joshua Burgess, PhD
Vice President
American Welding Society
Garra Liming, PCM, CDMP
Director
Public Relations and Government Affairs
The American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)
Anthony Nighswander (Tony)
President
APT Manufacturing Solution
Hicksville OH
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
Explore hands-on virtual welding techniques in this immersive experience. The highest score each day wins a $1,000 scholarship!
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
- • 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 Foundation Recognitions
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 SOCIETY EVENTS
AWS SOCIETY EVENTS
CELEBRATE THE AWS COMMUNITY
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.
WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards and AWS Foundation Ceremony
WEMCO Excellence in Welding Awards and AWS Foundation Ceremony
Honoring the individuals and organizations shaping the industry's future
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.
ARCS & ALES
ARCS & ALES
HAPPY HOUR
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.
Promotions & Giveaways
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
(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 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 –
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.
“FABTECH is my favorite event of the year. It’s an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new ones, network with industry leaders, and see amazing machines in action.”
“The absolute BEST part of the week has to be the AWS networking events! The opening reception, Women in Welding breakfast, and Arcs & Ales are can’t-miss events where I’ve met many amazing people. FABTECH is the industry reunion that grows every year.”
Stay informed
Start the Conversation with AWS
Get the latest FABTECH 2025 updates, including schedules, event details, and registration info.