More Than Just an Expo – It’s About Connection and Community
Wrapping up another incredible FabTech Expo has us feeling energized and inspired. This year marked our third time attending North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing, and each time, it gets better. While the official event is packed with business meetings, demonstrations, and content production, there’s a side to FabTech that often goes overlooked — the after-hours networking that makes it all even more special.
Beyond the Conference Floor
Yes, we met and networked with multiple businesses during the day, but some of the most impactful conversations happened after the expo hours. Whether at a business dinner or chatting with fellow attendees at the hotel, these more casual settings allowed for deeper connections. It’s not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about forming relationships that can spark collaboration down the road.
The Value of Networking at FabTech
The theme of networking kept coming up in our MakingSparks podcast interviews. People shared how FabTech serves as a meeting point for professionals who’ve only ever connected virtually—turning LinkedIn conversations into real-life connections. It’s also a place where companies can research new equipment and technologies over several years, often leading to significant purchases after multiple visits. For those in manufacturing and fabrication, attending annually is like hitting the “fast forward” button on your learning and growth, exposing you to the latest advancements from industry experts.
Supporting Both Fab Shops and Exhibitors
At Captivated Content, we’ve come to appreciate that our role extends beyond just working with fabrication shops. Exhibitors serving these shops have their own powerful stories to share—stories that can showcase their culture, demonstrate their products, or highlight the people behind the products. We’re committed to helping both groups tell stories that resonate, inspire, and engage. Reach out to us if you are interested in taking your content marketing up a notch.
A Shared Passion for Craftsmanship
What makes FabTech truly special is the shared passion you feel throughout the event. The fabrication and manufacturing industries are full of individuals who take immense pride in their work. Walking the expo floor, you can sense the craftsmanship, dedication, and innovation that drive the industry forward. For us, it’s always a privilege to be surrounded by people who love what they do and who are continually striving to push the industry to new heights.
Looking Forward to Chicago
The week in Orlando brought valuable conversations, connections, and plenty of new ideas to carry forward. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat with us at the ProFab Alliance booth, our MakingSparks guests for sharing their amazing stories, and the city of Orlando for being such a great host. Next up: Chicago! We’re already looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones at FabTech 2025.
We’re always open to chat about anything marketing, video production, or digital strategy! We’d love to talk!
