FABTECH 2026 Draws Record Crowd in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Convention Center hosted more than 32,500 attendees and nearly 1,500 exhibitors for the metal forming and fabricating trade show.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Food and Drink
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FABTECH 2026 drew more than 32,500 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 21-23, 2026. The show featured nearly 1,500 exhibitors across more than 727,000 square feet of exhibit space.
Why it matters
The turnout marked the event's largest attendance outside Chicago and its highest first-day attendance in FABTECH history. Manufacturers and suppliers in the metal forming and fabricating industry used the show to compare equipment and explore new technologies.
FABTECH 2026 recorded 32,500 attendees, with 59% attending for the first time, and nearly 1,500 exhibitors across more than 727,000 square feet. The source does not provide prior-year Las Vegas comparisons or attendee purchasing data.
The players
FABTECH
FABTECH is a major trade show for the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries, held annually in Las Vegas and Chicago.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is a Hall of Fame wide receiver who delivered the FABTECH 2026 keynote address to about 1,000 attendees.
Amber Mac
Amber Mac is a technology strategist and speaker who addressed AI readiness at FABTECH 2026.
The details
The show spanned the North, Central and South halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with exhibits in 40 product categories and eight specialized pavilions, including the new Artificial Intelligence for Manufacturing (AIM) Pavilion. Manufacturers compared equipment through live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, and 628 new products made their debut.
Timeline
October 21-23, 2026: FABTECH 2026 held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
October 21: Amber Mac addressed AI readiness and a State of Metal Fabrication panel was held.
October 22: Jerry Rice keynote drew about 1,000 attendees.
October 23: Steve Darnell spoke on craftsmanship and grit.
September 13-16, 2027: FABTECH 2027 scheduled at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Market Landscape
FABTECH's Las Vegas attendance, the largest outside Chicago, shows the show drawing strong demand in a second major market. Its 2027 return to McCormick Place in Chicago keeps the event anchored to its traditional home.
Attendees and exhibitors gained hands-on access to 628 new products and live equipment demonstrations across the show floor. The FAB Pass sold out at 200 participants, so future access will depend on early registration.
The takeaway
Trade shows that grow beyond their home market can signal broader industry demand, so manufacturers planning equipment purchases may want to track how regional events draw exhibitors and attendees. The first-time attendance share of 59% suggests many buyers are still new to the show.
What happens next
FABTECH 2027 is scheduled for September 13-16, 2027, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Further reading
For more on dining and beverage trends in the city, see Las Vegas Food and Drink.
Source note: This article includes information reported by THE SHOP.
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