FABTECH 2014 Grows Across the Board at Show in Atlanta

January 17, 2015

FABTECH, an event for metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding, experienced its most successful Atlanta show to date, exceeding attendance, exhibitor and floor space records.

More than 30,800 attendees from more than 70 countries visited Atlanta for this year’s conference, held Nov. 11-13 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

FABTECH 2014 generated an increase of 40 percent in attendance, more than the 2010 expo in Atlanta, resulting in a direct economic impact of more than $38.7 million.

Nearly 1,500 exhibitors covered more than 550,000 net square feet with live equipment demonstrations and product comparisons to find cost-saving solutions.

“Manufacturing is a vital part of Atlanta’s diverse economy, so hosting FABTECH is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said William Pate, President and CEO, Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He added, “Our city welcomed more than $1.5 billion in new attractions and retail developments in 2014, and our continued growth will keep the destination fresh for FABTECH attendees in 2018, 2022 and beyond.”

FABTECH 2014 made an impact on more than just manufacturers from across the world. The FABTECH Expo Cares program donated more than $10,000 to Workshops for Warriors, a non-profit organization dedicated to training, certifying and placing veterans in manufacturing jobs.

“FABTECH is proud to contribute back to manufacturing and support veterans re-entering civilian life,” said John Catalano, FABTECH show manager.

He added, “A manufacturing career capitalizes on soldiers’ current talents and work ethic and provides employers with people ready to make immediate contributions.”

FABTECH will continue its four-year rotation in Atlanta with shows at the GWCC in 2018 and 2022.

The expo is co-sponsored by the American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI).

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.