Show floor exhibits aren’t the only leading edge tools and technologies expected to create a stir at FABTECH Canada, the country’s first exclusive fabricating, metal forming and welding event making its debut at the Toronto Congress Centre March 20-22, 2012. Emerging social media trends and innovative mobile applications will also be in the spotlight as show organizers embrace the latest in communications tools to deliver a state-of-the-art, interactive attendee experience.
“Our studies indicate that the more we can immerse show visitors into the overall experience, the more industry knowledge they will take away from FABTECH Canada,” said Janine Saperson, Event Manager with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), which is hosting the inaugural event together with Fabricators Manufacturers Association, Intl. (FMA) and American Welding Society (AWS). “By incorporating the hottest trends in mobile devices and social media, we’re making it easier than ever for attendees to contribute ideas, provide feedback, receive up-to-date industry education and get the most out of their show floor visit, with the added benefit of keeping our finger on the pulse of our industry at the same time,” she said.
FABTECH Canadas regular on-line Twitter discussions are moderated sessions are intended to engage audiences on key topics in the metal forming, fabricating and welding industries. Participation is as easy as signing into Twitter and entering “#fabtechcanada.” The on-line forum is designed to take on a life of its own with topics of discussion determined by participant feedback. Additional social media outlets used by FABTECH Canada to engage industry members include Facebook, linkedIn and YouTube.
Another innovative technology promising to take FABTECH Canada to new heights is the ability for audiences to take advantage of an optimized mobile application which can run on any mobile device, including cell phones and tablet PCs, and provides attendees with easy on-line access to the exhibit guide, conference agenda, and more. This application will allow visitors to personalize their trade show experience, receive alerts about conference start times, take notes during sessions and be notified about last minute show changes. A real-time audience response system also enables immediate feedback and can be used to facilitate on-line polls and surveys.
“As Canadian manufacturers continue to gain visibility as a critical engine for innovation, technology and economic growth, it makes good sense to foster that growth using the latest in communications technology,” said Ed Youdell, FMA President and CEO.
“Social media, in particular, is a great way to build a sense of community within our industry,” added Ray Shook, AWS Executive Director. “The more we can get people talking about issues of importance, the more innovation we are likely to see.”
Featuring the most comprehensive showcase of the latest industry technologies, tools and trends geared towards the needs of this country’s estimated 1.5 million manufacturing employees, FABTECH Canada is building on the success of the recent FABTECH event, held in Chicago in November, which exceeded expectations with an attendance of more than 35,000. Canada’s premiere industry event will feature an extensive exhibition floor, side-by-side machine evaluations, expert-led educational sessions, Canada’s Best Welder Competition and many other networking opportunities.
For more information on FABTECH Canada 2012, to exhibit or to register for the event, visit www.fabtechcanada.com. Show updates are also available on Twitter and linkedIn.
about the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (www.sme.org)
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is the worlds leading resource for manufacturing information and knowledge. With Canadian headquarters in Toronto, the society promotes an increased awareness of the value of manufacturing among industry professionals and the general public, while supporting educational initiatives and introducing career options for those entering the industry. For half a million manufacturing engineers, executives and members in more than 70 countries around the globe, SME is the source for knowledge, networking and skills development opportunities that help them advance their careers, their companies and their industries.
about Fabricators Manufacturers Association (www.fmanet.org)
The Fabricators Manufacturers Association, headquartered in Rockford, Ill., is a non-profit educational association dedicated exclusively to metal forming and fabricating professionals. Founded in 1970, it is considered the worlds largest educational association for its industry, with thousands of members worldwide. FMA provides in-depth technical information and educational opportunities through conferences, award-winning magazines, extensive research services, and co-sponsorship of FABTECH.
about American Welding Society (www.aws.org)
The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, non-profit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Fla., and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves more than 70,000 members worldwide and consists of 22 districts with 250 sections and student chapters.
