A new, consolidated annual trade show will be held in November 2009 for industries involved in fabrication and allied activities such as metalforming, cutting and joining as well as for clients and consumers of products from those industries.
This follows an alliance formed by four industry-leading trade show organisers. These include the three organisers of the Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show, namely the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA) and the American Welding Society (AWS), plus the organiser of Metalform, the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).
While the first official combined exhibition will take place in November 2009, the partners have agreed to a “soft start” at the 2008 Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show, to be held October 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, Las Vegas, NV. The Vegas show will include a Metalform pavilion, displaying innovations in stamping technology. An estimated 20,000 people from around the world are expected to visit the show, which will feature more than 800 exhibits.
“By uniting the industry under one roof, the newly combined event will be significantly more inclusive, adding value for both exhibitors and attendees. The 2009 show is expected to cover 650,000 sq ft with 1,300 exhibiting companies, becoming the ‘one-stop shop’ in North America where attendees can access the latest materials, equipment and services for all metalforming, fabricating, tube and pipe, welding and cutting technologies,” a statement said.   “As the most comprehensive event in the industry, the Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show and Metalform will be the Western Hemisphere’s single, must-see annual exhibition.” 
“Mark Tomlinson, SME executive director, commented: “Manufacturers need comprehensive exposure to every one of these technologies to compete in the global marketplace, and now they only have to go to one show to find them.”
Gerald M. Shankel, FMA president and CEO, said, “This is a good move for the industry. The Metalform exhibition, with its focus on metal stamping and related technologies brings in-depth metalforming technology together with the Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show’s unparalleled showcase of fabricating machinery, tube and pipe, welding and cutting technologies, and will offer a first-rate venue.”
Ray Shook, AWS executive director, declared: “Metalforming companies are major customers of the welding and cutting industries. We’re confident this alliance will add significant value for both exhibitors and attendees.”
William Gaskin, PMA president, said, “The combination of PMA’s Metalform event with the Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show joins the leading exhibitions in each of the core manufacturing technology areas and also brings together four leading manufacturing trade associations and societies to better serve their respective industries.”