FABTECH 2019 recently locked in three-time Super Bowl champion Chad Hennings, author Frank Abagnale Jr and Mythbuster’s Grant Imahara as the keynote speakers Nov 11-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
FABTECH is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event.
“FABTECH is distinctively positioned to provide industry professionals with access to the information, technology and equipment they need to transform their businesses—exposure to these speakers will impart insights and enthusiasm through shared passions and experiences,” said John Catalano, SME’s senior director for FABTECH.
“This year, FABTECH is particularly honored to celebrate veterans who have served to protect our country and are now lending their leadership and talents to our industry. They are part of the blended, diverse fabric of professionals across the world that make up this amazing industry.”
Hennings will help kick off the event, which opens with a celebration of veterans from 8:30 am to 9:45 am Nov 11. The FABx Tech Talk, which emulates the popular TED-style concept, will feature a “powerful lineup of visionary veterans” drawing on their unique experiences, including frontline stories revolving around the themes of motivation, team building and innovation, to inspire attendees.
As a FABx featured speaker, Hennings—who completed 45 combat missions with the Air Force before spending nine years with the Dallas Cowboys—will share how integrity, identity and commitment lead to a lifestyle of excellence. FABx also welcomes honored vets Hernán Luis y Prado, founder and CEO of Workshops for Warriors; Jason T Ray, co-founder and CEO of Paperless Parts; Shelly C Rood, educational consultant at Mission Ambition; and Michael Walton, a manufacturing industry solutions executive at Microsoft.
FABTECH said each speaker will use their life experiences and expertise to inspire forward thinking and organizational leadership.
Abagnale, a cybersecurity expert and best-selling author of “Catch Me If You Can,” will deliver the keynote session on Day 2. He’ll share entertaining insights into his life as a notorious 1960s imposter as he instructs attendees on how to protect themselves and their businesses from fraud from 8:30 am to 10 am Nov 12.
FABTECH said attendees will experience an emotional roller coaster ride as Abagnale takes them on a hilarious and poignant journey of his time as a wanted criminal and speaks of his personal transformation.
Finally, Imhara, former host of Discovery’s Mythbusters and an animatronics engineering expert, will provide a glimpse of his work on various sets and productions while touching on the importance of advancing the engineering/manufacturing industry during his keynote, which runs from 8:30 am to 9:30 am Nov 13.
He’ll lead attendees inside the world of science and entertainment through stories of his experiences consulting for Walt Disney Imagineering, where he works on next-generation robots for Disney's theme parks. Having experience with electronics, designing, fabricating, machining, CAD layout, laser cutting, mold making and machining, Imahara has a full understanding of the industry and will make parallels that help attendees grow and succeed.
Registration is now open. Visit fabtechexpo.com to register and obtain more details.