This year’s Fabtech, scheduled for Nov. 6-9 in Chicago, will feature 100 new sessions and more than 400 presenters. The expanded education program will focus on the growing number of issues shaping the future of manufacturing.  

The new education program will include sessions on the industrial internet of things, automation, robotics, 3-D and additive manufacturing, “industry 4.0” and the future of manufacturing. There will also be expanded management and workforce development tracks, covering issues such as tackling the manufacturing skills gap, economic outlook, reshoring and new leadership strategies.

“Education is one of the most important aspects of Fabtech. With the increasing complexities of the processes and the business of manufacturing, we expanded our programming beyond the show floor to ensure we cover the needs of all industry professionals with topics that affect their companies and careers,” said John Catalano, Fabtech’s show co-manager and SME senior director. “The expertise of the presenters, coupled with access to the latest technologies, will provide attendees (with) a wealth of knowledge that cannot be found anywhere else.”

In total, Fabtech 2017 will have more than 150 education sessions — the most in the show’s history, officials said. For a detailed schedule of the sessions, visit www.fabtechexpo.com/education.