Fabtech / AWS Show - Chicago

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I was just wondering who on this forum goes to the fabtech show.  It's in a couple weeks in Chicago.  I just made my travel arrangements to go, and it looks like all the hotel room blocks are booked (but not all the rooms in Chicago ), so I assume a ton of people will be there.  My question is who is going and what are you going for?
Reply:I plan to split my time about 50/50 in the technical sessions / presentations and walking the floor to see all the cool equipment.  They have competitions too, I think.  Does anyone here compete?
Reply:I had plans to go but have since canceled. This sounds like it is going to be a huge show this year. I had planned on taking in a metal finishing seminar, perhaps a powder coating seminar.Was interested in looking at ventilation systems for my home shop. Was also interested in trying out a new 200-250 amp MIG welder from Lincoln and ESAB too.Going to go next year in Vegas instead .That way I can bring the wife and make a small vacation out of it.The stick welding with 7018 competition caught my eye.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I qualified to compete but since I'm over 23 and ineligible for the international competition there's no point in me competing there.I wont be able to attend either, but im for sure going to be at Vegas next year.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:They do Vegas every other year?  I've been to the show in Chicago before, but never Vegas.  Which one is bigger?
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88I qualified to compete but since I'm over 23 and ineligible for the international competition there's no point in me competing there.I wont be able to attend either, but im for sure going to be at Vegas next year.
Reply:In the international post-secondary, yes.  Im sure they have other ones tooHave we all gone mad?
Reply:The schedule is Chicago, Vegas, Chicago, Atlanta, and start overI will be going, as we have a booth, and I have a bunch of AWS committee stuff to do, and I am supposed to try to see a vendor or 2, and I have to take some customers out for dinner.Just because it is a trade show doesn't mean it is just a big party.  I have many people tell me how lucky I am to go to Chicago and have a big time.  I will get there early to help set up booth and probably have to help tear down. Show day starts at 5:00 AM, do your e-mail, etc, get down to the booth by 7:00 AM get it ready, work the booth all morning.  In the afternoon, go see customers, vendors, and check out the competition.  That night, try to catch up on phone calls, more e-mail.  Take a customer out to dinner, maybe have to go to an AWS event. Now it is 10:30 or 11PM, go to bed and get up do it all over again.  Its a real big time
Reply:Fred Who do you work for?I do atlanta when ever it comes around here...Vegas would be a blast. though.
Reply:I'm going.  I live in the area though.I'm going for pretty much anything I can see.  This will be my first time attending.  I'm so stoked!!JoeMiller 140 Autoset (2010)Miller Syncrowave 250 (1996)
Reply:I live in the area.  Im planning to check it out, never been before.Check me out on Facebook, you'll like it!     Post pics of your welding or metal project and win a Cryotreated Rotabroach set valued at ~$250!
Reply:Wow... interesting:  I'm working for my company in Chicago these past few months..  From the fabtech web site, http://www.fabtechexpo.com/registration.cfm    If anybody local is even thinking of going, sign up NOW. (extracts from the web site...)Visitors must register to receive a show badge to attend the event. Save time and money by registering in advance. Advance registration is FREE of charge until November 11, 2011. Register after this date or onsite, the registration fee is $50.Show runs:Monday, November 14, 10:00 am – 6:00 pmTuesday, November 15, 9:00 am – 5:00 pmWednesday, November 16, 9:00 am – 5:00 pmThursday, November 17, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Reply:Yea the registration thing is kind of funny... from 0 to 50.  But yeah I will be there bright and early Thursday as long as I get the day off work.JoeMiller 140 Autoset (2010)Miller Syncrowave 250 (1996)
Reply:Ill be there, and im looking forward to itGo Cards!!!!!