AWS Theme for 2025 is “The Future of Welding is Here”
FABTECH is back at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, from September 8-11. The American Welding Society (AWS) presents a week of exclusive educational opportunities and events.
Attendees will discover what’s new and what’s next for manufacturing equipment, industry-specific innovations, and advanced solutions to boost productivity and efficiency. This year’s theme, “The Future of Welding is Here,” highlights AWS’ dedication to connecting, collaborating, and shaping the future of the welding industry.
“AWS always brings out the big guns, featuring the best presenters in the world,” said Lawrence Bower, CWI and long-time attendee. “This attracts top talent, making the workshops and seminars superb, and the networking with other attendees truly special.”
Ways to Take Advantage of AWS Offerings:
Main Booth (B29000): Learn how AWS can advance your career with educational programs and certifications. Take advantage of FABTECH-only offers:
Join or renew your AWS membership with promo code FABTECH2025 to be eligible for the following giveaways:
AWS Individual Members: Get 15 months for the price of 12
AWS Early Career Members: Enter for a chance to win one of 5 exclusive AWS hats.
Enter to win a custom welding helmet.
Arc Junkies Podcast Sessions (B29000): Join Welding Industry Veteran Jason Becker as he hosts daily live podcast sessions at 10:30 AM from our newly renovated AWS booth. From starting your own welding business to navigating the leap from welder to inspector — and tackling the real workforce challenges behind the skills gap — these candid conversations include live Q&A so you can join the discussion.
- Monday 9/8: Starting a Welding Business: What I Wish I Knew
- Tuesday 9/9: Welder to Inspector: Making the Leap Without Losing Your Identity
- Wednesday 9/10: Workforce Concerns Beyond Skilled Labor Shortages
Panel Discussion: Welding the Future: Connecting Education, Certification, and Industry – Hear from educators, employers, and workforce professionals on Wednesday, September 10 from 2:30-3:30pm during an engaging conversation on how they are working together to prepare the next generation of welding professionals. This panel will explore innovative partnerships, evolving curriculum needs, and real-world strategies to close the skills gap.
Arcs and Ales Mixer: On Wednesday, September 10, from 6 – 8 PM, head to Fatpour Tap Works – McCormick for networking, beer, soda, and appetizers (while supplies last). Hosted by Jason Becker of the Arc Junkies podcast.
AWS Bookstore (B29002): Enjoy 40% off all AWS publications and toolkits from show floor inventory (excluding replicas or third-party publications). Enter to win a FREE D1.1 or D1.5.
AWS Welding Track: Maintain certification or earn PDHs with sessions led by industry experts, focusing on best practices and new developments in welding and manufacturing.
AWS Professional Program: Attend sessions on materials joining technology and processes, including additive manufacturing.
Poster Session: Explore graphic displays of technical achievements in welding and support students competing for cash prizes.
Welding Competition (B21107): Test your skills in a high-energy challenge with daily cash prizes. $20 cash entry, Ages 18+.
AWS Foundation (B29000): The AWS Foundation awards over $3 million in scholarships, grants, and fellowships to advance welding education. Visit the AWS booth to learn more about AWS Scholarships and Grants.
AWS Foundation Careers in Welding Mobile Experience (B25110): sponsored by Lincoln Electric and Build Submarines. Learn more about career opportunities in the welding field, be the high score on our virtual welding machines for a daily $1,000 scholarship
Join us at FABTECH 2025 in Chicago to connect, learn, and shape the future of the welding industry. Don’t miss out on these exclusive opportunities and be part of an event that celebrates innovation and excellence in welding. For more details on AWS events at FABTECH, visit aws.org/fabtech.
About AWS: The American Welding Society is the worldwide authority in the development of standards, certifications and educational programming for the welding, allied joining and cutting community. We are a not-for-profit organization committed to connecting the welding industry to our extensive collection of resources, informing our community of technological advancements and developing the next generation of welding professionals with the help of the AWS Foundation. AWS serves over 60,000 members worldwide, is composed of 22 Districts with 250 Sections and Student Chapters, and includes more than 1500 volunteers in over 200 technical committees, subcommittees and task groups. For more information, visit the American Welding Society’s website at aws.org.
