Making The Most Of Your First Fabtech

Heading to FABTECH for the first time? Think of it as Comic-Con for welders. From meeting the people you follow online to trying equipment you might never get your hands on back home, there’s a lot more to the show than walking past booths and collecting stickers.In this episode, Beau shares his tips for making the most of FABTECH, including what to pack, how to plan your time on the floor, and why some of the best connections happen after the show closes. With FABTECH 2026 heading to Las Vegas October 21–23, this is your first-timer’s game plan for showing up prepared and leaving inspired.What You'll LearnWhy FABTECH is about more than equipment, and how meeting welders, creators, and educators can help you find your next goal.What to handle before you arrive, from registration and badges to packing comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a light backpack.Why stickers and business cards still matter, and why you should have a backup plan for sharing your contact information.How Beau approaches the show floor, including walking every aisle, keeping track of booths to revisit, and finding smaller brands beyond the big displays.Why it’s worth trying unfamiliar equipment, watching live demos, and jumping into booth competitions, even if the technology isn’t something you’ll use every day.How to plan for food and after-hours events, including the FABTECH Kickoff Party at the House of Blues.Why sticking around until the end of the last day could lead to a few extra samples for your shop.Come Say HeyBeau will be filming WELD Podcast interviews throughout the week at the American Welding Program booth, S39095. Stop by, say hello, and connect with the Weld.com crew.Fabtech Kickoff PartyJoin Weld.com, WeldPorn, Blue Demon, the Arc Junkies Podcast, and other industry partners for an evening of giveaways and connecting with the welding community.Wednesday, October 21, 20267–10 PMHouse of Blues at Mandalay Bay, Las VegasBring your FABTECH badge for entry.Get there early if you’re planning to grab food, and stick around to meet the people behind the brands.Plan Your VisitRegistration, exhibitor information, and floor plans:https://www.fabtechexpo.comGot a FABTECH tip Beau didn’t cover? Drop it in the comments and help a first-timer make the most of the show.Download The Weld AppiOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleAppAndroid: Google Play https://goweld.link/AndroidIf this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #FABTECH #FABTECH2026 #WeldingCommunity #WeldingCareer