SMACNA Opens 2027 Fab Forum Session Proposals for Fort Worth Event

Highlights

• SMACNA is accepting educational session proposals for its 2027 Fab Forum.
• The event is scheduled for April 4-6, 2027, in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Proposed sessions can address fabrication technology, automation, sustainability, quality control and business operations.
• Proposals are due Oct. 9, 2026, with selected speakers expected to be notified Nov. 9.
• Southland Industries will host an exclusive tour of its fabrication operations during the event.

Sheet metal contractors are facing continued pressure to improve fabrication efficiency, technology adoption and workforce productivity, making industry-focused education relevant to shop and project operations. SMACNA is seeking speakers for its 2027 Fab Forum to address technical and business issues affecting fabrication operations.

Fab Forum Program Focus

The 2027 Fab Forum will take place April 4-6 at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth. Educational sessions are expected to run approximately 60 minutes and are intended to provide practical information for SMACNA member contractors.

Proposed subjects include advances in fabrication machinery and software, automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital workflows, sustainable production, materials management and shop productivity.

Additional areas include quality assurance, inspection practices, industry standards, project management, estimating, lean manufacturing and supply chain management.

Sessions primarily intended to promote a product, service or outside educational course will not be accepted. Preference will be given to presentations that include SMACNA member contractors on the speaker team.

Proposal and Event Schedule

The deadline for educational session proposals is Oct. 9, 2026. Selected speakers are scheduled to receive notification by Nov. 9.

The event will also include a fabrication operations tour hosted by Southland Industries at its Fort Worth location. Registration for the 2027 Fab Forum is scheduled to open Oct. 1.

Why It Matters

For fabrication contractors, the program provides a forum for sharing operational approaches involving automation, quality management, production efficiency and emerging technology. The emphasis on practical educational sessions gives contractors an opportunity to evaluate methods that can affect shop performance and business operations.

The event also places fabrication technology and operational practices at the center of industry education, reflecting the growing importance of digital tools, automation and productivity improvements in sheet metal manufacturing.

Source: SMACNA.