Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of collaboration and innovation in the manufacturing industry, highlighting the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and its role in supporting industry professionals. They emphasize the value of trade shows like Fabtech, where exhibitors and attendees can connect, share knowledge, and showcase the latest technologies. Trout, the director of exhibitions, explains his role in organizing the metal forming section of FABTECH, which includes metal stamping, tool and die press automation, and robotics. He underscores the significance of having demonstrable products and the power of face-to-face interactions in fostering business relationships.

Action Items

• [ ] Get in touch with Doug Trout at PMA (dtrout@pma.org) to learn more about exhibiting at Fabtech.
• [ ] Check out the FABTECH website at fabtech-expo.com for information and resources on exhibiting.
• [ ] Connect with Doug Trout on LinkedIn to stay updated on Fabtech and PMA.

Outline

Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and celebrates industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Scott MacKenzie mentions the sponsorship by PMA and encourages listeners to visit pma.org.
• Scott MacKenzie highlights the excitement and passion at Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, emphasizing the vast technology on display.

Introduction of Doug Trout

• Scott MacKenzie introduces Doug Trout, the director of exhibitions, and expresses excitement about the event.
• Doug Trout shares his positive experience at FABTECH, despite initial concerns about the hurricane.
• Doug Trout describes the success of the event, with exhibitors and attendees being extremely excited.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the criteria for determining success at the event, focusing on interactions and solutions provided.

Collaboration and Technology at FABTECH

• Doug Trout emphasizes the collegial and collaborative nature of the event, where exhibitors are open to helping attendees.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of finding trusted individuals to help with manufacturing challenges.
• Doug Trout highlights the collaboration among exhibitors, with each contributing to the overall success of the event.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the wide range of technologies and solutions available at FABTECH, from metal stamping to robotics.

Innovation and Evolution at FABTECH

• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the evolution of technology and innovation at Fabtech, with a focus on precision and automation.
• Doug Trout shares his experience of being amazed by the latest technologies and the genius behind them.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the role of AI and data analysis in enhancing manufacturing processes.
• Doug Trout explains his role as the director of exhibitions, overseeing the metal forming section of the show.

Support and Resources for Exhibitors

• Doug Trout describes the strategic management team responsible for organizing FABTECH and their respective responsibilities.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of having demonstrable products and starting conversations with attendees.
• Doug Trout shares a personal anecdote about the complexity of a simple metal part, highlighting the intellectual horsepower behind such innovations.
• Doug Trout emphasizes the support and resources available for first-time exhibitors, including hand-holding and guidance.

Future of Trade Shows and Final Thoughts

• Doug Trout discusses the ongoing relevance of trade shows, despite some skepticism about their future.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout agree that face-to-face interactions and handshakes are irreplaceable in business relationships.
• Doug Trout highlights the importance of exhibitors bringing their A game and making FABTECH their biggest marketing initiative of the year.
• Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of collaboration and finding organizations like PMA to help with the manufacturing journey.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the excitement and importance of FABTECH.
• Doug Trout provides contact information for those interested in participating in Fabtech, including email and LinkedIn.
• Scott MacKenzie thanks Doug Trout and encourages listeners to visit pma.org for more information.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for more conversations and to visit industrialtalk.com for more content.