METALfab offers attendees numerous opportunities to network, learn, and connect with industry peers, suppliers, and manufacturers.
METALfab Meet & Greet Happy Hour
Tuesday, January 23, 6:15 PM- 7:30 PM
Conclude the first day of education by connecting with fellow METALfab attendees. Open to all registered attendees.
NEF Whiskey Tasting
Tuesday, January 23, 6:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Join NEF for an unforgettable evening of refined taste and empowering stories at our Whiskey Tasting Event, where history and tradition meet innovation and progress.
This fundraising event will feature Kentucky's first female Master Distiller, Marianne Eaves, a trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings in the world of whiskey-making. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the differences
between Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons/whiskeys. Your ticket includes an exclusive whiskey tasting experience, featuring a curated selection of handcrafted spirits paired with a selection of hors d'oeuvres to compliment the spirits.
Our master distiller will guide you through each pour, helping you appreciate the subtle notes, complex flavors, and unique stories behind each bottle. Participants will also receive a gift bag and be entered to win a gift basket.
All proceeds from the Whiskey Tasting Fundraiser will directly benefit the NOMMA Education Foundation (NEF), supporting their mission to fund education programs and services for the ornamental and miscellaneous metals
industry. Ticket purchase is required.
NOMMA Annual Membership Meeting
Wednesday, January 24, 9:45 AM- 10:45 AM
Get a state of the association and members vote on governance matters. Open to all registered attendees.
FENCETECH/METALfab Keynote
Wednesday, January 24, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM
Get ready to be captivated by our keynote presentation, showcasing the talents behind hits like "Ain't Goin Down till the Sun Comes Up" and "Chicken Fried." Exploring
the theme of "The Power of Storytelling for Your Business," these experts will delve into the enchanting narratives that underpin their chart-topping tracks, shedding light on the pivotal role of storytelling. With a knack for crafting
resonant tales, their perspectives will revolutionize your approach to customer and client engagement, revealing how the art of storytelling can infuse vitality into your business and forge enduring connections and customers for life.
Open to all registered attendees.
Ribbon Cutting
Wednesday, January 24, 12:00 PM
Kick off the opening of the exhibits floor with the ceremonial ribbon cutting, featuring volunteer leaders from NOMMA and AFA.
Ascend Tree Ceremony
Thursday, January 25, 11:30 AM
Join us on the show floor for NOMMA's annual tree and leaf ceremony. The Ascend tree sculpture, created by Jack Klahm and Phil Heermance, represents the co-location and unity between
AFA and NOMMA. Individuals who purchased a leaf at METALfab 2023 will have the opportunity to place their leaf on the tree. Open to all registered attendees.
NOMMA Awards Dinner
Thursday, January 25, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Join us as we honor past leaders, recognize Top Job winners, and present the following awards: President’s Silver Star, Kinnikin Scholarship, Carlsen Scholarship, Clifford
H. Brown, and Mitch Heitler. Ticket purchase is required.
NEF Live Auction
Thursday, January 25, 9:00 PM
Stay after the last award is presented for the spirited and exciting NEF live auction. Don’t miss the opportunity to raise your paddle to take home a unique auction item and support
NEF, a 501(c)(3) organization, in its mission to fund education programs and services for industry professionals. Open to all registered attendees.
Top Job Jamboree
Friday, January 26, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Companies who submitted entries to the Top Job Contest will present their jobs and share details about the work. Ask questions of the presenters and gain knowledge and inspiration
from your peers. Open to all registered attendees.
Shop Tour
Friday, January 26, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Get a behind-the-scenes tour of one NOMMA member shop, Tate Ornamental, Inc. The tour will focus on non-ferrous welding and finishing techniques. They will demonstrate TIG welding of aluminum, stainless, and bronze materials, then follow that up with a breakdown of the finishing steps they go through to clean and blend the welds into a finished appearance. Tool types and abrasive selection will also be discussed, in addition to filler rod alloys and welder settings. Ticket purchase is required.
