Skip to content

Special Events

  • Keynote

Fabrication Meets Modern Media; What Owners Need to Know to Stay Competitive

  • Time

  • Location

    FABTECH Theatre

Overview

In today’s fabrication and manufacturing environment, brand awareness is no longer just a marketing function; it is a core driver of business growth. As buyers, partners, and talent increasingly engage through digital channels, fabrication companies must rethink how they position their brand to remain competitive and profitable.

In this keynote, Ian will explore how fabrication brands can navigate the rapidly evolving world of new media. He will discuss how companies can move beyond traditional outlets such as magazines and television and instead leverage digital assets, social media platforms, influencer marketing, and streaming content. The focus will be on how these channels directly support essential business objectives, including driving sales conversations, strengthening customer trust, improving recruitment, and increasing overall market visibility.

Attendees will gain practical insights into aligning media strategies with business goals, allocating marketing resources more effectively, and measuring the real business impact of brand awareness in a digital‑first landscape. This session is designed to help fabrication leaders make more informed media decisions that contribute to long‑term growth and profitability.

About the Presenters

  • Ian Johnson

    Founder, Digital Lug, & Host of Discovery Channel's Build For Off Road

    Biography

    Ian Johnson is a Canadian-born automotive builder, licensed mechanic, and television host from Smiths Falls, Ontario. He first appeared on television as a guest builder on Discovery Channel’s Monster Garage, which led to his role as co-host of Spike TV’s Extreme 4x4. Alongside fabricator and racer Jessi Combs, Ian helped define the show’s deep “how to” approach, building and testing one-of-a-kind off-road vehicles on extreme terrain. He proudly supports the Jessi Combs Foundation in honor of her legacy.

    Beyond hosting, Ian has played key behind-the-scenes roles as a technical producer and writer for Trucks!, Extreme 4x4, and the launch of multiple shows for Motortrend TV including Car Craft TV, and 4x4 Garage. He is the founder of Digital Lug, an automotive digital production company producing multiple Amazon Prime build series. Ian is also the host of Discovery Channel's Build For Off Road, where he continues to share his passion for hands-on automotive storytelling with audiences worldwide.

    Sessions

Popular Searches

Search results for ''

Page