Well, if you are already there or going to be there this coming week... Fabtech is the 18th thru 21st. Thanksgiving isn't until the 28th. Getting home in time for the call to work isn't the problem. Getting to Chicago early to have a day or more of education, window shopping, networking, and all around fun would be the problem as I see your situation.
Don't forget, if you are there early, you could write off the whole trip by making it work related. Not to mention all those other benefits.
Have a Great Day, Brent