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Some call the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) the Indy 500 manufacturing. Others refer to it as the Olympics for professionals, educators and students in manufacturing technology. However you refer to it, IMTS 2024 offers more than 1,600+ exhibits and dozens of boundary-pushing attractions in 1.2+ sq ft of everything technology.
The show runs Sept. 9-14 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Check the schedules and calendar of events available on IMTS.com and choose the days to attend the show. Here are 15 great reasons to spend all week at the show.
1) Exhibitors
See, touch and experience the latest product launches, compare technologies, and find innovative solutions from leading international companies to small family-owned businesses. IMTS is organized among 10 sectors to make it easy to discover, compare and contrast products, technologies and services. Remember to bring your drawings and parts with you, IMTS exhibitors love the challenge of finding solutions.
2) Keynotes
Keynote presentations on the IMTS+ Main Stage from executives including:
- Google Cloud (booth #236709)
- Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence (booth #134102, booth #133210)
- Manufacturing USA (booth #236156)
- Microsoft (booth #236205)
- RFK Racing
- Siemens USA (booth# 133249, booth# 236217)
- Apptronik (maker of the humanoid robot Apollo)
- BlueForge Alliance
- Oak Ridge National Labs featured in the AMT Emerging Technology Center (booth #236700)
3) Additive manufacturing
After connecting with AM exhibitors in the additive manufacturing sector, accelerated by Formnext, catch a presentation at the Formnext Stage. The stage features presenters from 3DPrint.com, LIFT, NewCap Partners, AMT, Gardner Business Media and industry leaders discussing entrepreneurship and the adoptions and applications of industrial AM and the production processes.
4) Automation
Automation of functions you didn’t even know could be automated. Visitors will find automation throughout IMTS, and more exclusively in the new Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS — Smart Production Solutions in the North Building. It features companies specializing in robots, cobots, motion control, data management and automation integration. Be sure to connect with the technology experts at the SPS — Smart Production Solutions Stage (booth #236008) for even more insight.
5) Social media
Feeling social? Visit with your favorite creators in the IMTS+ Creators Lounge (booth #338600), including Drew Crowe, Nikki Gonzales, Chris Luecke, Jim Mayer, Amy Seymour and Meaghan Ziemba.
6) Media
Watch recordings from the IMTS+ Main Stage keynotes and the IMTS+ Creators Lounge at one of the four IMTS+ Technology Hubs located in each building: booth #236635 in North, booth #433037 in West, booth #338266 in South and booth #135401 in East.
7) IMTS Elevate
IMTS Elevate programs, which elevate key communities and the lifeblood important to the manufacturing community. There are three IMTS Elevate Job Shop workshops, two IMTS Elevate: Women Make Manufacturing Move (WMMM) events, and a half-day IMTS Elevate LATAM program focused on the high-growth markets of Mexico, Latin America and Spain, presented in Spanish only.
8) Tracks
Continue your technology education at the IMTS 2024 Conference. Choose from five different tracks: process innovations, alternative processes, plant operations, quality and inspection, and automation.
9) Production
If you’re a small- and medium-sized manufacturer looking to explore metal additive manufacturing (AM) in a production environment, check out the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) convergent manufacturing platform that combines metal AM, CNC machining and other processes in AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (booth#236700).
10) Apptronik
The first commercial humanoid robot, Apollo by Apptronik.
11) BlueForge Alliance
Conversations with BlueForge Alliance (BFA) and its collaborative efforts with the U.S. Navy and industry leaders such as Newport News Shipbuilding, Electric Boat and Austal.
12) Documentary
Exclusive video documentary featuring OEMs, suppliers and SMEs creating a model-based engineering environment (MBEE) using MTConnect.
13) Smart showcase
AMT and SME’s Smart Manufacturing Showcase (booth #236800) features industry experts who will deliver more than 20 presentations (view the schedule) covering topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data management and workforce development.
Learn how to make it better in America by engaging with Manufacturing USA (booth #236156). This organization represents the growing network of manufacturing innovation institutes that are working to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas and technology.
14) Iconic cars
Take a selfie with three iconic cars showcasing the incredible advancements in automotive technology on display outside at the entrance to McCormick Place. The Strati, the world’s first 3D printed car. Famous for being printed and assembled in under six days in the AMT ETC at IMTS 2014, the Strati returns for its 10th anniversary and will be located at the main entrance to McCormick Place. Joining the Strati are the Rally Fighter, a crowd-sourced, live-built car; and the BuildSubmarines.com car, the only NASCAR with a mission to connect talent with the next-generation of maritime manufacturing jobs.
15) STEM of the future
For a view of the STEM classroom of the future — and to learn about careers available today — educators, school administrators and students can visit the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024, now located on Level 2 of the East Building.
Extras
Earn an extra slice of Chicago deep dish pizza with the Miles 4 Manufacturing 5K run/walk fundraising event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 AM Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this fun event along the shores of Lake Michigan has raised more than $190,000 for STEM programs.
Start your IMTS 2024 journey by registering and booking your hotel room through Global Housing Solutions. Then create a Show Planner account to map out your visit where you can add exhibitors, speakers and attractions you don’t want to miss.
About IMTS+
IMTS+ is where you can find the personalities, innovations and ideas that move the manufacturing industry forward. Watch, read and experience the stories around the power of manufacturing technology. Visit IMTS+ on IMTS.com.
