IMTS 2018 Breaks Own Records for Exhibitors, Booths and Space
September 11, 2018
The 2018 International Manufacturing Technology Show kicked off this week in Chicago by breaking new records for booths and exhibiting companies, as well as the most exhibit space ever reported in the show’s 91-year history.
Taking place Sept. 10-15 at McCormick Place, IMTS 2018 is boasting 2,123 booths representing 2,563 exhibiting companies spanning 1,424,232 square feet of expo space.
As of Sept. 7, the number of pre-registered visitors for the biennial show exceeded 113,000, which also is on pace for a possible record, according to officials from the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT), which owns and produces IMTS.
“IMTS 2018 is setting records because manufacturing technology has grown exponentially since last show,” explained Peter R. Eelman, vice president of exhibitions and business development at AMT, which represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members who design, build, sell, and service it.
He continued, “The rapid growth of digital technology, automation and additive manufacturing are especially driving interest. The booming manufacturing economy means visitors have capital and are ready to invest.”
The 2016 edition of IMTS was the third largest show in the number of registrations and net square feet of exhibit space, with 115,612 attendees and 1,370,256 sq. ft., respectively, and hosted the highest number of exhibiting companies at 2,407.
Other past historical highs for IMTS included 1,415,848 sq. ft. of exhibit space in 2000; 1,475 booths in 2014 and 121,764 visitors in 1998.
Known as the largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the U.S., IMTS is considered a top platform for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology as well as attracting global visitors from every level of the industry, according to AMT officials.
Besides setting new records, the show also is touting expanded technology pavilions, collocated conferences and events, as well as two AMT’s Emerging Technology Centers, which are focused on digital transformation and highlighting the digital manufacturing revolution in-action with hundreds of demonstrations on how businesses in a variety of sectors are implementing cutting-edge innovations.
“Visitors find more productive technologies and change their business practices as a result of attending IMTS,” Eelman said. “Exhibitors make finding new solutions easy because they time product introductions to coincide with IMTS. Booths emphasize new ideas, not standard products.”
Conferences and events collocating with IMTS include the IMTS Job Shops program; the Additive Manufacturing Conference; Applied AM-Where Additive Minds Meet; the Top Shops Workshop; the Industrial Laser Conference and three conferences from HANNOVER MESSE USA including the Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit, OPC Foundation Conference and the Integrated Industries Conference.
Meanwhile, the popular IMTS Conference is offering more than 72 sessions focused on top-of-mind topics including manufacturing process innovations; additive/alternative manufacturing; plant operations; automation/robotics; Industry 4.0/IIoT and quality/inspection/metrology.
“Educational opportunities exist in every square foot of McCormick Place,” Eelman said. “IMTS offers many options for learning, experiencing innovative technologies and creating personal connections. The show allows you to see the future of manufacturing today.”
Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment