General Info

What is IMTS?

Imagine a space filled with the hum of powerful machines, the gleam of polished metal, and the buzz of excited conversations. That's IMTS! It's a massive gathering of everyone who's anyone in the world of manufacturing. Think of it as the Super Bowl of manufacturing technology, but instead of touchdowns and field goals, you have cutting-edge machinery, innovative software, and groundbreaking processes.

Every two years, this spectacle unfolds in Chicago, where industry giants and up-and-coming innovators showcase their latest creations. You'll find everything from massive metal-cutting machines that can shape raw materials into intricate parts to advanced robotics that automate entire production lines. It's a chance to witness the future of manufacturing firsthand, to see how technology is transforming the way we make things.

But IMTS is more than just a display of impressive hardware. It's a hub for knowledge sharing, where experts from around the globe come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. There are conferences and seminars where you can learn about the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. It's a place to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships that can drive your business forward.

In essence, IMTS is a celebration of manufacturing, a place where innovation takes center stage and the future is shaped. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just starting out in the industry, IMTS offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and be inspired.

IMTS 2024 Statistics

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 had 1,737 exhibitors. The show took place from September 9–14, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.

1,226,523 square feet of exhibit space, 89,020 registrants, 14,713 registrants for the Smartforce Student Summit, A record number of conference registrations, and More than 40 million pounds of machinery.

Planning IMTS for Tornos Technologies

September 9th - 14th, 2024

Planning IMTS for Tornos Technologies

Pre-show

IMTS is every two years. As soon as the show ends, preparations begin right away for the next show.

My IMTS planning:

1) Reserve Boot Space (50ft x 50 ft)

2) Block off hotel rooms

3) Register staff (staff/exhibitor passes)

4) Make sure IMTS website is upgraded with Tornos information

5) Work with booth building company (Lake Shore Exhibits)

6) Plan which products (machines) will be exhibited

7) Plan where and how products (machines) will be placed/arranged in the booth

8) Submit list of products (machines) to the McCormick Place with weight and dimensions

9) Work with booth building company to get machine placements 3D rendered

10) Work with booth building company to get electrical and air placements correct

11) Work with booth builder to choose carpeting and padding

12) Work with booth builder to choose walls and graphics for walls surrounding booth

13) Work with booth builder to create new hanging sign

14) Work with project leader and warehouse to make sure we have all products (machines) ready to ship to IMTS in a timely manner

15) Work with application engineering team to make and prove out parts on each product (machine) before show

16) Create flyers for the show

17) Order enough booklets/brochures/pamphlets to hand out during show

18) Design and order any additional signage such as stand up signs

19) Plan social media posts (teasers/pre-show, during show, after show)

20) Plan email campaigns (pre-show, during, after show)

21) Plan misc. items such as coffee, snacks, drinks, silverware, etc. to have at the booth

22) Gather all individuals who need a hotel and send finalized list to housing group for hotel

23) Planned private, VIP customer, rooftop party

24) Prepared to present in front of the CEO and chairman for the pre-show meeting

25) Order corporate dress shirts for everyone who needs them (maintain corporate dress code during show)

26) Order gifts and hand outs for attendees

27) Coordinate the launch of the Swiss Academy (educational platform with videos on how to run a Swiss machine)

28) Made sure lead retrieval tool and app is set up with Salesforce integration

Planning IMTS for Tornos Technologies

Set-up Time

IMTS is one whole week (Monday to Saturday). I was there nearly two weeks, set-up, during show, and dismantling.

My IMTS planning:

1) Arrived to McCormick place 4:00AM to make sure our freight trucks have checked in (if not already delivered our items)

2) Work with booth builder to make sure everything goes according to plans

3) Work with service team to make sure all machines are set up and running

4) Make sure empty crates and equipment we will need for dismantling are stowed away in the McCormick Place storage

5) Work with the union workers (riggers and electricians) to make sure we get them when needed

Planning IMTS for Tornos Technologies

During Show

My IMTS planning:

1) Collect leads

2) Prepared PowerPoint presentation for every morning for the team to sum up how the day went before and what targets we want to hit for the current day

3) Make sure all screens (TV's and computers) are on and working

4) Make sure all brochures and flyers are put out for the day

5) Make sure any brochures or flyers that need to be restocked are restocked

6) Launched the Titans of CNC - Swiss Machining Academy

7) Made sure Tornos IMTS afterparty rooftop was prepared and set up before guests/customers arrived

Planning IMTS for Tornos Technologies

After Show

My IMTS planning:

Tornos has 5 machines in the Tornos booth in the South building. 1 machine in the SolidCAM booth in the south building. 1 machine in the Air Turbine booth in the west building.

1) Coordinate with the truck drivers and riggers to get our products and equipment back onto the trucks

2) Make sure all paperwork is signed

3) Make sure all items are packed up (either on the truck or coming back with me in the car)

5) Sign up for next IMTS

More Planning Pictures

Additional Pictures