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.”
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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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