Conferences Prove Popular

Conference sessions at IMTS 2016 collectively attracted 2,296 attendees and offered 159 sessions spanning 151+ hours of programing.

“The hottest topic, judging solely by attendance, was Additive Manufacturing. Gardner Business Media’s Additive Manufacturing Conference brought in 475 attendees, while the EOS NAUD registered nearly 600 people,” said Bill Herman, Director - International Exhibitions and Sponsorship, AMT.

The Additive Manufacturing Conference, Sept. 13-14, was highly successful in large part due to the serious growth in industrial part production, particularly in the aerospace market. Adoption curves are more quickly advancing from prototyping to production, as evidenced by Caterpillar’s Additive Manufacturing Product Manager, who discussed the company evolution into additive manufacturing of larger aftermarket components. Autodesk presented its view on the large leaps made in the materials being used in additive manufacturing.

“Attendees walked away inspired by the potential of additive manufacturing in terms of design freedoms and what that means for part variability and new directions in manufacturing,” said Travis Egan, Group Publisher, Gardner Business Media.

Educational events included the IMTS 2016 Conference, Additive Manufacturing, EOS North American User Day, Fluid Power, Industrial Laser, Integrated Industries, Global Automation & Manufacturing Summit, OPC Foundation and TRAM Aerospace.

West Building Special Attractions

IMTS partners with Gardner Business Media and GIE Media each show to bring two technology displays to visitors. Modern Machine Shop’s Top Shops (previously the Advanced Manufacturing Center) was the place for shop owners and managers to talk with one another about the tools and technologies they use to succeed.

“We call this attraction Top Shops because it’s not just a way to talk about new products and new process technology, but because it’s a way to celebrate and bring to life the real people that have actually adopted them and are pushing us forward,” said Dave Necessary, Director of Marketing & Events, Gardner Business Media. “Visitors found the demonstrations competitive in a constructive way, focusing not on what they might be doing wrong, but on what they should be doing that’s right.

Today’s Technology Center (TTC), presented by GIE Media, showcased how technologies on display throughout IMTS come together to produce end results in the aerospace, automotive, energy and medical sectors. Highlights included an Airbus H-130 helicopter, a General Motors Cadillac CT6 with mixed material structure and a 2016 Chevy Camaro hybrid created by engineering students at Ohio State (the Camaro “EcoCar3” gets 63 miles per gallon yet still accelerates from 0 to 60 in less than 5.6 seconds).

“The vehicles demonstrate how the latest technologies are being used inside the manufacturing world, whether it’s through lightweighting, use of unique materials and new engine designs,” says Mike DiFranco, Group Publisher, GIE Media.

Running for a Cause

As dawn broke over Lake Michigan on the Wednesday of IMTS week, more than 320 runners were lined up for the Miles for Manufacturing 5K run/walk hosted by IMTS and GIE Media. The runners enjoyed not just a balmy morning and a fantastic view of Chicago’s skyline, they enjoyed the good feeling that comes with running for a cause. All proceeds from the event are donations in the form of cash or equipment to the following schools and community-based STEM organizations: Chicago Public Library Foundation, Project SYNCERE and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) STEM Initiative.

“The idea for this event started a few shows ago when four of us went out for a morning run,” said Mike DiFranco Group Publisher, GIE Media.

“We got back, and other people said, ‘I wish I would have known. I would have joined you.’ Seeing that more people were interested, we organized a run where 100% of the proceeds would go toward furthering manufacturing education.” A great cause, and who doesn’t need to burn a few extra calories after eating all the good food in Chicago?

Co-Located Shows Increasingly Popular

“The five co-located events powered by HANNOVER MESSE at IMTS 2016 were a hit with IMTS visitors,” said Larry Turner, President/CEO of Hannover Fairs USA. “Attendees across all five shows told us they visited our industrial events and conferences to secure digital manufacturing tips, to source Industrial Internet of Things solutions and to meet key companies and thought leaders in the Industrial Automation, Motion Drive, Fluid Technology, Surface Treatment, Air & Vacuum Technology and Industrial Supply sectors.”

All show exhibitors reported that they exceeded their new business lead expectations from qualified buyers looking to source new products and technologies launched at the five shows. “We more than doubled our exhibition space this year and expect to increase our footprint again in two years due to repeat bookings for exhibition space at IMTS 2018,” said Turner.

No Substitute for a Personal Experience

Whether they spent one day or six at the show, visitors leave IMTS inspired by new technology, satisfied that they found unexpected solutions to manufacturing challenges and fulfilled by the connections they made with industry representatives.

“IMTS represents a who’s who of innovation. If you can dream about an application, IMTS 2016 showcased the products, processes and technologies that will bring it to life,” said AMT’s Peter Eelman.

First Deadlines for IMTS 2018

IMTS 2018 will be held at McCormick Place Sept. 10 – 15, 2018. Space application forms are available at IMTS.com/apply. October 12, 2016, is the submission deadline to be included in the initial space assignment.

Conversations within the IMTS community are continuing on social media:
@ Twitter: @IMTS_2016 or #IMTS
LinkedIn: The IMTS LinkedIn Group
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMTS.show

Media Notes

• Download the IMTS 2016 logo and photos - IMTS.com/media
• Leading up to IMTS 2016, we featured members of the IMTS community who shared what the show means to them. Read more at www.IMTS.com/WeAre
• View the IMTS 2016 floor plan – IMTS.com/floorplan
• Watch IMTS YouTube Channel – youtube.com/imtsvideos

IMTS — International Manufacturing Technology Show

The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. IMTS 2018 will run Sept. 10-15. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the world’s preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts more than 115,000 visitors from every level of industry and more than 120 countries. IMTS is owned and managed by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. www.IMTS.com

AMT — The Association For Manufacturing Technology

Representing U.S.-based builders and distributors of manufacturing technology, AMT is the voice of an industry that is critical to providing what U.S. manufacturing needs to be productive and innovative. Located near the nation's capital, AMT is the industry’s voice for policies and initiatives that increase global competitiveness, speed the pace of innovation, and support the development of an advanced manufacturing Smartforce. AMT is a leading expert in industry data and intelligence as well as international business development, and is the owner and producer of IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org