Published 7/15/2010

Stuff You Won’t Want to Miss at IMTS.com

Check out the wealth of information, planning tools and technology previews at IMTS.com.

Workforce Development

Kate Hand

Executive VP, Operations, Gardner Business Media

The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), scheduled for McCormick Place in Chicago this Sept. 13-18, is THE place to be for manufacturing professionals. But let's not overlook its online counterpart. With everything you need to prepare and get pumped for the big show, IMTS.com should be the first stop on your way to McCormick place. Here's a few of its don't-miss destinations.

Calling All Students
Admission to IMTS 2010 is free for both students and educators, making McCormick place the ideal get-out-of-class excuse for anyone curious about a career in manufacturing. Before you go, make sure to check out the NIMS Student Summit, where you can find all the tools to make the most of your trip—whether your goal is to meet potential future employers or just check out all the coolest stuff alongside the industry experts who can best explain how it all works.

Choose Your Own (Video) Adventure
Boasting more than 50 videos (and growing!) the IMTS Video Libraryis the closest you’ll get to experiencing the show before the big week. Preview cutting-edge technology, take virtual tours of the spectacular Chicago hotels in the IMTS room block and generate excitement among your team by sharing smash-up videos of robots in combat.

The Blog
Wanna know what McCormick Place looks like when IMTS isn’t there? What to do when the show floor closes? Tips for striking up dinner conversation? We thought so. It’s all at the official IMTS Blog, a trove of useful (and interesting) commentary from staff at The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT).

Coming Attractions
Robots and roadsters and airplanes … oh my! As if more than 1,100 exhibiting companies weren’t enough to keep you busy for a week, IMTS piles on the wonder and awe with jaw-dropping special attractions, detailed here. Microwaves, dishwashers and other appliances are destined for destruction in robot combat, keynote speakers will be whipping up inspiration at the first-ever Industry Inspiration Day, and (we’ll admit we’re partial to this next bit) Modern Machine Shop is partnering with Rolls Royce, AMRC and IMTS to host an enormous virtual reality experience where you can interact with the Trent 1000 engine used to power the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. So cool.

Map Your Show
With a laundry list of companies you’re interested in, a must-hit list of attractions and 1.2 million square feet of jam-packed floor space, IMTS can feel overwhelming for even the most well-prepared attendees. Hands-down the best way to maximize your time and investment is the Map Your Show Planner. With this interactive floor plan, you can find companies of interest, preview much-anticipated new products and create a custom, printable agenda. Once you’re at the show, MyShow Mobile, Product Locator Kiosks, and custom print maps offer even more ways to navigate the show floor.

Conference Schedule
The IMTS Industry and Technology Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 14 - Friday, Sept. 17, will feature both hot-button topics and classic issues, from aerospace manufacturing strategies to workplace efficiency. Check out the schedule to determine whether you want a single-day pass or week-long access.

Who’s Who in Manufacturing
IMTS is the ultimate destination for face-to-face meetings with current and potential suppliers. Be sure to check out the Find an Exhibitor tool, which enables you to search by exhibitor name, product category, pavilion, trade name or booth number for companies you’re already working with and those you’re curious about.