Experience Innovation at the IMTS+ Main Stage

The IMTS+ Main Stage, located in the Grand Concourse between the North and South buildings, features keynotes from industry leaders and engaging live shows. Take this opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in manufacturing in the past, present and future.

Daily Highlights

Every day at 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Main Stage kicks off and closes with IMTS+ Today and IMTS+ Unwind, live shows hosted by Marley Kayden of “Morning in America.” 

From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the stage features 30-minute keynote presentations, conversations, panel discussions and live podcasts. The lineup includes speakers from Apptronik, BlueForge Alliance, Google Cloud, Hexagon, MakingChips, Manufacturing USA, Martin Guitar, Microsoft, NASA, NASCAR, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, Siemens, Statasys and more. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the expected keynotes: 

• Monday: Microsoft and Google Cloud take the stage to discuss transformative technologies. 

• Tuesday: Representatives from Hexagon, Siemens and Stratasys explore innovations that are reshaping the manufacturing landscape.  

• Wednesday: A session features the BlueForge Alliance, focusing on partnerships between the industry and the U.S. Navy, and an Investor Panel with financial experts from AM Ventures, Cantor Fitzgerald and NewCap Partners. 

• Thursday: Experts from Manufacturing USA delve into the latest advancements in manufacturing institutes. 

• Friday: Apptronik unveils its humanoid robot, Apollo, alongside the presentation of the National Metalworking Reshoring Award. 

 

Afternoon Sessions

In addition to morning keynotes, afternoon keynotes begin at 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. each day. These sessions cover a variety of topics, including: 

• Democratization of Technology: Barbara Humpton, of Siemens, speaks on how technology is becoming more accessible to all sectors. 

• Racing into the Future of Advanced Manufacturing with Brad Keselowski and RFK Racing: Join Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing co- owner, driver of the BuildSubmarines.com Ford and owner of KAM –along with Kevin Kidd, director of software and analytics at RFK Racing, on how advanced manufacturing and motorsports are innovating for the industry.    

• Celebrating 10 Years of 3D Printing: A retrospective on the impact of 3D printing in manufacturing since its debut at IMTS 2014 with the Strati leading to its applications in creating prosthetics for pets and sustainable design. 

• Manufacturing for Space, In Space and Beyond: NASA’s Dr. Sharon Cobb, talking about the technologies for the Moon, rockets, and paving a way for the next generation of space. 

 

Shows and Podcasts

The Main Stage is also featuring a series of engaging podcasts and shows throughout the week, including:

• Making Chips Podcast: Scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this podcast discusses the latest trends and insights in manufacturing and automation.  

• Manufacturing Happy Hour and the Manufacturing Millennial: A conversation between two leaders in the podcast-sphere, Chris Luecke and Jake Hall.  

• The Faces of the Industry: Tony Gunn, creates a panel of conversation showcasing who the industry is and will continue to be. 

• AMT Tech Trends: These programs can provide additional layers of understanding about market and economic outlooks for manufacturers. 

• Manufacturing Ally Rally: Building Tomorrow Together: We are always stronger together. Hear from the industry’s Meaghan Ziemba, Drew Crowe, Chris Luecke and Toni Neary on how visitors and exhibitors alike can all be better advocates for manufacturing and their communities. 

The IMTS+ Main Stage is a flagship for networking, learning and collaboration. Visitors can gain valuable insights from top industry leaders and have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of manufacturing. Find the daily schedule on the IMTS 2024 app and on IMTS.com/Stages.