IMTS 2018 sets record for most exhibit space, highest number of exhibitors, booths

IMTS 2018 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show has opened at Chicago’s McCormick Place to record numbers: 1,424,232 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 2,123 booths representing 2,563 exhibiting companies. Exhibitors have brought in more than 55 million lbs. of machinery on 4,465 trucks with eight machines weighing more than 100,000 lbs. As of Sept. 7, the number of preregistered visitors exceeded 113,000, which is also on pace for a possible record. The show runs Sept. 10-15.

“IMTS 2018 is setting records because manufacturing technology has grown exponentially since last show,” says Peter R. Eelman, vice president – exhibitions and business development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. “The rapid growth of digital technology, automation, and additive manufacturing is especially driving interest. The booming manufacturing economy means visitors have capital and are ready to invest.”