Frequently Asked Questions

HOW WE BUILD IMTS FLOOR PLANS

Question: Do you ever wonder how IMTS floor plans are built?

Each IMTS show starts with a clean sheet of paper and many factors have to be taken into consideration. Pavilion layouts, aisle locations, aisle widths, building columns, shipping doors, power/air locations, fire equipment stations and building evacuation routes are just some of the many criteria we have to review - and have approved. We also review with the show contractor the problem areas in each hall, those spots which might require some modification of the previous show's hall configurations.

We also have to be aware of any building modifications that would result in the loss of potential floor space or alter visitor traffic patterns. As an example, the covered walkway from the parking garage and Conference Center, and revised fire regulations, have resulted in the loss of almost 5,000 square feet in the South Hall and the relocation of several booths. The AMT Exhibitions staff works directly with McCormick Place, the Chicago Fire Department and the IMTS Show Committee to develop a floor plan that meets the approval of all parties prior to your receiving your actual booth assignment.

The actual floor plan layout process begins with five blank floor plans and a stack of space applications for each of the ten IMTS pavilions. These are sorted by product pavilion, date received and requested booth size. Then we begin by laying out the larger front booths to establish the individual pavilion down aisles and provide visitor access to all the pavilions. We also try to minimize the number of booths in each hall that are affected by building support columns. This tedious process continues aisle-by-aisle, booth-by-booth until all the halls are completely laid out.

Promptness pays off
The importance and timeliness of the space application cannot be overstated. Applications are mailed out a month prior to each show to give exhibitors the opportunity to sign up on-site for the next show. AMT personnel also distribute an additional copy to each exhibitor at the show. And we ask for a business card to document receipt of the application. AMT makes every attempt on the application to highlight the due date, but we still have late arrivals that miss the initial assignment process and end up on the wait list.

Although no booth locations are "grandfathered," we do try to take an exhibitor's location in past shows into consideration. Our ultimate goal is to assign a booth to as many exhibitors as possible from among those who have applied for the show. Requests for larger spaces are also considered and acted upon at this time, but these requests are very difficult because of the strong demand and the lack of any additional floor space in McCormick Place. All applications that are not assigned a booth are placed on a wait list for each pavilion.

Once the five jigsaw puzzles are complete and approved, we prepare and mail to each exhibitor the individual assignment package including a contract, exhibitor listing information, booth share form and a booth change request form. This last form is the vehicle for an exhibitor to request a change in size or location from their assignment. We do receive many such requests and all are reviewed, filed and acted upon when feasible and appropriate.

We would ask that you please return all IMTS forms and scheduled payments in a timely manner to avoid those follow-up letters, faxes and phone calls, which are not always happily received. Also please keep us up-to-date on the name of the show contact person and, of course, any address, e-mail or phone/fax changes.

If you have any questions concerning your booth assignment or any aspect of your IMTS 2008 participation, please call us at 800-828-SHOW (7469) to discuss your particular situation.

We look forward to helping you meet all of your show expectations.

IMTS Space Application

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