Exhibitor Training Program: Your Roadmap to Show Success

We’re excited to launch a brand-new training program designed specifically for you! In partnership with trade show strategy specialist Robyn Davis of Exhibitors WINH, this program offers everything you need to prepare for a successful show. From interactive webinars and idea swaps to prep groups, drop-in sessions, and easy-to-follow tutorials, we’ve got you covered. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you'll find valuable tools and insights to help you shine. Stay tuned – we’ll share more details and schedules as we get closer to the show.

Save the Date: IMTS 2026 Exhibitor Workshop

The IMTS Exhibitor Workshop is returning to McCormick Place on Jan. 27-29, 2026 – and we’ve added an extra day to pack in more interactive programming and expanded networking opportunities. Get ready for targeted IMTS educational tracks and invaluable insights to help you and your team gear up for IMTS 2026. We’ll share more updates soon as we roll out details on sessions, speakers, and registration.

Mark your calendars – we can’t wait to see you in January!

General Contractor Spotlight

How Important Is the Freight Planner Questionnaire?

When the IMTS 2026 e-Kit goes live this fall, one of the first things you'll come across is the Freight Planner Questionnaire. You might be wondering why it’s one of the first forms we ask you to fill out – let me explain why it’s so important.

The Freight Planner Questionnaire helps give you a better idea of which Custom Block Package your booth might fall into. But even more importantly, it gives the GES Freight Team the details they need to assign target dates, line up the right equipment, and ensure the right skilled union labor is on-site to handle your freight and machinery safely.

We totally understand that machinery lists and booth layouts can change frequently – sometimes even weekly – which is why you can update the form as many times as needed. We just ask that you send us your initial information by early March 2026 so we can start assigning target dates in early April.

Thanks for taking a few minutes to learn more about freight planning for IMTS 2026. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me anytime at tgilmorejr@ges.com. I'm always happy to help.

AMT Meetups: Forge Connections. Fuel Progress.

The 2025 AMT Meetups have been a blast so far, and we don’t want you to miss out. Make sure to join us when we’re in a city near you; next month's stops include Detroit on July 16 and Indianapolis on July 30.

These events are the perfect opportunity to build meaningful connections, expand your network, and discover new opportunities to grow your social capital. Come for the conversations, stay for the community, and leave inspired. Click here for all meetup locations and registration.

Key Upcoming Dates for Exhibitors

August 2025 – 2026 Budge Assistant launches

September 2025 – e-Kit forms to order booth services, Exhibitor Housing, and Exhibitor Registration launches

January 27-29, 2026 – IMTS Exhibitor Workshop

Contact Us

Having trouble navigating your e-Kit? Wondering where to start? Reach out to Asa and Jessica at 800-828-7469 or email info@IMTS.com. We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

ACHIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE
International Manufacturing Technology Show • September 14 - 19, 2026
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, USA

subscribe or unsubscribe to the exhibitor report