More Ways to Connect, Learn, and Succeed at the Exhibitor Workshop

The Exhibitor Workshop isn’t just another conference, it’s the same great event exhibitors have always counted on, now even better! You’ll enjoy valuable networking with peers, a mini trade show to connect with all IMTS Vendor Partners, and dedicated operations and marketing tracks filled with practical strategies you can apply before,
during, and after the show.

We’ve taken exhibitor feedback to heart and added even more opportunities to make your experience valuable. Kick things off at the Opening Reception, connect with fellow first-time exhibitors at the First-Timers Meetup, and dive into the advanced marketing session, Economic Forecast keynote, and interactive round tables. On the second day, continue the conversations and build connections at our new Happy Hour, a relaxed setting to network and share ideas.

Mark your calendar for January 27–29, 2026, and check out the agenda to start planning your Exhibitor Workshop experience. You will not want to miss a moment!

Start Your Show Prep Today: Exhibitor Education Program

Get ahead, start making this show your most successful yet! With the Exhibitor Education Program, you can jump in now and start taking advantage of valuable resources. Interactive webinars give you a front-row seat to proven strategies and expert tips that you can put into action immediately. Idea swaps and peer prep groups let you connect with fellow exhibitors, share insights, and discover new approaches that really work. And our quick, actionable tutorials make it easy to learn something valuable in just a few minutes, no matter your experience level.

These resources are ready for you today, helping you plan smarter, work more efficiently, and step on to the show floor with confidence. Dive in now and make the most of every opportunity before the doors even open.

General Contractor Spotlight

Now that your fiscal year is over and you begin your planning towards IMTS 2026, budget certainty is definitely on your mind as you start the IMTS 2026 process. The IMTS Custom Block Package was developed with this in mind and the first step into planning a budget and keeping to it is by filling out the IMTS 2026 Freight Planner.

If you have heard any of my talks in the past, the Freight Planner is always a prominent topic. The Freight Planner can be accessed through the e-Kit and it asks you to fill out any or all of your freight information, including the weight of all machines and display you are bringing to the show. Please note that these weights should include the skids the machinery sit on and any crates that are involved with your smaller machines/components and display properties. All of this weight counts toward your Custom Block Package color. After you submit this info, you will receive what color package this places you in and you will have your first budgetary number. You can then see where you fit density-wise within a certain color and decide what you can add and still stay in a certain color, or what you might need to take away in order to save money and fall into a lower package. The Freight Planner stays live until the show move-in, and we suggest you update it as often as possible as plans change. Please keep in mind this is still just an estimate and budget tool and that each shipment will be weighed at McCormick Place with your final invoice reflecting these actual figures.

Please visit the Freight Planner section of your e-Kit to become familiar with this process and start your journey towards cost certainty. You can also join us on December 11th at 11 am ET for our Webinar “Your Booth’s Backbone: Understanding The Custom Block”. During this webinar we will go over even more information about how the Custom Block Package works and how this understanding can keep you from spending unnecessary funds and keeping within your budget. Thank you for your time and as always, I can be reached at tgilmorejr@ges.com with any questions.

Stand Out from the Crowd and Update Your Profile!

Attendees are already searching IMTS.com to plan their visit — make sure they find you first! A complete exhibitor profile (especially your product categories) helps your company shine and get in front of the right buyers.

It’s easy:

Log in to your e-Kit.
Click “Complete Your Profile.”
Add as many details as you can.

Your profile is your digital handshake — the more complete it is, the more connections you’ll make. Don’t miss your chance to stand out!

Get a Head Start with Prep Group!

Exhibitors, meet your new secret weapon: Prep Group! Launching February 2026, this bite-sized, every-other-week program gives you tips, tools, and action steps to prep smarter, not harder.

From booth strategy to engagement hacks and smooth logistics, Prep Group breaks it all down into easy steps so you can get more out of your show. Don’t wait — this members-only program is open to exhibitors who register by January 2026. Sign up now through our all-in-one registration form and grab your spot for Prep Group and other must-have exhibitor education sessions led by industry pro, Robyn Davis of Exhibitors WINH.

3 Things Exhibitors Should Know

Book your hotel for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop using the link below:
https://www.imts.com/exhibitor/education/workshop26hotel.cfm
Did your previous primary contact leave your company? Reach out to data@imts.com to update your address or contact information.
Sponsorship Opportunities Coming Soon: Exhibitor sponsorships will be available in your e-Kit checklist under the Marketing/Sponsorship category. Check for updates at https://www.imts.com/exhibitor/promote/index.cfm

Contact Us

Lost in your e-Kit? Confused, curious, or just need a real human? Reach out to Jessica & Asa at 800-828-7469 or info@IMTS.com; we’re all ears Monday–Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm ET.

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

subscribe or unsubscribe to the exhibitor report