From left to right: Michelle Edmonson, CEM, AMT VP - Exhibitions, Nicole WolterPresident and Chief Executive Officer at HM Manufacturing Inc. Mike Payne, Manufacturing Leader and Podcast Host, Kika Young, President and shareholder of Forest City Gear.Just as manufacturing underpins our economy, IMTS is built to support the companies that power it. And a vital part of delivering the best possible experience is the IMTS 2026 Exhibitor Workshop. Held January 27-29, 2026, at McCormick Place, the workshop brought together nearly 350 participants focused on helping exhibitors maximize their success through unrivaled educational content, marketing tools, and direct engagement with IMTS staff and trusted vendor partners. The Workshop reflects a core IMTS belief: When you succeed, we succeed. That shared commitment was a recurring theme throughout the presentations, reinforcing IMTS as a long-term business platform Setting the Stage for IMTS 2026 AMT President Doug Woods opened the Workshop with a data-driven overview of the manufacturing economy. While challenges remain, particularly around trade policy and tariffs, AMT data shows job shops, aerospace, defense, electrical equipment, and automation-intensive industries continue to invest. He noted that the industry is entering 2026 on a solid foundation, supported by a 22.5% increase in machine tool orders from 2024 to 2025. (See USMTO press releases at AMTonline.org.) Understanding the Manufacturing Environment Workshop participants also gained insight into how IMTS remains sharply audience-focused, from organizing the show floor into 10 technology sectors and featuring real-life manufacturers in the ad campaign to delivering targeted attractions such as AMT’s Emerging Technology Center, the new Industrial AI Arena, Smartforce Student Summit, and IMTS Conferences. These elements are designed to help exhibitors connect with qualified decision-makers across IMTS 2026, which to date will showcase 1,220 exhibiting companies across more than 1,083,085 square feet of exhibit space. Connecting Strategy, Technology, and People IMTS exhibitor Dynamic International, Inc., importer of SMART Machine Tool (IMTS booth #338119).One of the most valuable sessions was a panel discussion featuring three manufacturing leaders who are company presidents and owners, as well as longtime IMTS visitors. They shared candid feedback on what draws them to a booth, what undermines credibility, and what they value in long-term partners. Guest keynote speaker Sam Potolicchio, Ph.D., a globally recognized leadership scholar, delivered a thought-provoking session challenging attendees to recognize how individual bias can limit decision-making in complex environments, to seek broader perspectives, and to engage in deeper conversations. Preparing Now for Show Success To support those conversations, the Exhibitor Workshop reviewed the full suite of marketing and planning tools available to IMTS 2026 exhibitors, including Exhibitor Passport, the Exhibitor Prospectus, and the new Exhibitor Planning Guide at IMTS.com/Exhibit. Visitors to IMTS 2026 can begin preparing now by subscribing to IMTS Insider and building a personalized agenda in the Show Planner to engage with exhibitors ahead of the show. IMTS is a marathon, not a sprint. Thoughtful planning makes a measurable difference. IMTS show management team is here to ensure you have a successful show. For manufacturers looking to learn, connect, and see what’s possible firsthand, register to attend IMTS 2026, September 14–19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. IMTS.com/Register.
IMTS 2026 updates spotlight new attractions, enhanced exhibitor tools, and a healthy manufacturing outlook with strong momentum heading into the year, while sharing practical tips that make early planning the key to show success.
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