Plan Your Summit Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about attending the Smartforce Student Summit, including registration, arrival, parking, dining, accessibility, group logistics, student behavior, and what to expect on-site.

About the Summit

What is the Smartforce Student Summit?
The Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS is a hands-on career exploration event where students and educators meet manufacturers, colleges, training organizations, and workforce partners. Exhibits connect classroom learning to technologies such as automation and robotics, CNC machining, additive manufacturing, AI, CAD/CAM, metrology, and digital manufacturing.
Who should attend?
K–12 school groups, homeschool groups, community-based organizations, post-secondary students, educators, administrators from community colleges, technical colleges, and universities, counselors, chaperones, and families are welcome. Activities and conversations are suitable for all ages and levels of technical experience.
Is registration free?
Yes. Educators and students qualify for free registration. A Student Summit badge provides access to the IMTS exhibit halls during regular show hours on all six days of the show. Register every attendee in advance whenever possible. Group headcounts can be adjusted after initial registration is completed. On-site registration will be available inside the Summit in the North Building, Hall C, Level 2.
Where is the Summit located?
The Summit entrance is in McCormick Place's North Building, Hall C on Level 2. Follow Smartforce Student Summit directional signage after entering the North Building. See Getting to McCormick Place below for parking and directions.

Dates, Hours, and Arrival

When is the Smartforce Student Summit?
The Summit is open September 14–19, 2026. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday. All times are Central Time.
When should groups arrive?
Plan to arrive early enough to unload or park, walk to Hall C, check in, pick up badges, organize students, and review expectations before beginning exhibit visits. Large groups should build extra time into their schedules. If your group is using the Official IMTS App, review your first destination and meeting point before entering the exhibit space.
Where do we check in and receive badges?
Student Summit registration and badge pickup open at 9:00 a.m. inside the Summit in the North Building, Hall C, Level 2. Follow on-site signs to the Student Summit registration kiosks or desk. Bring registration confirmation information and distribute badges and lanyards before entering the exhibit space. Summit badges are not available for pickup at any other registration desk or kiosk.
How much time should we plan?
Education groups should allow at least four hours. A useful itinerary includes Student Summit exhibit time, a lunch break, and a carefully selected visit to other IMTS exhibits. IMTS spans over 1 million square feet of exhibit space, and McCormick Place is large, so avoid overscheduling. Use the Sample Student Summit Itineraries, interactive floorplan, IMTS Exhibitor Directory, IMTS Show Planner, and the Official IMTS App (coming in August) to plan your route, save destinations, and make the most of your time on site.

Getting to McCormick Place

What address should we use?
McCormick Place, 2301 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. Confirm your group's assigned bus or passenger drop-off location before departure rather than relying only on a navigation app.
Bus Drop-Off & Pick-Up
School buses and charter buses can drop off and pick up at North Building Gate 21, then proceed to the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard for parking directions. Please download, print, and display this parking pass in the bus windshield. McCormick charges $20 per day for bus parking.
Where can cars and buses park?
For Cars: There are three main parking lots on the McCormick Place campus. All are within walking distance to the convention center complex. For directions, parking information, and updates on lot access and capacities, as well as traffic updates please visit the McCormick Place website.
For Buses: After dropping off your group, please proceed to the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard for parking directions. Please download, print, and display this parking pass in the bus windshield. McCormick charges $20 per day for bus parking.
Is accessible parking available?
Yes. McCormick Place lists accessible parking in Lot A, Lot C, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place garage. Display the appropriate permit and allow time to reach the North Building. Visit the McCormick Place website for more information.
Can we take public transportation?
Yes. The nearest CTA “L” station is Cermak–McCormick Place on the Green Line, approximately two blocks from the West Building. CTA bus routes serving the area include the #3 King Drive and #21 Cermak. The Metra Electric District also stops at McCormick Place. Review current service alerts before traveling. View more.
Are hotel shuttles available?
IMTS provides shuttles from most participating IMTS hotels to McCormick Place during show days and show hours. Use the official IMTS housing program and consult the final shuttle schedule for participating properties and pickup locations.
Can Perkins funding be used to cover transportation to IMTS?
Possibly. Schools with approved career and technical education programs may be able to use funding available through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, commonly called Perkins V, to support transportation to the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS.
 
Eligibility depends on state guidance, local district policies, the school's approved Perkins application and budget, and how closely the trip aligns with an approved CTE program or program of study.
 
Why might a trip to the Smartforce Student Summit qualify?
The Smartforce Student Summit is a career and technical education and career-exploration experience that connects students with:
 
  • Hands-on advanced manufacturing technologies
  • Employers and industry professionals
  • Colleges and universities
  • Apprenticeship and workforce-development partners
  • High-skill, high-wage and in-demand career pathways
 
A school may be able to justify transportation as a curriculum-connected CTE field trip, career-awareness activity, industry experience or other approved learning opportunity.
 
 
Is Perkins funding guaranteed to cover the trip?
No. Perkins funding rules and allowable expenses vary by state and school district. Some states specifically allow transportation for qualifying CTE career-awareness or industry experiences, while others restrict or prohibit the use of Perkins funds for student transportation.
 
Schools should secure approval before reserving transportation or incurring any expenses.
 
Who should educators contact about Perkins funding?
Educators should begin by contacting their: 
  • CTE director or administrator
  • District Perkins coordinator
  • Federal grants or finance office
  • Regional CTE consortium or fiscal agent
 
These individuals can determine whether transportation to the Summit is allowable under the district's current Perkins application, Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment and approved budget.
 
Do individual teachers apply directly for Perkins funding?
Typically, no. Perkins funds are generally managed by school districts, career and technical education centers, regional consortia or other eligible recipients.
 
Teachers usually request use of funds through the appropriate district or regional CTE administrator.
 
What information should be included in a funding request?
A request should clearly explain:
 
  • The number and grade levels of participating students
  • The CTE program, course or pathway connected to the trip
  • The estimated transportation cost
  • The educational and career-exploration purpose
  • How the experience supports classroom instruction
  • Any pre-visit or post-visit learning activities
  • How the trip addresses an identified need in the district's CTE plan
 
A sample request letter and budget justification are available to help educators prepare their submission.
 
Where can schools find state-specific Perkins information?
Schools should review the official Perkins and CTE funding guidance for their state:
 
 
What should schools do before booking a bus?
Schools should obtain confirmation from their district, consortium or Perkins fiscal agent that the transportation expense is allowable and approved.
 
Do not reserve transportation or incur expenses until the appropriate approval process has been completed.
 
Does inclusion on this page mean a school's expenses will be approved?
No. Final funding decisions are made by the applicable school district, consortium, fiscal agent or state agency. Schools are responsible for confirming eligibility and complying with all federal, state and local grant requirements.

Lunch, Food and Payments

Can students eat lunch at the Summit?
Yes. Lunch tables will be available behind the Student Summit exhibit hall for students, educators, and chaperones. Seating is shared and may be busiest around midday, so groups should coordinate lunch timing and keep aisles and emergency routes clear.
 
The Summit cannot guarantee storage of lunches or coolers. Plan to bring lunches that can be comfortably carried throughout your time at the show, or use one of the two baggage check locations listed under “Is there a place to store coats, lunches, or bags?”
Can we buy food at McCormick Place?
Yes. McCormick Place operates concession stands, cafés, food courts, vending areas, and grab-and-go options during scheduled event activity. Exact outlets and hours vary by building, day, and event demand. Nearby connected hotels and neighborhood restaurants provide additional choices.
Is McCormick Place cashless?
Yes. All McCormick Place concessions are cashless. Attendees should bring a credit card to make purchases from food vendors. Educators should communicate this to students and families before the trip.
May groups bring lunches?
Yes. Groups may bring lunches, but the Summit cannot guarantee storage of lunches or coolers. Plan to bring lunches that can be comfortably carried throughout your time at the show, or use one of the two baggage check locations listed under “Is there a place to store coats, lunches, or bags?”
Are there restaurants nearby?
Yes. Dining is available in the connected Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and other nearby hotels, plus restaurants in the surrounding McCormick Square, South Loop, and Chinatown areas. Groups leaving campus should account for walking time, street crossings, and re-entry procedures.

Preparing Students and Groups

What should students wear?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for a large, active trade show. Students may walk several miles. Avoid loose items that could interfere with hands-on demonstrations and always follow exhibitor safety instructions.
What should attendees bring?
Bring a charged mobile phone if available, with the IMTS app downloaded, along with registration confirmation, an accepted cashless payment method, a refillable water bottle, required medications as needed, and only the bags or materials needed for the day. Post-secondary students may also wish to bring résumés. Backpacks are permitted in McCormick Place and in all IMTS exhibit halls.
What are the chaperone ratio requirements?
IMTS requires at least 1 adult for every 10 students while at McCormick Place. This requirement aligns with local school system regulations for standard day trips and national education industry standards. Groups that are unable to meet this requirement may be asked to leave.
How should chaperones prepare?
Before arriving, chaperones should organize students into small groups, assign each group to a named adult, exchange mobile numbers, and confirm meeting points and check-in times.
 
Chaperones should also review expectations for:
 
  • Student behavior
  • Photography and social media
  • Emergency procedures
  • Exhibit-hall navigation
  • The group itinerary and planned destinations

 
If using mobile phones, chaperones should download the Official IMTS App in advance to help students navigate and stay on schedule. Keep an accurate roster and emergency contact information accessible throughout the visit.
 
Chaperones should also review expectations for:
 
  • Student behavior
  • Photography and social media
  • Emergency procedures
  • Exhibit-hall navigation
  • The group itinerary and planned destinations

 
If using mobile phones, chaperones should download the Official IMTS App in advance to help students navigate and stay on schedule. Keep an accurate roster and emergency contact information accessible throughout the visit.
What are the expectations for student behavior?
The Student Summit takes place within a professional trade show environment. We encourage students to be enthusiastic, curious, and actively engaged while also behaving respectfully and safely.
 
Students should remain with their group, follow the directions of educators and chaperones, and be considerate of exhibitors and other attendees. Running, shouting, throwing balls or other objects, horseplay, and disruptive behavior are not permitted.
 
Students should always ask an exhibitor for permission before touching or operating any technology, equipment, or materials on display. All garbage, including chewing gum, must be placed in the appropriate trash receptacles. Stickers, labels, or adhesive materials may not be placed on the walls, floors, furniture, or other surfaces within McCormick Place.
Can students explore the rest of IMTS?
Definitely! Student Summit badges include access to the IMTS exhibit halls. Educators should preselect destinations, account for varying hall hours and distances, use the IMTS app to map practical routes, keep minors with their assigned group, and strictly enforce chaperone-to-student ratios.
 
Exhibit halls in the East and West Buildings are open until 5:00 p.m. Exhibit halls in the North and South Buildings are open until 6:00 p.m.
Is there a place to store coats, lunches, or bags?
Coat and baggage check are available in two locations at IMTS 2026. One is in the South Building in room S100C (located to the right of Gate 4 when entering through McCormick Square). The second one is in the East Building in room E256 (directly near registration).

Accessibility, Safety and Amenities

Is McCormick Place accessible?
McCormick Place provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms, and parking. Most meeting and exhibit areas are wheelchair accessible. Groups needing accommodations should plan ahead and contact the Summit team, so event-specific needs can be coordinated.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Complimentary basic Wi-Fi is generally available in public spaces, but service can be slow or intermittent when attendance is high.
What should we do in an emergency?
Follow instructions from McCormick Place Security, event staff, and public safety personnel. Security operates 24/7. Chaperones should identify exits and a group meeting point upon arrival, maintain their roster, and call 911 for immediate life-safety emergencies.
What if something is lost?
Report lost items promptly to McCormick Place guest services or security and notify the Summit registration desk. Label student belongings with a school or group name and an educator or chaperone contact number. Never label items with a student's home address.
Are service animals permitted?
Trained service animals are generally permitted in accordance with applicable law. Contact McCormick Place or the Summit team in advance with questions about access or accommodations.
Can attendees take photos and videos?
Photography is encouraged! When posting online, tag IMTS_Smartforce on Instagram and X and use #Smartforce. Some exhibitors may restrict photography of equipment, screens, or demonstrations, so watch for “no photography” signs and ask permission when unsure. Always follow school media release policies and posted restrictions.

A Few Final Tips

 
  • Take a screenshot of your registration confirmations before entering the building.
  • Create a short itinerary but leave time for unexpected discoveries and popular hands-on exhibits.
  • Download the IMTS app before arriving so you can plan your schedule, save destinations, and navigate while on site.
  • Choose one meeting point in the North Building and a backup location.
  • Write the school/group name and lead chaperone mobile number on materials carried by students.
  • Review current construction, traffic, transit, and weather conditions on the morning of your trip.
  • Check final “Know Before You Go” messages for bus procedures, group arrival details, and any updated venue policies.

Official Planning Resources

 
These official pages were used to prepare this FAQ and should be checked again before the event for the latest schedules, policies, parking information, transportation guidance, and planning tools.