Organizers of IMTS 2018, which took place in Chicago September 10-15, say that this year’s event set all-time records.
The 32nd edition drew a record registration of 129,415 people, covered 1,424,232 square feet of exhibit space, packed in 2,123 booths and 2,563 exhibiting companies – each metric significantly higher than the previous record.
“Connectivity, the digital transformation of manufacturing, automation, additive manufacturing and a strong economy drove record numbers at IMTS 2018,” said Peter R. Eelman, vice president – exhibitions and business development for The Association for Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. “Digitization collided with a robust manufacturing industry to create our most dynamic show ever.”
Notable growth areas at IMTS 2018 included an expanded Additive Manufacturing Pavilion that featured 51 exhibitors and covered 31,550 sq ft, a partnership with HANNOVER MESSE USA and its four co-located shows and 510 exhibitors, and an expanded Smartforce Student Summit that drew 7,000 more visitors than in 2016.
