“The rapid growth of digital technology, automation and additive manufacturing are especially driving interest. The booming manufacturing economy means visitors have capital and are ready to invest.”

McLean, Va., (September 10, 2018) - IMTS 2018 - The International Manufacturing Technology Show, opened this morning to record numbers: 1,424,232 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 2,123 booths representing 2,563 exhibiting companies. Exhibitors have brought in more than 55 million lbs. of machinery on 4,465 trucks with eight machines weighing more than 100,000 lbs. As of Sept. 7th, the number of pre-registered visitors exceeded 113,000, which is also on pace for a possible record. IMTS 2018 runs from Sept. 10 - 15 at Chicagos McCormick Place.

"IMTS 2018 is setting records because manufacturing technology has grown exponentially since last show," says Peter R. Eelman, Vice President - Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. "The rapid growth of digital technology, automation and additive manufacturing are especially driving interest. The booming manufacturing economy means visitors have capital and are ready to invest."
Previous historical highs were 1,415,848 sq. ft. of exhibit space at IMTS 2000, 2,407 exhibiting companies at IMTS 2016, 1,475 booths at IMTS 2014 and 121,764 visitors at IMTS 1998.
Featured Speakers at IMTS 2018
Monday, September 10, 2018 Opening Day
Opening the show - Doug Woods, President of AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology spoke on The Power of Collaboration for Innovation. Dr. Jochen Koeckler, Chairman of the Managing Board, Deutsch Messe AG spoke on HANNOVER MESSE USA coming to the U.S.
Featured speakers throughout the week at IMTS 2018 on the Grand Concourse Stage:
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - 9:30 am - 9:50 am
Subject: Rolling Out the Red Carpet or Americas Young Innovators
Speakers:
Tracy Frost, Director, U.S. Department of Defense Manufacturing Technology Program
Mark Burg, Executive Producer, Science + Innovation Awards inspired by Manufacturing USA

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 - 9:30 am - 9:50 am
Importance of Manufacturing in Illinois
Speaker: Governor Bruce Rauner
Peter Eelman, Exhibitions & Business Development, AMT
Larry Turner, President, Hannvoer Fairs USA
Thursday, September 13, 2018 - 9:30 am - 9:50 am
Subject: Manufacturing USA ® : Enabling the Digital Revolution
Speakers:
Mike Molnar, Director, Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office
Caralynn Nowinski Collens, M.D., CEO, UI Labs

Friday, September 14, 2018 - 9:30 am - 9:50 am
Subject: How to Increase Manufacturing by 40% Without Tarriffs
Speakers:
Harry Moser, President, Reshoring Initiative
"IMTS offers many options for learning, experiencing innovative technologies and creating personal connections. The show allows you to see the future of manufacturing today. You can register on-site all week and be a part of this record breaking IMTS 2018," says Eelman.
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Conversations within the IMTS community are continuing on social media:
@ Twitter: @IMTS_2018 or #IMTS
LinkedIn: The IMTS LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2987568
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IMTS.show


IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show
The largest and longest running manufacturing technology trade show in the United States is held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Ill. IMTS 2018 will run Sept. 10-15. IMTS is ranked among the largest trade shows in the world. Recognized as one of the worlds preeminent stages for introducing and selling manufacturing equipment and technology, IMTS attracts visitors from every level of industry and more than 117 countries. IMTS 2016 was the third largest in number of registrations (115,612) and in net square feet of exhibit space (1,370,256). This show hosted the highest number of exhibiting companies ever (2,407). IMTS is owned and managed by AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology. www.IMTS.com

AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents and promotes U.S.-based manufacturing technology and its members—those who design, build, sell, and service the continuously evolving technology that lies at the heart of manufacturing. Founded in 1902 and based in Virginia, the association specializes in providing targeted business assistance, extensive global support, and business intelligence systems and analysis. AMT is the voice that communicates the importance of policies and programs that encourage research and innovation, and the development of educational initiatives to create tomorrows Smartforce. AMT owns and manages IMTS — The International Manufacturing Technology Show, which is the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. www.AMTonline.org