IMTS 2016 Snags Highest Number of Exhibiting Companies in Show’s History

September 26, 2016

The 31st edition of the IMTS 2016 (International Manufacturing Technology Show), which was held Sept. 12-17 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, drew the highest number of exhibiting companies in the show’s history, with 2,407.

The number of attendees was the 3rd highest ever, with 115,612, and the size of the showfloor, 1,370,256 net square feet, also was the third largest ever. In addition, there was   76 million pounds more weight brought into this year’s show at McCormick.

“IMTS has grown not only in size, but in the overall scope of manufacturing,” saidPeter R. Eelman, vice president – Exhibitions & Business Development at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and manages IMTS.

He added, “There are more compelling reasons for people to attend. Whether they come to research new technology, evaluate vendors before purchasing, find solutions or connect with the leaders in the manufacturing industry, there is simply no substitute for attending IMTS.”

Eelman made a point to say that IMTS is about more than sheer numbers; “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the visitors, exhibitors, and vendors who contributed to the success and quality of IMTS, and made this event safe, productive and forward-thinking.”

During the show, a record number of more than 17,000 students, parents and educators visited the Smartforce Student Summit, which offered nine challenges, each designed for students to discover and use technologies utilized in advanced manufacturing, including CAD/CAM software, robotics, 3D printing, machining, tooling, metrology, automation and welding.

“Students were able to do so much more than observe and interact. They could actually use the technology in a way that gave them a real-world preview of the industry and various manufacturing careers,” said Greg Jones, vice president, Smartforce Development, AMT.

In the “Build It!” area, experienced teams of mechatronics students (those with mechanical and electronic skills) worked with waterjet experts from WARDJet to plan and assemble a high-end waterjet system.

WARDJet donated two waterjets valued at more than $200,000 to contest winners including the Missouri University of Science and Technology machining lab.

IMTS 2018 will be held Sept. 10-15 at McCormick Place.

Check out video clips from IMTS 2016 HERE

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact