The Digital Manufacturing Revolution Evolves in 2020

IMTS 2018 was the biggest ever, no matter how you want to measure it. With 129,415 registrations, the show far surpassed the previous record of 121,764 set twenty years ago, in 1998. There were also more exhibiting companies (2,563) taking up more floor space (1,424,232 sq. ft.) than ever before.

Our special advertising section highlights some of the booths that will be of interest to gear manufacturers.

Our editors have compiled a comprehensive section featuring the booths you won't want to miss at IMTS 2018.

Chicago Preps for the Next Manufacturing Technology Extravaganza

Don't let your busy schedule keep you from making the most of the great opportunity that is IMTS 2018.

Peter Eelman has been involved with the International Manufacturing Technology Show for more than 30 years. First as an exhibitor with Warner & Swasey Co.; later with Toyoda USA; later still as a consultant; and currently as vice president for exhibitions and business development, IMTS. He also serves on the board of directors of the exhibitor-appointed Contractor Association and is a former member of the board of directors for the Trade Show Exhibitors Association. Eelman is a speaker with the International Association of Exhibitions and Events and serves on the Metropolitan Chicago Pier & Exposition Authority Labor Council. As the head of IMTS, Eelman is the go-to, make-things-happen guy for the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau, the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, McCormick Place and the various vendors, service providers and trade unions involved in the complex trade show process. In addition to IMTS, Eelman is also prominently involved in shows with an international presence.

Chicagoans are very particular about their hot dogs. To begin with, it has to be an all-beef product, served on a steamed poppy seed bun. But just as important are the essential toppings. If you walk into a proper Chicago hot dog stand and order it "Chicago Style," you'll get exactly these seven ingredients on your dog: yellow mustard, chopped white onions, neon green pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato wedges, sport peppers and, of course, celery salt.

It's hard to think of a show more essential to attend than IMTS. It's the cornerstone event for the industry, the center of the universe for a week, the one show to rule them all.

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