Our up-front column highlighting what's online this issue.

Publisher Michael Goldstein is confident that the manufacturing economy will continue to grow throughout next year, no matter who wins the 2012 presidential election.

Special advertising section for IMTS 2012

IMTS exists primarily as a buy-and-sell North American venue for practically every conceivable technology used in manufacturing, and in that regard it has no equal. There you’ll find on display the latest and greatest technology, from hardware to software and everything in between. But anyone who has attended past shows is aware that IMTS is much more than that. Following is a rundown of "extracurricular" activities you’ll find waiting for your edification and enjoyment.

Previews of manufacturing technology related to gears that will be on display at IMTS 2012.

Complete listing of booths with relevant gear manufacturing technologies.

A special advertising section featuring gear industry exhibitors at IMTS 2012.

Gear Technology's handy list of which booths to visit at IMTS 2012.

Booth previews from exhibitors showing products and services for the gear industry.

We talked with a number of major companies in the midst of their planning and strategizing for IMTS 2012, with the thought of determining just how much things have in fact changed for exhibitors regarding the trade show experience.