Celebrating a new year always brings anticipation, but nothing builds excitement like a new show year for IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show. 2026 marks the 36th IMTS, and we’re looking forward to sharing our joy with the entire manufacturing community on Sept. 14-19 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
As someone who has been involved with IMTS for nearly 30 years, I look forward to reconnecting with hundreds of friends. Invariably, these friends introduce me to their colleagues, and my circle grows. If you think about it, IMTS is the coolest New Year’s party ever. You get to hang out with great people and explore new manufacturing technology together, strengthening your bonds through mind-blowing demonstrations and experiences.
Fresh Start Effect
IMTS, like New Year’s Day, is a temporal landmark, or a moment in time that stands out from the ordinary. It creates what behavior scientists call a “fresh start effect” – a psychological boost and catalyst for change. As for the agents of change, that comes through exploring the show itself. IMTS 2026 will feature 1,800 exhibiting companies, covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space and showcasing the latest in metal removal technologies, automation and robotics, machining, industrial AI, additive manufacturing, and digital solutions. Down each aisle, attendees will find hundreds of machines, software, small tools, and subject matter experts that can make a big impact on your bottom line.
Temporal landmarks also generate moments of reflection, and I’d like to borrow a phrase from my colleague and friend, Doug Woods, who is also president of AMT: “There’s never been a more exciting time to attend IMTS or be in manufacturing.”
Woods grew up in his family’s tool and die business and brings a practical optimism to the industry. He sees manufacturing as a daily opportunity to build something of value – whether that’s a precision component or a professional connection. He also points out that there’s no better place to do that work than in the United States. The U.S. manufacturing sector generates roughly $2.9 trillion annually; if it were a country’s economy, it would rank eighth in the world.
Beyond scale, American manufacturers innovate faster, adopt technology more efficiently, and foster a culture of rewarding progress. That same mindset defines the IMTS community. When manufacturers come together to exchange ideas and lessons learned, everybody wins – and that’s worth celebrating.
Start the party now. Register for IMTS 2026 and explore more exhibitors and features at IMTS.com.
To read the rest of the Industry Updates Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
