IMTS 2024 captured imaginations, inspired collaboration, and showed that the future really can come true. As visitors glided up the escalators into the Grand Concourse of McCormick Place, they caught their first glimpse of the jumbotron and the prominent IMTS+ Main Stage below it. Crowds gathered at the stage and at IMTS+ viewing spaces throughout the convention center to hear transformative stories and learn about technical innovations.
Throughout the six days of IMTS 2024, the IMTS+ Main Stage hosted more than 85 speakers and produced more than 50 live shows. Speakers ranged from industry icons to military officials and from creators to influential entrepreneurs. Expert panels and individual presenters addressed impactful topics, including AI, automation, data utilization, additive manufacturing, investments, software tools and improvement, productivity, workforce development, and public-private partnerships.
The IMTS+ Main Stage delivered a cross section of the manufacturing technology industry and helped set the stage for visitors from all around the world. Here, in their own words, are a few highlights from the IMTS+ Main Stage speakers who hailed from every part of the evolving and flourishing manufacturing technology sector.
Data Drives Outcomes
AI solutions are accelerating manufacturing outcomes across the sector from factory floors to boardrooms. – Kathleen Mitford Corporate Vice President Microsoft
With Google Cloud, manufacturers can break down data silos and integrate across the enterprise systems to gain a 360-degree view of their operations and drive innovation with multimodal generative AI – all on secure and scalable cloud infrastructure. – Praveen Rao Global Head of Manufacturing Solutions Google Cloud
I urge you to really look into data platforms as a way to reduce the confusion associated with silos. I can't stress this enough: True digitization does not include paper. – Paul Rogers President and CEO of the Americas and Asia Pacific Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
Defense Contracting Is Open to All
“Building submarines is no longer the purview of big defense companies. The Navy needs more. We need small and medium-sized businesses that are innovative, that are committed, and that work hard. We need you because we need these submarines. This is what preserves our way of life and ensures that we can continue to enjoy peace.” – Rear Admiral Todd S. Weeks Program Executive Officer, Strategic Submarines Naval Sea Systems Command
The admiral provided contacts for the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base program for manufacturers that want to win defense business. They are:
Advanced Manufacturing: jesse.s.geisbert.civ@us.navy.mil
Supply Chain: teamsubsuppliers@us.navy.mil
Workforce: erica.h.logan@us.navy.mil
Agility Is Essential
“Agile companies – those that can move from product A today to product B tomorrow – are the future of manufacturing. Small lot sizes, specialization, and flexibility create new business opportunities. – Dr. Craig Blue Chief Manufacturing Officer Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Partnerships Lead to Prosperity
Manufacturing USA celebrated its 10th anniversary at IMTS 2024:
“For 10 years, the Manufacturing USA Institutes have worked to enhance manufacturing competitiveness by addressing industry challenges, commercializing innovations, and advancing national strategies to foster growth. With our public and private partners, the institutes remain committed to driving the manufacturing industry forward for the next 10 years and beyond." – Mike Molnar Founding Director Advanced Manufacturing National Program Office
For more manufacturing technology content, including highlights from the IMTS+ Main Stage and IMTS+ AfterWords Stage presentations, visit IMTS.com/MainStage. And tune in to IMTS+ on IMTS.com, the digital twin of IMTS, for more highlights from IMTS 2024 and to discover creative manufacturing video series, articles, and events.
To read the rest of the Space Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
