Ready? Set? IMTS 2014!

Are you ready for sensory overload? Are you ready to see the latest in manufacturing technology from some of the biggest machine tool manufactures and suppliers in the world? Are you ready to walk 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space in the largest convention center in America?

Brace yourself, this is the largest tool show for our industry in the world and it lands in Chicago at McCormick Place on September 8 and extends thru the 13 and it only happens every other year.

This is the BIG ONE; the auto show for our industry, all the major players will be there, vying for our business, with people traveling from all points of the world to see the latest in technology. If you are remotely interested in purchasing a machine tool in the near future, or want to have hands-on exposure to a plethora of new technology, you would be remiss if you didn’t take a day to see all the fanfare and compare the brands.

So, how do you plan for a show of this magnitude?

a) set your objective for going - what do you really want to see?

b) go to the IMTS web site and determine what buildings will provoke interest, locate the exhibitors that interest you and note what time that building opens.

c) download the app to your smartphone

d) register online to streamline your entry into the venue

e) if you don’t have to drive, take public transportation and cabs

f) arrive early

g) create a virtual roadmap of your route

h) wear comfortable shoes

These tips will surely help ease some of the burdens about attending a show of this caliber.

Will you be attending? Is there new technology in your future? I invite you to share with me what your objectives are.

Enjoy the show!

Jim Carr