IMTS 2026, officially known as the International Manufacturing Technology Show, is one of the world’s leading events for manufacturing technology, industrial machinery, automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing and advanced production solutions. The upcoming edition is expected to attract thousands of manufacturing professionals, engineers, technology buyers, exhibitors, industry leaders and business decision-makers from around the world. IMTS 2026 will provide an important platform for companies to discover new technologies, compare manufacturing solutions, establish business relationships and understand the future direction of the global manufacturing industry.
Scheduled to take place in Chicago, Illinois, IMTS 2026 will transform McCormick Place into a major international marketplace for manufacturing technology. The event will feature machinery demonstrations, technology showcases, educational sessions, conferences and networking opportunities. With manufacturing industries rapidly adopting automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and smart-factory technologies, IMTS 2026 is expected to become an important meeting point for companies looking to modernize their production capabilities.
IMTS 2026 Date and Event Details
IMTS 2026 will be held from September 14 to September 19, 2026. The six-day event will provide visitors with extensive opportunities to explore manufacturing technologies and connect with suppliers and industry experts. The event will take place across multiple exhibition areas, allowing a large number of exhibitors to showcase machinery, equipment, software and industrial solutions.
The duration of IMTS 2026 makes it possible for international visitors and domestic manufacturing professionals to plan their attendance according to their business requirements. Visitors can dedicate individual days to specific technology categories, attend educational sessions and schedule meetings with exhibitors. Because of the enormous size of the exhibition, advance planning will be important for professionals who want to make the most of their visit.
IMTS 2026 Venue
The venue for IMTS 2026 is McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, USA. McCormick Place is one of the largest convention and exhibition facilities in North America and regularly hosts major international trade shows, conferences and business events.
The large-scale venue is particularly suitable for IMTS because manufacturing machinery often requires significant exhibition space. Visitors can expect large CNC machines, production systems, automation equipment, robotics, additive manufacturing systems and other industrial technologies to be demonstrated throughout the exhibition halls.
The venue will also provide facilities for conferences, educational programs, networking activities and special events taking place during IMTS 2026. Visitors should plan their routes carefully because the exhibition covers a substantial area.
IMTS 2026 Ticket Price
Ticket prices for IMTS 2026 vary depending on the visitor category and registration period. Individual visitor registration was listed at approximately 85 US dollars before September 3, 2026. International visitors can benefit from complimentary registration, while students and educators are also eligible for free registration under the event’s registration categories.
Group registration has also been offered for qualifying groups, while exhibitors and distributors have separate registration arrangements. Visitors should check the latest registration information before purchasing or registering because ticket prices and registration conditions can change as the event approaches.
The IMTS 2026 conference program has separate fees from standard exhibition admission. A one-day conference pass has been listed at approximately 295 US dollars, while a four-day conference pass has been listed at approximately 495 US dollars. Conference registration provides access to educational sessions in addition to exhibition access.
Who Should Attend IMTS 2026?
IMTS 2026 is designed for a wide range of manufacturing and industrial professionals. Engineers, plant managers, manufacturing executives, machine shop owners, technology buyers, production managers, automation specialists, software professionals and industrial decision-makers can benefit from attending the event.
The exhibition is also relevant to distributors, educators, students, researchers and investors interested in manufacturing technology. Companies planning to purchase new machinery or upgrade existing production systems can use IMTS 2026 as an opportunity to compare multiple suppliers in one location.
For international visitors, the event offers an opportunity to understand the North American manufacturing market while connecting with global technology companies. The presence of manufacturers and technology providers from different countries makes IMTS 2026 a valuable international business networking platform.
IMTS 2026 Exhibitors
Exhibitors will be one of the biggest attractions of IMTS 2026. The exhibition is expected to bring together a large number of companies involved in manufacturing machinery, metalworking, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, industrial software, inspection, tooling and digital technologies.
Visitors will be able to explore CNC machines, machining systems, metal cutting equipment, forming technologies, industrial robots, automated production systems and advanced manufacturing equipment. Additive manufacturing will also play an important role, with companies showcasing technologies that support rapid prototyping, customized production and advanced component manufacturing.
Digital manufacturing is another major area of interest. Exhibitors are expected to demonstrate software, connected manufacturing systems, artificial intelligence applications, data analytics and technologies designed to improve production visibility and efficiency.
Major Technology Areas at IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026 will cover a broad range of manufacturing technology sectors. Metal cutting and machining will remain important components of the exhibition, with manufacturers presenting advanced CNC equipment, cutting tools, machine tools and production technologies.
Automation and robotics are expected to receive significant attention as manufacturers increasingly seek ways to improve productivity and address workforce challenges. Robotic systems can support repetitive production activities, material handling, machine tending, inspection and other industrial processes.
Additive manufacturing will also be an important technology category. Companies are increasingly using additive manufacturing for prototyping, tooling, specialized components and production applications. Visitors attending IMTS 2026 will have an opportunity to understand how additive technologies are developing and where they can create business value.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Manufacturing at IMTS 2026
Artificial intelligence and digitalization are changing the manufacturing industry, and these developments are expected to feature prominently at IMTS 2026. Manufacturers are increasingly using data and intelligent software to improve production planning, monitor equipment performance, identify problems and optimize manufacturing processes.
AI-based technologies can support predictive maintenance, quality control, process optimization and production analytics. At IMTS 2026, visitors will be able to explore how artificial intelligence can be integrated with machines, software and factory systems.
Digital manufacturing also supports the development of connected factories. By connecting machines, sensors, software and production systems, manufacturers can gain greater visibility into their operations. These technologies are becoming increasingly important as companies move toward Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.
IMTS 2026 Schedule
The IMTS 2026 schedule will include six days of exhibitions, educational sessions, conferences, demonstrations and networking opportunities. The exhibition is scheduled to run from September 14 through September 19, 2026.
The general exhibition hours vary depending on the building. Several exhibition areas are scheduled to operate from morning through late afternoon, while some buildings have extended visitor hours. Visitors should review the final daily schedule before attending because individual programs and conference sessions may have different timings.
The schedule will also include specialized educational programs covering manufacturing processes, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, industrial software, inspection, quality control, cybersecurity, workforce development and other important topics.
IMTS 2026 Conferences and Educational Programs
Education is an important part of IMTS 2026. The conference program will give visitors an opportunity to learn from manufacturing experts, technology specialists and industry professionals.
Sessions are expected to cover a wide range of subjects, including machining, automation, additive manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing, industrial connectivity, cybersecurity, inspection, testing, workforce development and supply-chain management.
For manufacturing companies, these educational sessions can provide practical knowledge that goes beyond the technology displayed on the exhibition floor. Attendees can learn how new technologies are being applied in real manufacturing environments and understand the potential benefits and challenges associated with adopting them.
Why Attend IMTS 2026?
There are many reasons for manufacturing professionals to attend IMTS 2026. One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to see a wide range of manufacturing technologies in one location. Instead of researching individual suppliers separately, buyers can compare different technologies and speak directly with technical representatives.
Live demonstrations are another important advantage. Manufacturing machinery and automation systems can be difficult to evaluate through brochures or online videos alone. At IMTS 2026, visitors can see equipment operating in real time and discuss technical specifications, applications and production requirements with exhibitors.
Networking is also an important benefit. The event brings together manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, distributors, consultants, educators and business leaders. These interactions can lead to new partnerships, supplier relationships and business opportunities.
IMTS 2026 for Manufacturing Businesses
Manufacturing businesses can use IMTS 2026 to identify solutions for improving productivity, reducing operational costs and increasing production capacity. Companies considering investment in new machinery can compare equipment from different manufacturers and evaluate technologies based on their individual requirements.
Businesses can also explore automation solutions that may reduce repetitive manual work and improve consistency. Robotics, machine vision, automated material handling and intelligent software can help manufacturers develop more efficient production environments.
For companies planning long-term digital transformation, IMTS 2026 can provide valuable information about Industry 4.0, connected machines, industrial data and smart manufacturing systems. The event allows decision-makers to understand emerging technologies before making major capital investments.
IMTS 2026 for International Visitors
International participation is expected to be an important component of IMTS 2026. Manufacturing professionals from different regions will travel to Chicago to discover technologies, meet suppliers and explore business opportunities.
International visitors can use the event to understand developments in the American manufacturing technology market while also connecting with companies from other parts of the world. Complimentary registration for international visitors makes the event particularly attractive to overseas manufacturing professionals.
International attendees should plan their travel well in advance. Accommodation, flights, local transportation and meeting schedules should be organized before the event, especially because IMTS attracts a large number of visitors.
IMTS 2026 for Students and Educators
Students and educators can also benefit from IMTS 2026. The event provides exposure to modern manufacturing technologies and can help students understand the wide range of careers available in the industrial sector.
The Smartforce Student Summit is an important educational component of the event. It focuses on manufacturing education, technology and workforce development. Students can gain exposure to robotics, CNC technology, automation, additive manufacturing and other technologies that are increasingly important in modern factories.
For educators, IMTS 2026 provides an opportunity to understand the skills and technologies that employers are seeking. This knowledge can support the development of relevant manufacturing education and training programs.
Business Opportunities at IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026 will create substantial business opportunities for both exhibitors and visitors. Exhibiting companies can introduce new products, demonstrate machinery, generate leads and meet potential customers from different industries.
Manufacturing buyers can use the exhibition to identify new suppliers and technologies. Companies entering new markets can also use IMTS 2026 as a platform for building industry connections and understanding customer requirements.
The event’s international audience makes it particularly useful for companies looking to expand their business beyond their domestic market. Face-to-face meetings with manufacturing professionals can help companies develop stronger commercial relationships.
How to Prepare for IMTS 2026
Visitors should prepare their IMTS 2026 trip well in advance. Because the exhibition is large, attendees should identify their priority exhibitors and technology categories before arriving.
Creating a daily schedule can help visitors avoid spending too much time in one exhibition area. It is also useful to arrange meetings with important exhibitors in advance. Professionals attending conferences should review session timings and register for selected programs early.
Visitors should also consider comfortable footwear because attending a large manufacturing exhibition can involve significant walking. Carrying business cards or having digital contact information readily available can make networking easier.
IMTS 2026 and the Future of Manufacturing
The manufacturing industry is entering a period of significant transformation. Automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, connected equipment and advanced software are changing how products are designed and produced.
IMTS 2026 will provide an important snapshot of these developments. By bringing together technology suppliers and manufacturing professionals, the event can help businesses understand which technologies are ready for practical adoption and which emerging innovations could influence the future.
The combination of physical machinery and digital technology is particularly important. Modern factories are increasingly becoming connected environments in which machines, software, employees and data work together. IMTS 2026 will provide visitors with opportunities to explore this transformation.
IMTS 2026 Organizer
IMTS 2026 is organized by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. AMT is closely associated with the International Manufacturing Technology Show and supports the manufacturing technology industry through events, market information, education and industry initiatives.
The organizer’s role extends beyond the exhibition itself. Through educational programs, technology demonstrations, conferences and industry engagement, IMTS provides a comprehensive platform for manufacturing professionals.
Final Thoughts on IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026 is expected to be one of the most significant manufacturing technology events of 2026. Taking place from September 14 to September 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the event will bring together manufacturers, technology suppliers, engineers, buyers, educators and industry professionals from around the world.
From CNC machinery and metalworking to robotics, automation, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital manufacturing and industrial software, IMTS 2026 will showcase technologies that are shaping the future of production.
For manufacturers planning equipment investments, technology upgrades or digital transformation projects, attending IMTS 2026 can provide valuable opportunities to compare solutions, meet suppliers, watch live demonstrations and learn from industry experts. International visitors, students and educators can also benefit from the extensive technology and educational programs available during the event.
As manufacturing continues to evolve toward smarter, more automated and connected production environments, IMTS 2026 will serve as an important platform for understanding these changes. Businesses looking to remain competitive in the global manufacturing industry should consider IMTS 2026 an important event for technology discovery, networking and future business planning.
IMTS 2026 Quick Facts
Event Name: IMTS 2026 – International Manufacturing Technology Show
Date: September 14–19, 2026
Venue: McCormick Place
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Organizer: AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
Individual Ticket Price: Approximately $85
International Visitor Registration: Free
Student and Educator Registration: Free
Conference Price: Approximately $295 for one day or $495 for four days
Main Industries: Manufacturing, machining, automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, digital manufacturing, industrial software and inspection
Expected Audience: Manufacturers, engineers, buyers, executives, students, educators, distributors and technology professionals
