Exhibitor Frequently Asked Questions

Exhibitor Frequently Asked Questions

The Show

What are the show dates?
September 9-14, 2024
September 14-19, 2026
Where is the show held?
McCormick Place
2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Drive | Chicago, IL 60616
IMTS will occupy all four of the buildings at McCormick Place: North, South, East, & West. There is over 1.3 million square feet of exhibit space. Each building will have specific product sectors.
East Building, Level 3
· Fabricating & Lasers
· Machine Components / Cleaning / Environmental
· Quality Assurance
· Software
East Building, Level 2
· Smartforce Student Summit
North Building, Level 3
· Abrasive Machining / Sawing / Finishing
· Automation – accelerated by SPS – Smart Production Solutions
· Gear Generation
· International Associations
· Machine Components/Cleaning/Environmental
South Building, Level 3
· Metal Removal
West Building, Level 3
· Additive Manufacturing – accelerated by Formnext
· Tooling & Workholding Systems
Are there Any Co-Located Shows with IMTS?
There are no co-located shows for IMTS 2024.
What are the show hours?
Show Hours (all hours are central time)
Building / Level Exhibit Hall Hours
East Building, Level 3 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
West Building, Level 3 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
North Building, Level 3 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
South Building, Level 3 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
East Building, Level 2, Student Summit 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. M-F
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday
What Are the Exhibitor Registration Hours?
Exhibitor Registration Hours (all hours are central time)
Dates Building Times
Wednesday, Aug. 28 All Buildings 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 29 – Friday, Aug. 30 All Buildings 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31 All Buildings 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 1 – Monday, Sept. 2 All Buildings Dark Days – Buildings Closed
Tuesday, Sept. 3 – Saturday, Sept. 7 All Buildings 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 8 All Buildings 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 9 – Saturday, Sept. 14 East | West 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 9 – Saturday, Sept. 14 North | South 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Is there a Coat and Baggage Check?
Coat and baggage check will be available in all McCormick Place buildings.
Is there an Age Restriction to Attend the Show?
Children under 18 may attend IMTS during show hours only Sept. 9-14 and must be accompanied by an adult.
Children under 18 are not permitted on the show floor during move-in (Aug. 31-Sept. 11) and move-out (Sept. 18-24).
Can Machines be Purchased on the Show Floor?
Some items may be purchased directly on the show floor. Shipping arrangements must be made between the visitor and exhibitor. Equipment may not leave the show floor until your move-out target date.
Are Cameras/Video Equipment Allowed on the Show Floor?
Cameras and video recording devices are allowed on the show floor; however, each exhibitor may limit the use of photography in their booth. Exhibitors may have a ‘No Photography’ sign in the booth. To obtain a ‘No Photography’ sign, visit the IMTS Show Office in your building. To take photos of another booth, permission must be obtained from the booth personnel.
How Can I Get the Latest News from IMTS?
We have five official e-Newsletters:
· IMTS Exhibitor Report: Featuring announcements about important deadlines, tips & tricks about getting the most out of your booth at IMTS, and much more
· IMTS+: Explore a new digital destination, designed for the manufacturing technology community, where you can watch, read, learn, join, and connect.
· The IMTS Insider: This is your one-stop destination for updates about the show, as well as information on business solutions, manufacturing technology advances, marketing & sales tips, professional development, and industry events.
·IMTS Technology e-Newsletter: Your in-depth guide to the most exciting and innovative products that will be on display at the show. This e-newsletter begins its publication cycle approximately 8 weeks prior to IMTS.
· Wake-Up IMTS: Your daily morning insight for upcoming events and latest news from the show floor. Produced show days only (Sept 9-14).

Logistics

Who is the General Contractor for IMTS?
GES – Global Experience Specialists is the official general contractor for IMTS. Contact GES at IMTSService@ges.com or call 800-801-1429 or 702-515-5970.
Where can I find Target Dates?
Target dates are listed on the IMTS website under Exhibit Carrier Freight/Info, then scroll down to see “Move in/Move out Target Date Info”. You can then look up your booth number and find your move in/move out date/time.
Where can I find Show Rules and Regulations?
The official rules and regulations can be found at IMTS.com/exhibitor under ‘Quick Links’, or contact us at info@IMTS.com

On-Site Information

Where Are the IMTS Show Offices?
·East: E250
·North & South: N427D
·West: W472
Where is my GES Servicenter?
·East: E253
·North: N230
·South: Under Food Pods
·West: Under Food Pods
If I Have a Problem at my Booth, What Do I Do?
You don't have to leave your booth. There are many IMTS partners/vendors who have texting options. There will be several signs throughout the buildings with all the numbers you will need.
How do I Host an Event in My Booth?
You are welcome to host an event in your booth before, during, and after show hours. If your event is before or after show hours, you will need to complete an Early/Late Access form which can be found in your e-Kit. Security must be hired (one guard for every 50 people). If you cater your event, you are required to hire porter service. For more information, contact the IMTS team at 703-827-5241 or email info@imts.com.
How do I Rent a Scooter/Wheelchair?
Scooters and wheelchairs can be rented from Scootaround
Do EACs receive an exhibitor badge?
No – Exhibitor Appointed Contractors (EACs) have their own designation and badging. IMTS exhibitors are responsible for registering their EAC company. EAC leaders are responsible for registering their staff and collecting credentials. Separate badges will be needed for move-in days, show days and move-out days.
How do I register with my EAC company?
Log in to your IMTS e-Kit and select the ‘Checklist’ tile. Once you are in the Checklist, search for ‘EAC Registration’.

Registration

What is the registration cost for exhibitors?
There is no charge for early registration for exhibitors. Beginning August 2nd any additional exhibitor badges will be $45 per registration.
When will our badges be mailed?
All exhibitors registered by August 2nd will receive badges mailed to the designated contact. Unless they have chosen to Hold them for pick up.
Registrations made August 3rd through the show can be picked up at an onsite registration area in any hall.
How do I get a registration receipt?
Log into your e-Kit and search the checklist for ‘Register Booth Staff’ and then click Print Receipt (located in the left navigation, or bottom right of the home screen). screenshot of registration screen
What Do I Do if I Lose My Badge?
Visit any Exhibitor Registration area in McCormick Place to get another badge. Please have a photo ID and company business card with your name.
What is the Substitution Policy for Badges?
We allow substitutions at IMTS – however, you must bring the original badge. If the badge has not been printed, simply login to the Exhibitor Registration Portal and change the name. If the badge has been printed, bring the original badge on-site to any IMTS Exhibitor Registration area.
How Do We Obtain Passes to Invite our Customers?
Log into the exhibitor e-kit and search the checklist for ‘customer invitations’

Hotel & Travel

What airport should I fly into?
You can fly into either Midway (MDW) or O’Hare (ORD) airport. Midway is a little closer to downtown Chicago and McCormick Place.
Is there shuttle service?
**Shuttle service is offered from all IMTS hotels except for the Courtyard at Medical District, the Sable at Navy Pier, Springhill Suites Chinatown and those located at McCormick Place and Midway.
Full shuttle details will be out by end of June, 2024.
How do I Reserve my Hotel for IMTS?
You can reserve your hotel room online here. Click on the ‘Book Your Room(s)’ button to access the housing portal. For questions, please contact Housing@IMTS.com
If you secured a block of rooms, your rooming list must be provided by August 1, 2024.
The IMTS cancellation deadline is August 14, 2024. Any reservation cancelled on, or after, this date will be charged a one-night's room and tax penalty by Global Housing Solutions, powered by AMT.
Each hotel will have its own cancel policy as well. Those details will be outlined on your reservation acknowledgement as hotel policies vary.

e-Kit

Be sure to check out all the features in your e-Kit that will help you plan for the show, including:

  • Update company profile & contacts (information in your profile is used for the printed Directory of Exhibits)
  • Register booth personnel.
  • Obtain free passes to invite your customers.
  • Access forms to order booth services.
  • Order hanging signs.
  • Access your targeted move-in/out dates and times.
  • Find shipping information.
How Do I Get My e-Kit Login Info?
To obtain your e-Kit login please go to IMTS.com/ekit and click ‘Forgot Your Password’. You may also contact info@IMTS.com or call 800.828.SHOW (7469).

IMTS Exhibitor Passport

Have a question about the IMTS Exhibitor Passport?
Contact PassportNotify@AMTonline.org or 888.268.3292

Promotion/Media

Where is the IMTS Media Center?
The IMTS Media Center will be in the North Building, Level 4, Room N426.
How do I upload my press release?
Log in to your e-Kit and search for ‘Press Releases’ in the checklist upload a press release.
How Can I Obtain a List of Pre-Registered Media?
Contact Leah Lewis, Partnerships Coodinator at llewis@amtonline.org to obtain a list.
Does IMTS Have a List of Industry Publications?
IMTS has a key publications list you can contact for special pre- and post-show issues. Visit IMTS.com/keypublications for more information.
How Do I Set up a Press Conference?
To set up a press conference in the Media Briefing Room (N426), complete the reservation form in your e-Kit.
Where Do I Send My Press Kit?
The IMTS Media Center only allows online content. All content can be uploaded through your IMTS e-Kit. IMTS approved media can access this information in the online Media Center. We will maintain a list of exhibitors who have printed press kits available in their booths. Contact Leah Lewis, Partnerships Coodinator at llewis@amtonline.org for more information.

Education

What Type of Learning Opportunities Does IMTS Offer?
The IMTS 2024 Conference runs Sept. 9-14, 2024, and brings together the industry to discuss new opportunities, network with peers and explore new ways to enhance business. Other conferences held during IMTS are:
What is the Cancellation Policy for Conferences?
Conference refund policy: 100% refund until 8/1/24; 50% through 9/9/24 and 0% after that or on-site. Written request for qualifying cancellations must be sent to: imts2024@xpressreg.net.
Is There Any Training for Exhibitors?
IMTS offers an extensive collection of exhibitor-based webinars leading up to IMTS. One or two webinars are offered per month on topics such as marketing, best practices and, of course, how to get the most out of your experience at IMTS. For a schedule visit the Exhibitor Education 101 page. For an archive of webinars you may have missed - you can find recordings in your e-Kit.

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