Plan Your Summit Visit

Plan Your Summit Visit

Registration is Now Open!

Register today for the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024. Students, educators, administrators and guidance counselors register for free!

• Hands-On Learning and STEM Exploration: Engage in interactive exhibits, learning labs, and demonstrations to explore real-world applications of manufacturing technology and STEM fields. Prepare for hands-on access to 3D printers, robotics, metrology and mechatronics equipment, CAD/CAM design software, CNC machinery, plus AR/VR experiences and more from best-in-class industry leaders. View the exhibitor list.
• Career Exploration and Awareness: Gain insights into diverse career paths within the manufacturing and engineering sectors, inspiring future aspirations and providing valuable career information.
• Access to Industry Experts and Role Models: Interact directly with industry professionals to learn about trends, innovations, and career opportunities, while gaining guidance and inspiration.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, educators, peers, and potential mentors – all valuable contacts for educational and career endeavors.
• Community Engagement and Educational Impact: Participate in an event that promotes STEM awareness, skill development, and career readiness, enhancing educational enrichment and community support.
• Explore More: After exploring the Summit exhibitors, use your educator and student badges for access to over 1 million square feet of exhibit floors at IMTS.

Special Events

• Community College Partners
  High school juniors and seniors exploring post-secondary options can connect with local community colleges and technical schools at the Student Summit, including College of DuPage, College of Lake County, Richard J. Daley College, Illinois Institute of Technology, and others, as well as the National Coalition of Advanced Technical Centers (NCATC). View all Smartforce Exhibitors.
• Daily Oculus Headset Give-Away
  Students attending the Summit can win an Oculus headset daily by taking a selfie at our selfie walls and engaging on social media. Plus, their badges will highlight exciting career paths like CNC programmer and roboticist to help them explore future roles in the industry. eTerms and conditions apply.
• Digital Badging Available Through Tallo
  At the Smartforce Student Summit, students can explore various career pathways and register with Tallo to continue their journey and access internships, scholarships, and more. Visit Tallo at booth 121509 to learn more.
• Fanuc Certifications At IMTS
  Experience a state-of-the-art Advanced Technology Classroom and explore advanced manufacturing designs and technology at IMTS. Enhance your professional development by pre-registering for certifications, including FANUC Robot Operator, and take advantage of free FANUC Instructor Certification assessments onsite at the Smartforce Student Summit, booth 121350. Learn more.
• Join Universal Robots for Educator Cobot Walks
  Explore the latest cobot applications with UR's guided Cobot Walk tours daily at 11:30 AM from booth 121515. These five-minute stops at partner booths, including SMC, the American Precision Museum, and NIMS, offer educators insights into the newest automation technologies. Pre-register to secure your spot, or visit the UR booth for last-minute availability.
• Manufacturing Ally Rally
  Join us daily at 11 AM in the Smartforce Amphitheater for the Manufacturing Ally Rally, featuring top industry influencers like Meghan Ziemba and Chris Luecke. These sessions aim to inspire the next generation and promote diversity in manufacturing, with limited seating for 120 attendees each day. Learn more.
• Mobile Labs
  At the Student Summit, check out College of DuPage's Ford Transit e-Van with desktop CNC milling, 3D printing, and a Virtual Welder in booth 121170, ACE's mobile lab with CNC Machining Centers in 121370, and ToolKit Technologies' Werk Wagon showcasing advanced Industry 4.0 technologies in 121470. View all Smartforce Exhibitors.
• The Smartforce Amphitheater
  The Smartforce Amphitheater, located in booth 121140, features a 120-seat Main Stage and two 30-seat areas for Lightning Learning sessions on the latest tech innovations. Check the full schedule here.
• Take a Break with ShopFloor Coffee
  Teachers, administrators, and adult chaperones can enjoy a free cup of industry-crafted coffee at the ShopFloor Coffee booth in 121126, located across from the Smartforce Amphitheater. ShopFloor Coffee supports workforce development, with 20% of sales funding future manufacturing education initiatives. Learn more.

General Information

Location

Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024
McCormick Place, East Building (Level 2)
2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

Hours

9:00am until 3:00pm Monday, Sept. 9 through Friday, Sept. 13
9:00am until 1:00pm Saturday, Sept. 14

Badges

Retrieve educator and student badges inside the Summit using self-check-in kiosks or the staffed registration desk.

Dining

McCormick Place has several dining options. Lunchtime lines can be long; plan to dine before/after the noontime lunch rush or bring your own lunches to maximize your time on site. The Summit will include dining tables for groups bringing lunches from home.

NOTE: McCormick Place is now cashless facility. A debit/credit card or mobile device (i.e., Apple Pay) is required for all food and beverage purchases.

Transportation, Directions, Bus Drop-Off & Parking

TRANSPORTATION FUNDING FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Public middle and high schools can use Perkins V (The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act) funds to cover transportation costs for field trips to the Smartforce Student Summit at IMTS 2024. Contact the Perkins V administrator at your school or in your district to understand all guidelines, justification, and documentation required.

Arriving by School/Charter Bus

Bus drop-off will occur at Gate 37 of McCormick Place, then report to Lot D to park. Print this parking placard to display in the windshield of your bus to be granted access to Lot D: Click to Print

Arriving by Car

There are three main parking lots on the McCormick Place campus, all in close walking distance to the convention complex. Get directions and parking information.

Other Transportation

Airport shuttles, CTA and METRA Rail, bike rentals, wheelchairs, and more. View all public transportation options.