I am ecstatic that we have begun the one-year countdown to the Western Hemisphere’s largest manufacturing technology show, IMTS 2022, taking place Sept. 12-17 in the largest convention center on this side of the planet, McCormick Place, in Chicago. Here are some updates I’m thrilled to bring you on the positive developments related to size, technology-focused areas, and improvements to the venue’s campus.
Scope
IMTS 2022 will be a full house. IMTS pavilions and our co-located show, HANNOVER MESSE, will inhabit all floors and all four buildings of McCormick Place. The figures keep growing. To date, more than 1,200 companies are exhibiting, covering more than 1 million square feet. On a weekly basis, new companies are signing up for exhibit space, and existing companies are requesting larger booths. Check out the show at IMTS.com/show22 and see who’s exhibiting at IMTS.com/floorplan.
Technology
The theme for IMTS 2022 is Digital Manufacturing. Implemented. As manufacturers around the world wrestle with supply chain and workforce challenges, they are increasingly searching and adopting digital manufacturing practices and products. Not only is IMTS 2022 going to be replete with CNC and additive machine builders, but it will feature dozens of CAD/CAM, modeling and simulation software, metrology systems, and other digitally enabled tools.
We can expect to see transformative technologies embedded within much of our industry’s traditional machines that foster connectivity and boost productivity using breakthrough technologies such as automation and robotics, additive manufacturing, augmented and virtual reality, digital twin, generative design, and more.
IMTS 2022 will once again host AMT’s Emerging Technology Center, featuring trailblazing advancements in manufacturing technology from the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
McCormick Place improvements
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) has made considerable upgrades to ensure McCormick Place is safer, brighter, and more welcoming to the public.
Enhancements include:
Received GBAC STAR facility accreditation led by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council, which determines a facility’s compliance for a comprehensive system of cleaning, disinfection, and disease prevention to create practices, protocols, procedures, and systems to control risk.
Increased number of touch-free, automatic doors.
New signage and processes for entering and exiting.
Increased frequency of filter replacement to ensure the highest possible air quality.
Building engineers are complying with ASHRAE standards.
Increased rate of cleaning for high-touch areas:
Cleaning and disinfectant approved by the EPA in public areas, including ozone or hydroxyl generators, electrostatic mist cleaning, and foggers.
Installed hand sanitizer stations.
Trained employees, including security, fire safety, EMT, and paramedical personnel, to recognize possible symptoms.
In addition, McCormick Place has improved all lighting and control systems. They have converted 65,000 lights to LED, increased light levels at exterior loading docks, and installed sensors to reduce light levels in unoccupied spaces. They painted the show floors, added additional fireproofing, made concrete repairs to the south dock, and installed better lighting on Donnelly Drive to reduce dark shadows, improve pedestrian and vehicle access, and create a more welcome environment.
Momentum
With the positive economic outlook from my colleague AMT Chief Knowledge Officer Pat McGibbon, I believe our industry is poised for extraordinary growth. No doubt, IMTS 2022 provides a trusted marketplace for builders and distributors to connect with customers eager to increase their knowledge and profit margins through advanced technology.
