IMTS 2024 is a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we unlock the extraordinary. The true magic of IMTS lies not just in its impressive scale but in the people behind it – your contributions helped create an atmosphere of discovery, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Thank you.
As we reflect on the vibrancy of IMTS 2024 and look ahead to 2025, I’d like to share some early insights from the show.
Inspiration and Automation Everywhere
IMTS 2024 brought the manufacturing technology community together for six exhilarating days filled with opportunities to explore new solutions and build meaningful connections. A key trend immediately apparent throughout the show floor was the omnipresence of robotics and automation technology across all four buildings – and especially in The Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – Smart Production Solutions, which launched in the North Building.
At AMT’s Emerging Technology Center (ETC), seasoned technologists showcased innovations from today and tomorrow. Highlights included the U.S. Navy’s BlueForge Alliance, which shared key industry resources developed to strengthen domestic submarine manufacturing capabilities, and a convergent manufacturing cell platform developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory showcasing innovative ways of integrating new and traditional technologies to optimize performance and energy use. A crowd favorite was Apollo, the humanoid robot from Apptronik, capable of automating production tasks through rapid neuroprogramming with a human operator. This, combined with the presence of our vibrant community of exhibitors, delivered IMTS 2024’s promise: to create a dynamic marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect, explore, and learn.
IMTS 2024 by the Numbers
IMTS continues to be the premier event for driving innovation and advancing the manufacturing technology industry. This year, we welcomed 89,020 registrants from 110 countries, spanning over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space and showcasing 1,737 exhibitors across 10 manufacturing sectors.
Our interim postshow survey results reflect the impact of IMTS 2024:
93% discovered new products or ideas.
85% attended with specific goals in mind.
87% said their goals were met.
76% bought – or plan to buy – products from IMTS exhibitors.
69% of IMTS visitors plan to purchase from IMTS exhibitors within a year.
A record number of women attended the show.
These numbers underscore our mission of helping the industry connect and achieve business objectives.
Supporting the Backbone of Manufacturing
IMTS remains a key destination for machine shops and contract manufacturers. Our data shows that 73% of businesses attending IMTS 2024 employed fewer than 100 people. To support these small businesses, we curated 11 conferences featuring 643 educational sessions, covering topics from 3D measurement for quality control to enhancing productivity with AI and automation. With a 53% year-over-year growth in conference registrations, it's clear that this community views IMTS as an indispensable resource.
Aerospace and defense also had a strong presence, emphasizing IMTS’ role in supporting the national security sector. Notably, 100% of the top 25 U.S. aerospace and defense companies – including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin – attended, along with representatives from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Defense Logistics Agency. This highlights IMTS’ pivotal position in facilitating connections for a vital sector.
We also see that the North American automotive industry relies on IMTS to discover new technologies. This year, the show attracted over 3,000 organizations, including leading automotive OEMs and tier-one suppliers. Our data shows that these companies are interested in identifying new solutions in automation, tooling, machining centers, turning and lathes, metrology, and more.
Supporting the Backbone of Manufacturing
As we look to 2025, we’re excited by the success of the Automation Sector, accelerated by SPS – Smart Production Solutions at the show. To further explore these innovations and help your business grow, mark your calendars for SPS Atlanta, taking place Sept. 16-18 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Make sure to save the date for IMTS 2026, which will return to McCormick Place in Chicago on Sept. 14-19, 2026. In the meantime, visit IMTS+, the manufacturing technology and community resource destination for our industry, at IMTS.com, where you’ll also be able to revisit all the highlights and wonderful memories of this year’s show.
IMTS 2024 was a remarkable success, but the journey continues. We’re thrilled to embark on this path with you and can’t wait to see where it leads.
To read the rest of the Industry Outlook Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
