Success happens when preparation meets opportunity – and IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show 2026 is that opportunity. Preparation gets into full swing with the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, held Jan. 27-29 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The free workshop helps exhibit planners, marketing and communications professionals, and executives from exhibiting companies take advantage of all the support services IMTS staff offer. Attendees will learn how to enhance every aspect of exhibit planning, strategy, and execution, from equipment load-in to following up with prospective leads after the show.
Insights From Experts
“Attending the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop is a game changer for any company serious about success,” says show veteran Rita Conroy-Martin, director of marketing and customer experience at Zoller. “The insights gained – from both design and marketing strategy through to lead generation and logistics – provide a clear roadmap to maximize our presence at IMTS.”
Workshop Lineup
The 2026 Exhibitor Workshop agenda is designed to cover every aspect of a successful show:
Executive Insights: Sessions on the state of the industry, state of the show, and economic forecasts, plus commentary from the leadership of AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
Execution Essentials: Ten operations sessions covering setup, logistics, and hands-on strategies for managing your exhibit effectively.
Marketing and Communications: Eight sessions focused on brand presence, lead generation, and messaging strategies.
Specialty Topics: Five focused sessions on unique or advanced topics to enhance your IMTS experience.
Mini Trade Show: Exhibits from IMTS service providers, including A/V, catering, electrical, sponsorships, press, and more.
Networking Events: Receptions on Jan. 27 and 28 to connect with peers, AMT staff, and service providers in a relaxed setting.
Roundtable Discussions: Personalized, in-depth conversations to address specific needs and questions.
Build Key Connections
The workshop offers opportunities to build relationships with AMT staff and IMTS service providers. Having these contacts in place can make solving last-minute issues before, during, and after the show much easier.
Learn From Peers and Seasoned IMTS Exhibitors
The IMTS community is eager to strengthen its connections between attendees and help newcomers expand their knowledge base and gain valuable experience. After all, ensuring the quality of exhibits across a trade show reflects well on all exhibitors.
Dana Super, general manager at Kaiser Manufacturing, says, “Exhibiting at IMTS is a big job, and the workshop will help you get on track to reach your goals. Whether it’s your first show or your tenth, there’s always something new to learn and fellow exhibitors to learn from.”
Longtime attendees and members of the IMTS Show Committee will also freely share their experiences and offer guidance to new exhibitors. In fact, to support first-timers, the 2026 workshop is introducing a first-timer meetup on the Tuesday afternoon prior to the opening reception, as well as a dedicated educational session.
Fresh Perspectives From New Attendees
Emily Starinieri, content creator for Zeiss, has attended IMTS before but never the workshop. After reviewing the agenda, attending just made sense.
“Our team pours a lot of energy, passion, and creativity into creating a memorable IMTS experience,” she says. “Each show is an opportunity to deliver even greater impact, and this workshop will equip us with the latest strategies to make it happen.”
Stay Ahead of Changing Details
Show veterans continue to attend the workshop, which attracts about 300 participants, because it covers evolving details and changes since the last show – from custom block pricing to rules for hanging signs to instructions for the marshalling yard. The workshop addresses logistical considerations that can save money, including some exclusive, workshop-only special offers from vendors.
Don’t Forget Your IMTS Digital Showroom!
Visitors begin planning their IMTS visit long before they arrive in Chicago – and they use IMTS.com to do it. Make sure your company stands out by keeping your digital showroom information complete and up to date.
Digital Showroom Checklist:
Company name and address
Website and logo
50-word company description
Product categories
Every field helps visitors find your booth and add it to their My Show Planner itinerary. A complete showroom means more visibility, more booth traffic, and more leads. Log in to your exhibitor dashboard today and make sure your listing is ready to impress!
10 Reasons To Attend the Exhibitor Workshop
Longtime IMTS exhibitors shared their collective wisdom for attending the Exhibitor Workshop. Here are their top 10 reasons:
Plan for Success. Learn how to leverage every tool – from the e-Kit and IMTS Exhibitor Passport to custom block pricing and Global Housing Services – for a seamless show experience.
Gain Perspective. Holding the workshop at McCormick Place helps first-timers grasp the scale of the show (2.6 million square feet of space!).
Avoid Being Overwhelmed. IMTS, the largest show of its kind in North America, is a complex event. The workshop breaks it down so you’re prepared, not stressed.
Learn Early. Start making informed, effective decisions seven months before the show opens.
Get Ahead on Planning. Cover everything well in advance, from freight and booth setup to hotels, catering, and entertainment.
Build Positive Momentum. Execute well-planned tactics early rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Tap Into Peer Knowledge. Confused? You’re not alone – most of your questions have likely already been asked. Learn from experienced exhibitors and the Show Committee.
Know Your Support Team. Meet the AMT staff and service providers who will assist you before, during, and after the show.
Expand Your Network. Connect with fellow marketing and operations professionals to share tips and strategies.
Get Immediate ROI. Even one insight from the workshop can pay for the trip many times over, especially for first-time exhibitors.
Start planning the path to success and maximizing your IMTS investment. Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop at IMTS.com. A special hotel rate has been secured with the Hyatt McCormick Place. The hotel cutoff date is Jan. 9, so make your plans today!
To read the rest of the Industry Outlook Issue of MT Magazine, click here.
