Published 2026-09-05 · Industry news · IMTS 2026
IMTS 2026: Plan a Useful Tooling Visit
IMTS runs September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Bring one application and leave each supplier meeting with a clear next step.
IMTS 2026 takes place September 14–19 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The organizer's exhibitor directory and Show Planner can help you select booths and arrange the visit.
Bring a problem worth discussing
Choose a real feature or recurring tooling issue. Prepare the material and condition, drawing revision, dimensions, tolerance, current tool, machine interface and coolant arrangement. State the result you need: better life, fewer rejects, shorter cycle time or a reliable replacement.
Share only drawings and application details your company permits you to disclose.
Leave with more than a catalog
Ask which exact assembly the supplier would evaluate, what additional information is needed and who will support the trial. Record the product identifiers, contact and agreed next action.
For a distributor-led application, establish which questions the local team can resolve and which need the manufacturer's engineer. Keep a promising technical recommendation separate from a confirmed price and delivery.
Make the follow-up usable
After the meeting, send a short recap with the requirement, proposed tool, open questions and next date. A booth demonstration starts an evaluation; it does not establish performance on your part.
Use official registration and planning links. IMTS warns that offers to sell its attendee list are scams.
Sources
IMTS official FAQs: dates, location, exhibitor search, and attendee-list warning