My first IMTS visit was a mess. I showed up late. I got lost. I left with sore feet and regrets. I almost didn’t go again. But I did.

And the second time? It was a game-changer.

I’m writing this because I’ve learned how to do it right. As someone who lives and breathes machines, I get what matters to you: time, value, and clarity.

If this is your first time or even your fifth, you want it to go smoothly. This guide helps with that. It’s short, simple, and straight to the point. You’ll learn how to register, where to go, and what’s worth your time.

By the end, you’ll have a quick, simple game plan to make IMTS easier and a whole lot more productive.

So let’s start!

1. Registration and Tickets

Let me start with this don’t wait until the last minute to register for IMTS.

I did that once. Big mistake. Not only did I pay more, but I also missed out on a few early-access perks that would’ve helped me plan better.

If this is your first time, here’s what you need to do.

Event Date and Location

IMTS 2024 will be held from September 9–14, 2024 at McCormick Place, Chicago, the largest convention center in North America. This venue handles massive foot traffic, so it’s best to come prepared.

• Venue: McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616
• Show Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Expected Visitors: Over 90,000 manufacturing professionals
• Main Focus: Metalworking, automation, machine tools, digital manufacturing

Steps to Register Online

• Go to the official IMTS site: www.imts.com
• Click “Register” and choose your pass type (exhibit-only or conference access)
• Enter your business details (company name, role, business category)
• After completing payment, you’ll get a confirmation email with a QR code
• Save the QR code on your phone or print it for check-in

Use your company email when registering—it helps you connect with more industry-relevant contacts during the show.

Ticket Types

Choose based on what you want from the event:

• Exhibit Hall Only Pass: Basic access to all show floors
• Conference Passes: For workshops, keynotes, and technical sessions (extra fee)
• Student/Education Pass: Available with valid academic credentials

Getting your ticket early sets the tone for a smoother visit. Register online, save that QR code, and skip the lines. You’ll walk in ready while others are still waiting.

2. Preparing Your Schedule and Itinerary

Walking into IMTS without a plan is like walking into a warehouse blindfolded.

I’ve done that just wandered from booth to booth. My brain was overloaded. And I left without the contacts I really needed.

If you want to avoid that, your schedule matters.

Why You Need a Daily Plan

IMTS spans over 1.3 million square feet with more than 2,000 exhibitors across multiple halls. It’s physically impossible to see everything in one day or even three.

That’s why your daily plan should be based on:

• Your business goals
• What machines, tools, or tech you’re interested in
• Who you want to talk to (suppliers, partners, or leads)

Ask yourself: Do you want to discover new suppliers?

Or are you trying to meet specific vendors and ask technical questions?

Your answer shapes your day.

How to Build a Smart Schedule

Planning ahead keeps your visit focused and productive. Here’s how I map out each day:

• Check the Floor Plan: Go to the IMTS website and study the layout group booths by halls or product category.
• List Must-Visit Exhibitors: Pick 5–10 key suppliers you want to see based on your goals and budget.
• Use the IMTS App: Download the app to favorite exhibitors, map booth locations, and get live event updates.
• Block Time for Demos or Seminars: Add sessions that match your work or interests these fill up fast.
• Add Buffer Time: Leave room between visits so you’re not rushing or missing meetings.
• Stick to One Hall at a Time: Group your visits by location to avoid wasting time walking across buildings.

This simple layout helps you focus on what matters most without burning out.

3. Packing and Travelling Tips

You don’t need to overpack for IMTS. But you do need to pack smart.

I’ve made the mistake of wearing brand-new shoes and carrying too much gear. By the end of the first day, I had sore feet, a heavy bag, and no charger.

Let’s make sure that’s not you.

What to Pack for the Show

Here’s what I now carry after years of trial and error:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be walking several miles a day comfort matters more than style.
• Portable Charger or Power Bank: Outlets are hard to find, and your phone will be running the IMTS app all day.
• Business Cards: Still relevant. Some booths prefer cards over digital scans for quick handoffs.
• Notebook or Tablet: For taking notes on machine specs or follow-up ideas.
• Reusable Water Bottle: It’s a long day, and hydration helps with energy.
• Light Backpack or Crossbody Bag: Keeps your hands free for handshakes, demos, or grabbing brochures.

Optional but useful: earplugs (for noisy demo areas), mints, and a small snack like a protein bar.

If You’re Flying In

IMTS is held at McCormick Place in Chicago. It’s about a 30–45 minute drive from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW) depending on traffic.

Travel tips if you’re flying:

• Book your flight early prices rise fast as IMTS approaches.
• Try to arrive a day early if you can. It gives you time to adjust and avoid rushing.
• Use rideshare apps (like Uber or Lyft) for easy transport from the airport to downtown hotels.

Some hotels near McCormick Place offer shuttle services check when you book.

Where to Stay

Hotels fill up quickly, especially near the venue.

If you want to avoid long commutes:

• Look for hotels in the South Loop, Chinatown, or Near South Side neighborhoods.
• Booking platforms like Expedia or Booking.com sometimes offer IMTS hotel blocks at better rates.

Note: The IMTS website also lists official partner hotels, which often include shuttle service.

4. Navigating the Event Like a Pro

IMTS is massive. It spans multiple buildings and over a million square feet of exhibit space.

If you don’t have a plan for how to move around, you’ll burn time—and energy—fast.

I’ve made that mistake. I once walked nearly 20,000 steps in a day because I kept jumping between halls.

Let’s help you avoid that.

Understanding McCormick Place Layout

McCormick Place is split into four main buildings:

• North Hall (N)
• South Hall (S)
• East Building (Lakeside Center)
• West Building (W)

Each hall houses different sectors, such as metal cutting, controls, automation, or additive manufacturing.

Use the official IMTS floor plan to find where your targets are located.

Use the IMTS App

This free app has saved me more than once. It helps you:

• Search for booths by name or product
• Bookmark your favorites
• View real-time event updates
• Navigate between halls using interactive maps

It’s available on iOS and Android—download it a week before the show so you can learn how it works.

Smart Ways to Get Around the Venue

• Stick to One Hall at a Time: Jumping between buildings wastes time and energy.
• Use Sky Bridges and Tunnels: These connect the buildings so you don’t have to go outside.
• Follow the Color-Coded Signs: They’re big, bold, and tell you where you are and where to go.
• Ask Event Staff: They’re everywhere and super helpful if you’re lost or running late.

Knowing where you’re going and how to get there makes the entire IMTS experience more productive. Less time wandering. More time learning, meeting, and doing business.

5. Attending Key Workshops and Exhibits

Some of the best learning at IMTS doesn’t happen at a booth it happens in the workshops and special exhibits.

I used to skip them, thinking I didn’t have time. Then one year, I joined a short session on automation in mid-sized shops. I walked out with two practical ideas I used the next quarter and and a vendor contact who later became a supplier.

If you’re in sales or even production planning, these sessions can open doors.

Why Attend IMTS Workshops and Exhibits

• Learn From Industry Experts: Sessions cover real-life applications, not just theory.
• Get Fresh Ideas: Many workshops highlight small improvements that save time or cost.
• Meet Technical Staff Directly: Easier to ask detailed questions and get honest answers.
• Stay Current: Technology moves fast—these sessions help you keep up.
• Explore New Tools Without the Pitch: Some exhibits focus more on learning, less on selling.

What to Prioritize in Your Schedule

• Sessions Related to Your Business Focus: Whether it’s precision machining or automation, find what aligns.
• Talks Led by Engineers or End-Users: These tend to give practical, field-tested takeaways.
• Featured Exhibit Areas: Check out the Emerging Technology Center or Smartforce Student Summit.
• Workshops Close to Your Booth Targets: Stay efficient—pair sessions with nearby exhibitor visits.
• Short Sessions Over Long Ones: Quick 30-minute insights often lead to follow-up conversations later.

Workshops and exhibits are your chance to learn, connect, and think ahead. Even one good session could save your team weeks of trial and error.

6. Maximizing Business Opportunities

IMTS isn’t just about machines. It’s about people—and what happens after the first handshake.

Over the years, I’ve seen more deals happen in the hallways and coffee areas than at the booths themselves. Sometimes it starts with a casual comment like, “We’ve been having that same problem too.”

If you come in with clear goals, a few smart questions, and an open mindset, you’ll leave with more than just brochures.

Types of Business Opportunities at IMTS

You’ll find many chances to grow your network and build new relationships:

• Vendor Connections: Talk directly with manufacturers, not just sales reps.
• Distributor Leads: If you’re looking to expand your product line, ask who handles regional sales.
• Partnerships: Meet software providers, tool makers, and machine builders open to collaboration.
• Customer Feedback: Hear what others in your field are buying, testing, or avoiding.
• Investment Ideas: Explore new tech or automation solutions that could save costs or improve output.

How to Start Better Conversations

It’s not about pitching. It’s about listening first, then asking smart questions.

Try these approaches:

• “What are most people asking about this product?”
• “What size shops are having success with this model?”
• “Are you looking for new dealers or service partners?”
• “Do you have any success stories from companies like ours?”

The goal is to go beyond the demo—and into the business side of the conversation.

Make the Most of Your Time With Exhibitors

• Ask About Pricing and Lead Times Early: These two factors matter most for planning.
• Take Photos With Product Labels: Makes it easier to follow up later.
• Grab Product Sheets or Scan QR Codes: Avoid carrying too many catalogs.
• Note Who You Talked To: Write their name and role on their business card right after you meet.
• Follow Up Quickly After the Show: Within a week is ideal—while the conversation is still fresh.

7. Smart Strategies For A Successful Visit

A successful IMTS trip isn’t just about walking the floor—it’s about making your time count.

I’ve gone to IMTS with no plan and left frustrated. But the times I came in with a clear strategy? That’s when I made real progress—found better suppliers, built stronger connections, and got ahead on next year’s planning.

Use these simple but effective strategies to make your visit more productive:

What Smart Visitors Always Do

• Plan Your Days by Zones or Product Type: Avoid zigzagging across the halls. Stick to one hall at a time.
• Keep Your Goals Simple and Focused: Don’t try to do everything. Pick 2–3 main goals for the trip.
• Follow Up During the Show, Not After: If someone’s a strong lead, send them a message while it’s fresh.
• Attend at Least One Networking Event: Great chance to build industry relationships outside the booth setting.
• Bring Extras of What You Think You Need: Business cards, pens, backup charger—you’ll likely use them all.

Think Long-Term, Not Just Show Day

• Use Conversations to Shape Future Orders or Upgrades: Ask vendors about product roadmaps or next-gen machines.
• Ask About Service and Support: Knowing how a company handles problems matters more than the machine spec sheet.
• Check on Lead Times and Supply Risks: This helps you plan future purchasing with more accuracy.
• Get Price Ranges, Not Just Tech Info: Ballpark pricing lets you compare later without starting over.

I once met a tooling rep who didn’t have what I needed at the time—but six months later, I reached out again with a new job. That early chat saved me days of research.

Quick Tips to Avoid Burnout

• Take short breaks every 90 minutes is a good rhythm
• Refuel with water and light snacks (bring your own if you can)
• Review your notes during lunch—don’t wait until the end of the day
• Wear a watch checking your phone constantly gets distracting
• Leave time for a last walkthrough on your final day—it’s when you often spot what you missed

Smart planning isn’t complicated—it’s about knowing your goals, working your plan, and staying open to what the show brings. A few small steps now can make your visit smoother, better, and way more valuable.

Conclusion

I used to wander IMTS with sore feet and no direction. Now? I walk in with a plan and walk out with real business wins.

You don’t need to see everything. You just need to do the right things.

Are you looking for a reliable CNC machine supplier to support your business? At Blue Elephant, we build high-performance CNC machines and back them with real support.

Contact us today and see what we can do for you!