In short
IMTS booths are built around working machine tools, so the layout starts with machine footprints, safety zones and service access, then adds sight lines from the aisle, sample parts people can handle and tables for applications engineers to talk with buyers. Start a custom booth about 9–12 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Chicago, every two years, in September (even years).
- The audience is mostly manufacturing engineers.
- Machines running real parts, with viewing windows at eye level.
- Sample parts on a table for people to handle and measure.
- Plan a custom booth about 9–12 months before the show.
IMTS for exhibitors
The International Manufacturing Technology Show fills McCormick Place with machine tools, automation, metrology, tooling and software. Machines cutting metal live are the draw; the audience is technical and ready to talk about specific parts and cycle times.
| IMTS | |
|---|---|
| City | Chicago |
| Venue | McCormick Place |
| Sector | Manufacturing technology and machine tools |
| Cycle | Every two years, in September (even years) |
| Main stand activity | Working machinery |
| Custom stand lead time | 9–12 months |
Who you are designing for
Manufacturing engineers, shop owners, production managers and buyers from job shops to large OEMs.
What matters most on a IMTS booth:
- Machines running real parts, with viewing windows at eye level.
- Sample parts on a table for people to handle and measure.
- Applications engineers available at tables with screens.
- Clear safety zones and chip and coolant management.
Layouts for working machinery, by stand type
Most IMTS exhibitors build around working machinery. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | One machine side-on to the aisle so its working side is visible, with a screen showing it in use. |
| Corner | 2 | The machine on a plinth at the corner, visible from both aisles, with a technical desk behind it. |
| Peninsula | 3 | The largest machine centred, smaller exhibits on the sides and an engineers' meeting table at the back. |
| Island | 4 | A hero machine centred with at least 1.5 m of walk-around space, demo times on a screen and meetings to one side or upstairs. |
Stand ideas for IMTS
- A machine cutting real parts with a viewing window at eye level.
- A table of finished sample parts with measurement reports.
- An applications desk where visitors bring their own drawings.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Machine tools need rigging, floor load checks and compressed air, power and sometimes coolant services. Plan move-in sequencing with the show's rigging contractor.
Allow about 9–12 months for a custom booth. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Mistakes we see at IMTS
- Machines placed so the working area faces away from the aisle.
- No sample parts, so visitors cannot judge finish and tolerance.
Try your IMTS layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about working machinery into an editable 3D booth for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01How often is IMTS held?
Every two years, in September of even-numbered years, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Confirm dates on the official site.
02How do I fit large machines on a booth?
Start the plan from the machine footprints and their service and safety clearances, then fit the aisle sight lines and meeting space around them. [Studio](/brief-to-3d-booth-design) can lay out real footprints at scale.
03How early should I start designing a IMTS booth?
For a custom booth, about 9–12 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme booths can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my IMTS booth at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, working machinery area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
