AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, producer of the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), and McCormick Place have extended their long-standing partnership, confirming Chicago as the host city for IMTS through 2034.
The agreement covers the 2032 and 2034 editions of IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere. Held biennially at McCormick Place, the event brings together manufacturing professionals, technology innovators and industry leaders from across the world.
According to the announcement, each edition of IMTS generates an estimated $250 million in economic impact for Chicago and Illinois. The event also supports local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, transportation providers and other service industries, through the international visitors and exhibitors it attracts.
The extended partnership reinforces Chicago’s position as a major destination for global manufacturing technology events and ensures the city will continue to host one of the industry’s largest international exhibitions through 2034.
Beyond its economic contributions, IMTS is expanding its investment in Chicago’s next generation of manufacturing talent. In partnership with Haas Automation and the Gene Haas Foundation, IMTS is contributing a combined $101,000 to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to support STEM education programs that introduce students to advanced manufacturing technologies and career opportunities.
“Chicago has been a longtime home for IMTS, and we’re proud to continue investing in a city that’s been such an important part of IMTS’ history,” said Michelle Edmonson, vice president of exhibitions at AMT. “Every IMTS brings the global manufacturing community to Chicago, but what makes this partnership especially meaningful is the opportunity to give back to the community, whether that’s supporting local businesses or helping inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent.”
“The world’s manufacturing community has a home in Chicago, and we’re proud to keep it here through 2034,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These two additional shows will generate an estimated $500 million in economic impact, supporting jobs and bringing business to our hotels, restaurants, and local shops. We’re proud to continue this partnership and showcase the workers and innovation that make Illinois a global manufacturing hub.”
A Longstanding Partnership Driving Chicago’s Economy
As the host venue for IMTS, McCormick Place plays a central role in bringing the global manufacturing community to Chicago. The extended agreement reflects a shared commitment among AMT, Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA), which owns McCormick Place, and Choose Chicago, Chicago’s destination marketing organization and event partner, to maintain the city’s position as a leading destination for major international business events.
“In today’s business world, a partnership that spans six decades is a remarkable achievement and a testament to lasting relationships. On behalf of MPEA, we are honored that IMTS has committed to continuing to meet in Chicago through 2034,” said Larita Clark, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. “The impact of IMTS extends far beyond McCormick Place. Between 2016 and 2026, IMTS generated more than $1.8 billion in estimated economic impact for the City of Chicago and the state of Illinois. That impact is felt across our restaurants, hotels, airports, schools, and even our cabs. IMTS spends nearly 30 days on campus, employing thousands of workers to set up, operate, and dismantle the show. That impact extends well beyond the show floor, as today’s generous donation illustrates.”
With the 2032 and 2034 shows now secured, Chicago is positioned to continue benefiting from the event’s estimated $250 million economic impact per show for years to come.
“IMTS is exactly the kind of world-class event Chicago was built to host,” said Kristen Reynolds, president and CEO of Choose Chicago. “Every two years, IMTS brings industry leaders and innovators from more than 110 countries to Chicago, generating significant economic impact that extends well beyond the show floor and into our hotels, restaurants, businesses, and neighborhoods. This commitment through 2034 is a testament to the strength of our long-standing partnership and Chicago’s ability to deliver exceptional experiences for events of this scale. It’s a powerful message to meeting and event planners around the world: Chicago is never done raising the bar and never outdone when it comes to hosting the world’s most important gatherings.”
Investing in Chicago’s Future Manufacturing Workforce
In addition to supporting Chicago’s economy, IMTS helps strengthen the city’s future manufacturing workforce through STEM education and hands-on learning opportunities.
“Chicago is a city that builds, innovates, and leads, and our ongoing partnership with IMTS reflects that legacy,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Securing these shows through 2034 will bring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact and support good-paying jobs for Chicagoans, and allows attendees to continue experiencing everything our city has to offer. Just as importantly, IMTS’ investment in Chicago Public Schools creates pathways for our young people to explore careers in manufacturing, engineering and technology. This is what it looks like when we invest in both our economy today and the workforce of tomorrow.”
Together with Haas Automation and the Gene Haas Foundation, IMTS is contributing $101,000 to Chicago Public Schools to expand access to STEM education, robotics programs, and advanced manufacturing technologies. The investment includes $74,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation and $27,000 from IMTS, supporting programs that help students build technical skills and explore potential careers in manufacturing, engineering, and technology.
The $27,000 IMTS contribution was raised by the manufacturing community through the IMTS Miles for Manufacturing 5K Run/Walk (Miles4Mfg). Produced by AMT and GIE Media, the IMTS Miles4Mfg program holds events throughout the year to raise funds that support students and STEM education.
The contributions will support three key areas within the CPS:
- Citywide STEM Initiatives: Supporting community events, design challenges, and industry partnerships that connect classroom learning with real-world STEM careers.
- STEM Department: Expanding pathways between K-12 education and higher education, including hands-on exposure to CNC machines, 3D printers, robotics, and other advanced technologies.
- Computer Science and Robotics: Supporting FIRST robotics teams, where students develop practical skills in coding, computer-aided design (CAD), machining, engineering, and fundraising.
“A $101,000 investment is more than a financial contribution. It declares that Chicago’s young people matter, that their ideas have value, and that their futures are worth investing in,” said Carmen Mahon, M.Ed., Citywide STEM Initiatives manager at Chicago Public Schools. “The return on this investment will not simply be measured in dollars, but in the students who discover their passion, pursue STEM pathways, and become the innovators who transform our Chicago. Plus, manufacturing is where imagination meets engineering, creativity meets technology, and ideas become innovations that change lives.”
The investment builds on IMTS’ broader commitment to workforce development through its Smartforce Student Summit, which connects students and educators with advanced manufacturing technologies, industry professionals, and career pathways. At this year’s IMTS, the summit welcomed 14,447 students, faculty, and staff, with more than half coming from Illinois, including over 2,000 from Chicago alone.
“You can’t be what you can’t see, and that’s exactly why getting students in front of manufacturing technology matters so much,” said Catherine Ross, director of community engagement at AMT. “At the Smartforce Student Summit, we see firsthand what happens when students get to experience robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing up close. Suddenly, a career they might never have considered becomes a real possibility. We’re excited to build on that momentum with CPS and Haas, helping more students discover just how much opportunity exists in this industry.”
The organizations recognized the extended partnership and STEM investment during a joint event at McCormick Place on Thursday, Oct. 29. The event included remarks from participating organizations and a ceremonial check presentation to Chicago Public Schools.
Together, the extended McCormick Place agreement and investment in Chicago Public Schools demonstrate IMTS’ commitment to Chicago beyond the show floor, supporting both the city’s economy today and the skilled workforce that will power manufacturing’s future.
