The massive International Manufacturing and Technology convention (IMTS) in Chicago that was to be scheduled for September, has been cancelled. It is a huge hit to the McCormick Place and the city's economy. The Association for Manufacturing Technology mention that they have been closely monitoring the impact of the virus outbreak, and has been trying to get clarity from Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot about the requirements for trade shows to take place in Chicago. The show has been ongoing since 1947, and brings in over a 130,000 attendees.
The AMT Board of Directors and AMT staff have been closely monitoring the impact COVID-19 has had on its members, IMTS exhibitors and visitors, and the industry. The show has been trying to attain clarity as to moving forward from Illinois Governor, J. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, regarding the exact requirements for trade shows to take place in Chicago. This decision is based on Chicago's five-phase plan to reopen businesses introduce by Governor Pritzker, as conventions being part of step five. Step five requires a vaccine to be available, the conditions that must be met for the implementation of phase 5 feature either the availability of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol, neither of which are expected to occur in the coming months.
In consideration of the health and safety of all attendees and exhibitors, IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show, scheduled for September 14-19, 2020 is cancelled.
In light of this news, and IMTS still plans to provide the IMTS exhibitors and visitors with connections, networking opportunities and technical knowledge. Although, they are aware it is not the same, to help with these opportunities, they will launch two programs that will accomplish to encourage networking and connections. Peter R Eelman Vice President & CXO shares these two programs:
- IMTS Network: We will host the IMTS Network, live-streaming a wide variety of features and human stories from the Manufacturing Technology sector. More information about the IMTS Network will be provided very soon.
- NEW - IMTS Spark: IMTS Spark, a comprehensive digital platform that connects IMTS exhibitors and visitors, provides educational and networking opportunities and offers first rate experiences, will launch in the near future.
If one has registered for IMTS 2020, they are given the choice to receive a refund on registration fees or transfer these fees to a tax-deductible donation to Miles For Manufacturing—where the funding is given to programs that prepare students for careers in manufacturing technology. There will be a survey sent out for each registered attendee to ask on the decision.