IMTS 2024 conference sessions announced

The International Manufacturing Technology Show, has announced the full schedule for The IMTS 2024 Conference, which is comprised of 68 sessions across five different tracks: Process Innovations, Alternative Processes, Plant Operations, Quality and Inspection, and Automation. The IMTS 2024 Conference sessions run Monday, Sept. 9, through Thursday, Sept. 12, of IMTS 2024 (Sept. 9-14) and are held in the West Building of Chicago’s McCormick Place.

Powered by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology and managed by GIE Media, The IMTS 2024 Conference provides deeper education about the technologies on the show floor. Only IMTS exhibitors are eligible to present, and presentations may not be promotional.

"The IMTS 2024 Conference provides a structured forum to gain practical knowledge and learn how to implement advanced technologies," says Bonnie Gurney, vice president of strategic content and partnerships at AMT. "The IMTS Conference enables visitors to connect with the experts who are addressing their most pressing needs, as well as interact with peers facing similar challenges and issues." 

"For The IMTS 2024 Conference, GIE Media’s manufacturing team reviewed more than 200 conference submissions – the most ever – and selected the 68 presentations we felt would be the most insightful and helpful to attendees," adds Mike DiFranco, group publisher, GIE Media. 

More Educational Options

"In addition to The IMTS 2024 Conference, this year’s show also features 10 other conferences, including multiple IMTS ELEVATE conferences, which elevate issues important to the manufacturing community," says Gurney. "There are three IMTS ELEVATE Job Shops workshops, two IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move (WMMM) events, and a half-day IMTS ELEVATE LATAM session focused on the high-growth markets of Mexico, Latin America, and Spain." (See the March 6, 2024, press release, "IMTS 2024 Conference Registration and Visitor Housing Now Open," for details on these conferences and other conferences on automation, lasers, parts cleaning, supply chain, and investors.) Two other notable conferences at IMTS 2024 geared to strengthening the industry are the IMTS Supply Chain Forum, which offers insights for more streamlined operations, and the IMTS Investor Forum, which is designed to demystify the $65-billion manufacturing technology industry and offer perspectives on opportunities for investment professionals. 

The IMTS 2024 Conference Details

Registration is required for The IMTS 2024 Conference. There are one-day ($295) and four-day ($495) passes, which include access to all conference sessions, full access to the exhibit halls, and a lunch ticket for the day(s) registered. A sample of the presentations includes:

• "Automation for All." Simon Schneider, director of factory automation at Okuma America (IMTS booth #338500), will explore an array of machine tool and automation systems that can change the game for any manufacturing shop environment.
• "How Generative AI Can Help Close the Manufacturing Skills Gap." Danny Smith, principal ML strategist at Amazon Web Services (IMTS booth #236217), will share how manufacturers are leveraging generative AI and knowledge management best practices to boost productivity and address workforce issues.
• "Digital Transformation in 5-Axis Machining." Gisbert Ledvon, vice president of marketing at HEIDENHAIN (IMTS booth #339440), will introduce new CNC and motion control technology that help to increase productivity, improve process monitoring, and address skilled labor shortages with digital tools.
• "Worker-Centric Mobile Robot Integration: Unlocking Manufacturing Excellence." Denise Stafford, business development manager at KUKA Robotics (IMTS booth #236807), will offer a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities associated with mobile robot integration in manufacturing.
• "Revolutionizing Tool Design and Performance: The Role of Additive 3D Printing." Mark Blosser, director of technology solutions at CERATIZIT USA (IMTS booth #431900), will dive into the transformative role of additive 3D printing in tool design. 
• "Software Transforming the Supply Chain With Manufacturing Quality at the Center." Sam Golan, CEO at High QA (IMTS booth #134500), will discuss how software can enable quality-driven manufacturing collaborations between suppliers and buyers to eliminate interpretation and reduce costs, risks, and delivery time.
• "Multisensor Metrology Systems: Quality’s Swiss Army Knife." Jason Grein, program manager, strategic marketing at Quality Vision International (Optical Gaging Products, IMTS booth #134700), will discuss how multisensor metrology systems offer highly accurate measurement results in less time and cost than it would take to do on separate measuring systems.
• "Out of the Lab: Hype vs. Practice for Industrial Digital Twins." Russell Waddell, secretary, MTConnect Standards Committee at MTConnect, will provide a pragmatic, user-centric guide to what you need to know to adopt cutting-edge technology today and avoid buyer’s remorse tomorrow.

All conferences taking place at IMTS 2024 include:

• The IMTS 2024 Conference: Monday, Sept. 9, to Thursday, Sept. 12 
• IMTS ELEVATE Job Shops:
• Make Your Shop a Top Shop: Monday, Sept. 9 
• The Shop of Our Future: Tuesday, Sept. 10 
• Reception: Tuesday, Sept. 10 
• 3D Printing for Job Shops: Thursday, Sept. 12 
• IMTS ELEVATE Women Make Manufacturing Move (WMMM): 
• Reception: Monday, Sept. 9
• Breakfast and Keynote: Wednesday, Sept. 11
• IMTS ELEVATE LATAM: Tuesday, Sept. 10
• IMTS Investor Forum: Tuesday, Sept. 10
• Parts Cleaning Conference: Tuesday, Sept. 10
• The Automated Shop Conference: Wednesday, Sept. 11
• Industrial Laser Conference: Wednesday, Sept. 11
• Ready. Set. Grow!: Wednesday, Sept. 11
• Supply Chain Forum: Wednesday, Sept. 11
• Succeeding With Powder Bed Fusion Workshop: Wednesday, Sept. 11

See a full list of topics on The IMTS 2024 Conference webpage. Register for IMTS before Aug. 1 to receive your badge in the mail and save $20 on registration. Book your room now for the best hotel locations.