If you’re planning to attend the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026 in Chicago, you’re in for one of the biggest manufacturing events in North America. With thousands of exhibitors, live machine demonstrations, and new technology around every corner, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if it’s your first visit. Be sure to plan time to visit the following booths, which are all stops worth adding to your itinerary:
Whether you’re coming to evaluate new equipment, explore automation, or stay ahead of manufacturing trends, a little planning goes a long way.
Here are four things the Reynolds Machinery team wants every IMTS attendee to know before walking through the doors.
1. You Don’t Have to Wait Until IMTS to Get Great Pricing
Many customers believe they need to wait until the show to receive the best machine pricing.
In reality, many equipment builders release their IMTS promotions before the event begins. That means customers can often secure the same promotional pricing before arriving in Chicago.
Ordering earlier may also help reduce lead times. As more manufacturers take advantage of IMTS promotions, demand often increases during and after the show.
If you’ve already identified equipment that fits your needs, there’s no reason to delay the conversation.
2. Have a Game Plan Before You Arrive
IMTS is enormous. You could spend days walking the show floor and still miss something important.
Instead of deciding where to go once you arrive, build an itinerary before the show. Schedule meetings with equipment manufacturers, distributors, and industry partners. Map out the booths you want to visit and leave time for live demonstrations that are relevant to your operation.
A planned schedule helps you spend more time learning and less time trying to decide where to go next.
If you’d like to schedule time with our team, please fill out the form here.
3. Some of the Biggest Technology Debuts Happen at IMTS
One of the most exciting parts of IMTS is seeing where manufacturing is headed.
This year’s show will feature innovations across machining, automation, and smart manufacturing, including:
- Hurco’s new BM500U 5-Axis Machining Center
- Smart Machine Tool’s 5-axis Machines: SV-UM 400 AND 5A-350XL
- Mitsubishi’s newest wire EDM technology
- Hurco pallet pool systems
- Live demonstrations from many of Reynolds Machinery’s builder partners
Watching these machines in action gives manufacturers a better understanding of how new technology can improve productivity, reduce setup time, and solve everyday machining challenges.
4. The Best Part of IMTS Is the Conversations
The machines are impressive, but the people often make the biggest impact.
Parker Mays, Reynolds Machinery President, believes that IMTS offers an opportunity that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.
“There’s no other week where you can connect with so many customers, partners, and industry professionals in such a short amount of time.”
Because Chicago is an easy trip for many manufacturers throughout Ohio and the Midwest, IMTS becomes a valuable opportunity to reconnect with existing customers while meeting new faces across the industry.
For Brandon Barker, Sales Engineer for NE Ohio and Lake Counties, this year’s event will be his first IMTS as a Sales Engineer rather than a customer, and he’s looking forward to being on the other side.
“I’m excited to experience the show, see how everything works, and meet customers and industry partners in person,” says Barker.
Make the Most of Your IMTS Experience with Reynolds Machinery
Whether this is your first IMTS or you’ve attended for years, having an experienced partner can help you get more value from your visit.
The Reynolds Machinery team can help you prioritize builder booths, coordinate meetings, answer technical questions, and compare machine options across multiple manufacturers. Instead of navigating one of the largest manufacturing trade shows on your own, you’ll have knowledgeable guides who understand your production goals and can help you make informed equipment decisions.
If you’re planning to attend IMTS 2026, schedule time with Reynolds Machinery before the show by filling out this form. We’d love to meet you in Chicago, walk the floor together, and help you discover the equipment and technology that can move your business forward.
