When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together.

This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand.

From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program."

Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count.

Segments

(1:00) Introducing guest Mark Kennedy and the importance of the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
(3:14) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
(6:32) How IMTS continues to evolve — from pavilions to product sectors
(8:20) Why IMTS is the "Super Bowl" for manufacturers
(9:01) What separates the best exhibitors (habits of highly effective show teams)
(9:52) Creative booth ideas that drive engagement (ProShop Ambassadors, Toolpath's cornhole concept)
(13:46) Lessons for first-time exhibitors and the importance of detailed planning
(14:51) Panel discussions and hearing directly from attendees
(16:46) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog
(18:00) The new executive track — teaching leaders how to measure ROI
(19:07) Alternatives for those who can't attend: Regional "Spring Training" sessions
(20:38) Why McCormick Place and in-person networking still matter
(21:53) Understanding the E-Kit and saving money through early planning
(23:35) Collaboration among competitors and shared learning on the show floor
(24:32) Maximizing IMTS Plus and digital marketing before the show
(25:33) Introducing the IMTS Exhibitor Workbook — your "playbook for ROI"
(26:35) The importance of preparation (you can't wing IMTS like a football game)
(30:30) The continuous improvement mindset and what's coming next for IMTS 2026
(31:29) Predicting the next big trend — AI as the "prom queen" of manufacturing
(33:46) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service

Resources mentioned on this episode

Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop
Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)
Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog
Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service

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