Looking Forward to IMTS 2016
The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), held every other year at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest industrial trade shows in the world, and is attended by more than 100,000 people from over 112 countries. This year’s biennial conference takes place September 12th through 17th, and if you have never attended before, you definitely have never seen anything like it.
This is the 31st IMTS, and the much anticipated show provides the opportunity to view close to a billion dollars of equipment and tooling jammed into the entire 1.3 million square feet of McCormick Place. Featuring more than 2,000 exhibiting companies showcasing their latest and greatest solutions to manufacturing challenges, IMTS also creates the rare opportunity to educate students on the skillsets needed for careers in the world of manufacturing and technology industries. The Smartforce Student Summit continues to demonstrate how much fun STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) based learning can be. The Summit provides an interactive environment to introduce educators, students, and parents to exciting innovations in manufacturing technology and dynamic careers in the industry. Keep in mind it takes many different skills to run a successful business, such as marketing, financial accounting, information systems, quality engineering, sales and customer service to name a few.
IMTS Smartforce Student Summit also offers a chance to speak with community colleges and engineering schools at the Campus Green. Representatives will answer questions about the degree programs they offer for your career interests. You can also check out IMTS’ Education section on their website, https://www.imts.com/student/careerpathways.html to make a job selection from the dropdown menu and learn what type of degree or certification is needed, the median pay you can expect, helpful military credentials to have, and more. You can also see the expected growth opportunity that career choice has. This is a great site for students to look at with their parents and teachers or school guidance counselors.
It is fitting that IMTS takes place in September, as students and educators return to school. This is the perfect time for them, as well as parents, to discuss potential career paths and what it will take to achieve goals. We urge you to consider taking advantage of this opportunity to attend America’s largest manufacturing show (even if it means taking your child out of school for a day), as they will get a great education on degree choices, internships, apprenticeships, and more. Information like this is invaluable, and the next IMTS will not be held until September of 2018.
Seeing the look on first-timers’ faces (and even show veterans’) when they enter the venue is memorable. They are always amazed to witness technology that will change the world. The students that attended with Precision Plus two years ago were very appreciative of their experience and what they learned. This is a chance to learn how the leading industry experts in aerospace, automotive, medical, and more, are changing the way we do things in the future. It is a way for those in the industry to stay on top of their game, and a way for young people to learn how they can join the world of manufacturing technology and be successful.
Precision Plus encourages you to attend IMTS 2016, whether you are already part of the industry, someone who wants to enter the industry, or you have a young person interested in a rewarding career. Be assured, there is no class or afterschool program more important than the career exploration opportunity that IMTS provides.
