The organizers of IMTS 2020 announced June 8 they have cancelled the biannual event as a result the restrictions on social gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and citing specifically the "health and safety requirements imposed by the state of Illinois for holding conventions." Among the state's requirements is "the availability of a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol".
“The show has been held uninterrupted for more than 80 years, but now the global coronavirus health crisis requires the cancellation of what would have been the 34th edition of IMTS for the health and safety of our exhibitors, audiences and local business community,” stated Peter R. Eelman, vice president and CXO at AMT – the Association for Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces the event.
The International Manufacturing Technology Show is the largest event for machine tools and related technologies ("manufacturing technology") in the U.S. At its last staging in September 2018, IMTS drew 2,563 exhibitors and 129,415 registrants, the largest ever for the event that started in 1927.
The 2020 event had been scheduled for September 14-19. The organizers emphasized their commitment to returning to McCormick Place for the next scheduled event, September 13-18, 2022.
AMT has worked with some of its event and media partners to develop alternative digital presentations in place of this year's trade show:
• IMTS Network will live-stream manufacturing technology features and human-interest stories;
• IMTS Spark will be "a comprehensive digital platform that connects IMTS exhibitors and visitors, (and) provides educational and networking opportunities".
Pre-registered visitors will be offered a refund on registration, or transfer their registration to a tax-deductible donation to Miles For Manufacturing, which contributes to programs preparing students for careers in manufacturing technology.
Exhibitors will receive direct communications from IMTS.
