IMTS 2020 Cancelled
IMTS 2020, the 34th edition of the premier manufacturing technology show in North America, to be held September 14 -- 19 at McCormick Place in Chicago, has been cancelled due to COVID-19, ending a continuous run of more than 80 years.
Peter Eelman, Vice President and CXO at AMT -- The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS, released the following statement this week:
As you may know, we have spent the past several weeks trying to get clarity from Illinois Governor, J. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, regarding the exact requirements for trade shows to take place in Chicago. In early May, Governor Pritzker introduced a five-phased plan to reopen Illinois businesses. As it reads, the plan specifically states that conventions are included in phase 5 of the plan. The conditions that must be met for the implementation of phase 5 feature either the availability of a vaccine for the COVID 19 virus or a highly effective treatment protocol, neither of which are expected to occur in the coming months.
In light of these difficult and challenging circumstances, IMTS - The International Manufacturing Technology Show had to be cancelled. While this saddens us, the health and safety of our exhibitors and audience remains our top priority.
We know a live in-person IMTS show can never be replaced with a virtual event. We do, however, realize and understand that even though there is no physical event in 2020, it is our responsibility to provide the IMTS exhibitors and visitors with connections, networking opportunities and technical knowledge. We do not take this responsibility lightly and, to that end, we will launch two programs that will accomplish these goals.
- IMTS Network: We will host the IMTS Network, live-streaming a wide variety of features and human stories from the Manufacturing Technology sector. More information about the IMTS Network will be provided very soon.
- NEW - IMTS Spark: IMTS Spark, a comprehensive digital platform that connects IMTS exhibitors and visitors, provides educational and networking opportunities and offers first rate experiences, will launch in the near future.
Attendees already registered for IMTS 2020 will have the choice to receive a refund on their registration fees or transfer these fees to a tax-deductible donation to Miles For Manufacturing -- where every dollar is given to programs that prepare students for careers in manufacturing technology.
IMTS is fully committed to returning to McCormick Place as scheduled for its normal rotation, September 13-18, 2022.
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