IMTS 2026 Expands Educational Programming with Nine Industry Conferences

CHICAGO — IMTS 2026 – The International Manufacturing Technology Show is expanding its educational offerings with a lineup of nine conferences and more than 90 sessions focused on manufacturing technology, workforce development, additive manufacturing, industrial AI, automation, and business growth.

Scheduled for Sept. 14-19, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, IMTS is expected to bring together more than 86,000 registrants, 1,800 exhibitors, and 10 technology sectors spanning approximately 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space. Organizers say the expanded conference program is designed to provide manufacturers with practical insights into emerging technologies and industry trends while offering opportunities to connect with peers and subject matter experts.

A key addition to the 2026 event is the new Industrial AI Conference, a full-day program on Sept. 16 dedicated to helping manufacturers understand and implement artificial intelligence technologies on the production floor. The conference will focus on real-world applications of AI in manufacturing, including productivity improvements, machine performance optimization, quality control, and workforce support.

According to organizers, the conference reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in modern manufacturing operations as companies seek to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and make more informed operational decisions.

Beyond Industrial AI, IMTS 2026 will offer a broad range of specialized conferences and workshops that address various segments of the manufacturing ecosystem. Topics include job shop operations, additive manufacturing for aerospace and defense, industrial laser applications, women in manufacturing, investor opportunities, Latin American manufacturing markets, and supply chain growth strategies.

Among the scheduled events is the IMTS Job Shops Workshop, which will examine automation integration, economic trends, artificial intelligence, and the future of small and mid-sized manufacturing operations. The IMTS Investor Summit will provide insight into the manufacturing technology sector and connect investors with industry experts, while the ELEVATE Conference will focus on professional development and leadership opportunities within manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing will also be a major focus through the AM+ Workshop: Aerospace & Defense, which will explore how manufacturers are using advanced production technologies to reduce lead times, lower costs, and support innovation in mission-critical applications.

The Industrial Laser Conference, presented by the Laser Institute of America, will address laser-based manufacturing processes including cutting, welding, marking, heat treating, additive manufacturing, and cleaning applications.

In addition to the specialized conferences, The IMTS 2026 Conference will feature 69 educational sessions covering topics such as automation, machining, tooling, metrology, systems integration, software, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and cost justification. Educational tracks are intended to provide attendees with practical information that can be applied directly within manufacturing operations.

Session topics will include model-based design, CNC programming strategies, shop floor optimization, advanced inspection technologies, micro machining, additive manufacturing advancements, and AI-driven quality management systems. Organizers noted that artificial intelligence-related presentations will be featured throughout all four days of the conference program.

Industrial AI is expected to be a recurring theme across IMTS 2026 as manufacturers continue exploring how data analytics, machine learning, and edge computing can support operational improvements. Featured speaker Dr. Jay Lee of the University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering is scheduled to discuss strategies for AI adoption, data utilization, and implementation challenges facing manufacturers.

One planned case study will examine the use of edge AI devices to monitor multiple CNC machines while supporting predictive quality initiatives and production traceability. Organizers say the session is intended to provide practical examples of how manufacturers can implement AI technologies without large-scale infrastructure investments.

As manufacturers continue to invest in automation, digital transformation, workforce development, and advanced production technologies, industry events such as IMTS remain an important venue for evaluating new solutions and learning from industry experts.

Conference registration for IMTS 2026 is available through the event organizers. Registration fees include access to conference programming as well as admission to the IMTS exhibition halls throughout the six-day event.