McLean, Va., (September 8, 2020) – IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show has launched previews of IMTS Network and IMTS spark, two new digital destinations to connect and educate the manufacturing technology marketplace at a time when travel and gatherings are limited.

IMTS Network, which will broadcast live from September 14 – 18, provides an entire channel of original programming — more than a dozen different shows in all — that features powerful ideas for productivity and inspiring stories from the women and men who shape the future of manufacturing. Programming will remain available on-demand at IMTS.com/network.

“IMTS Network is a bold venture that combines the learning power of TED Talks, the infotainment of the Discovery Channel and the human interest and energy of Good Morning America,” says Peter R. Eelman, Vice President & CXO at AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, which owns and produces IMTS. “After the live event week concludes, content will be archived for on-demand availability at IMTS.com/network, which will become one of the industry’s premiere information destinations.”

IMTS spark, presented in conjunction with Gardner Business Media, features a mix of live exhibitor demos, live interviews, daily updates, hosted shows and Q&A interactions. It launches on September 21 and runs through March 15, 2021. Content available to registered visitors also includes reports from the IMTS Conference and the AM In-Depth, the IMTS Investor Forum, Parts Cleaning Series, MMS Top Shops: Shop Talk Educational Series, Sustainable Manufacturing and MTForecast conferences.

IMTS spark also provides a much-needed vehicle for making connections. Registrants can join coffee chats, lunch and learns and happy hours to network with fellow manufacturers, technology builders, OEMs, industry legends, economists, investors, reporters and others who are passionate about advanced manufacturing.

“The year 2020 has shown the critical role manufacturers play in the safety and security of our country,” adds Rick Kline, Jr., President of Gardner Business Media. “Those who want to ramp up digital capabilities, shorten supply chains and prepare their business for the way forward won’t want to miss the live demonstrations and programs that will help them optimize processes for speed, precision, and performance.” IMTS spark also features Modern Machine Shop’s annual Top Shop’s conference, where shop owners, managers and engineers can hear from their peers and learn best practices.

“IMTS spark registrants will be amazed with the machine connectivity and production efficiencies just on the horizon,” adds Eelman.

Eelman furthermore points out that “The AMT's Emerging Technology Center and Start Up Showcase will feature developments such as how Artificial Intelligence and machine learning improve visual inspection, and our coverage of projects from Oak Ridge National Laboratory will unveil some truly transformative technologies.”

To prepare for IMTS spark, Kline suggests managers gather their teams, list their five top operational challenges, register for a free MySpark Planner account and begin researching solutions.

Action Plan 
 “Signing up for one of the upcoming coffee chats will also help,” says Kline. “They are scheduled for Sept. 8 and Sept. 9. We’ll explore the showrooms from leading technology providers and help registrants maximize their experience.”