MACOMB/MOLINE, Ill. — Western Illinois University’s School of Engineering and Technology is planning a student trip to the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2026 on Thursday, Sept. 17, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Approximately 55 WIU students, faculty and staff are expected to participate in the trip, including students from the engineering programs at the WIU-Quad Cities campus and engineering technology programs at the Macomb campus.
IMTS is the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere and provides students with an opportunity to experience some of the newest advancements in manufacturing and engineering technology firsthand.
The event traces its history to 1927, when it began as the National Machine Tool Builders’ Exposition. Over the decades, the show evolved into today’s International Manufacturing Technology Show and has served as a showcase for technologies and approaches designed to make manufacturing faster, more precise and more efficient. Innovations in CNC, CAD, CAM, CAE and 3D printing are among the technologies introduced to the industry through IMTS during its nearly 100-year history.
For WIU students, the trip provides an opportunity to see current technology in automation, design, manufacturing, robotics and related industrial equipment, including equipment and processes students may otherwise encounter only after entering the workforce.
Beyond experiencing the technology on display, students will have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and companies from across the manufacturing sector. The show provides a valuable networking environment for students to explore potential career, internship and professional development opportunities.
IMTS 2026 will also feature a Student Summit designed specifically to connect students with manufacturing and engineering careers while building professional and leadership skills. Programming includes opportunities focused on communication, problem-solving and teamwork led by industry experts.
By bringing together students from WIU’s Macomb and Quad Cities campuses, the trip also provides an opportunity for students across the School of Engineering and Technology’s programs to connect while experiencing one of the world’s premier manufacturing technology events.
For more information about the WIU School of Engineering and Technology, visit wiu.edu/SET.
