The dates for the 2017 Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show are fast approaching. Here’s what you need to know before October 3.
1. This is the 15th Show
The Wisconsin Manufacturing & Technology Show started in 1989 as a way for people to learn about new technologies and ideas throughout the industry.
While this is still the main goal of the show, WIMTS has expanded to include suppliers and industry experts throughout the Midwest.
Taking place every other year, the show has become a place for collaboration between suppliers and industry experts to shape new technologies and ideas to help overcome manufacturing challenges.
2. The Show Draws People of All Job Titles
WIMTS regularly attracts diverse attendees throughout the manufacturing industry, including everyone from management to engineering students.
In fact, the last WIMTS in 2015 featured 5,000 attendees. The breakdown for the 2015 show, according to the show’s website, was as follows:
- Executive Management 31%
- Plant Manager 22%
- Production/Operations 21%
- Engineer 14%
- Job Shop Owner 12%
WIMTS is designed for easy accessibility so anyone can discover new technologies, trends, and other developments within the industry. Registration is only $15, and the show is free for students.
3. The 2017 Show Has a Few New Features
In addition to the numerous exhibitors on hand, WIMTS will also have a Welding Pavilion that consists of six operating welding stations to showcase new, emerging technologies and safety practices.
The show will additionally debut the 3M Industrial Customer Center on October 4, with experts highlighting the company’s product innovations, as well as see the return of the Next Generation Manufacturing Summit. The summit does require separate paid registration.
Lastly, this year’s WIMTS will offer the addition of The Hub, a place where attendees can network, grab a drink and some food, and take part in seminars.
4. All Seminars Are Free
The theme of this year’s show is Manufacturing’s Marketplace in the Midwest, which will focus on several key areas of the industry and how manufacturers can adjust their processes for a more efficient facility.
The main focuses of the show include advanced manufacturing, adapting to advance, and lean manufacturing, but seminars throughout the three days will cover a diverse range of topics. These include:
- 3D Printing and the Manufacturing Revolution
- What Else Is Inside This Box? Open Architecture CNC
- Factory Automation: Are You Ready for the Economic Expansion?
- Additive Manufacturing: The Future of Product Development and Manufacturing
- Is Your Shop Ready for 5-Axis Machining?
- Controlling the Beast… Don’t Fear Multi-Axis Machine Tools
- Investing in Interns
- Building a Workforce Through Partnerships with K-12
Whether you decide to attend one or all the seminars, each is filled with worthwhile information that you can use in your own facility, so be sure to partake in as many as you can.
5. You Can Find Cost-Saving Solutions for Your Processes
One of the best things about WIMTS is that it provides you with numerous industry resources in one 100,000-square foot facility. The structure of the show allows you to hear and learn from industry experts, as well as see machinery and other industrial solutions in action.
For WIMTS 2017, there will be more than 200 exhibitors in attendance, many showcasing some of manufacturing’s latest technologies. Each exhibitor will have leading industry solutions that you can integrate into your current processes to increase efficiency and save on production costs.
6. TYKMA Electrox Will Be at Booth #346
One of the exhibitors in attendance will be TYKMA Electrox, an industry leader in laser marking and engraving systems. Our systems have provided turnkey solutions for manufacturers within a wide variety of industries for years.
Stop by to see our machines in action, and we’ll help you find the marking solution that best fits your application. Or you can contact us for more information.