IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show Trade Show

Participating in IMTS | International Manufacturing Technology Show is a major opportunity to showcase cutting-edge technologies, precision engineering, and industrial innovations to a global audience of manufacturers and buyers. But like any major trade event, preparing for IMTS—especially shipping and setting up your booth—requires careful coordination, budgeting, and logistical planning.

Shipping your materials to IMTS involves more than just arranging freight. Trade show logistics are complex and time-sensitive, particularly at a large-scale event like IMTS. If you're preparing to ship your booth and materials to Chicago for IMTS, this guide will help you navigate every step for a smooth and stress-free experience.

Key Players in IMTS Trade Show Shipping

To successfully ship your materials to IMTS, it’s important to understand the key logistics partners involved. These include the general contractor, McCormick Place Convention Center, and your trade show shipping provider.

General Contractor

GES (Global Experience Specialists) is typically the official general contractor for IMTS. They oversee exhibit setup and dismantling and provide official shipping and material handling services. While GES offers full-service logistics, you’re not obligated to use them. Many exhibitors partner with independent trade show freight providers, such as Diversified Transportation Services (DTS), for more flexibility, cost control, and personalized support.

Convention Center

IMTS is held at McCormick Place in Chicago, one of the largest and busiest convention centers in North America. This is where all shipments—whether sent to the advance warehouse or directly to the show site—will eventually be delivered and handled.

Trade Show Shipping Companies

Trade show shipping companies specialize in the secure, on-time transport of exhibit materials. They coordinate both inbound and outbound freight, help manage deadlines, and often provide value-added services such as tracking, paperwork handling, and on-site support. Working with an experienced provider like DTS can make the process much more efficient.

Getting Ready for IMTS: Pre-Show Essentials

Before you ship to IMTS, you’ll need to ensure your freight is properly packaged, labeled, and documented. You'll also want to familiarize yourself with the IMTS Exhibitor Manual, which contains detailed instructions for shipping and material handling.

Packaging Best Practices

When preparing your freight:

• Use durable, reinforced crates or containers designed for repeated handling.
  
• Shrink-wrap palletized items and ensure everything is clearly labeled.
  
• Keep a toolkit and essentials ready for setup day. Include commonly overlooked items like:
  
  • Zip ties & Velcro
    
  • Clear packing tape
    
  • Box cutters
    
  • Heavy-duty scissors
    
  • Permanent markers
    
  • Staplers
    
  • Extension cords & power strips
    

IMTS Freight Labels: What to Include

Accurate and visible labeling is critical for timely delivery. Your labels should include:

• Your company name
  
• Booth number
  
• On-site contact name & number
  
• Total number of pieces (e.g., “1 of 5”)
  
• Destination (Advance Warehouse or Direct-to-Show)
  
• Target move-in date & time
  

Label Tip: Remove all outdated labels from crates to avoid confusion during delivery.

You can get IMTS-specific labels from:

• GES’ official IMTS exhibitor portal
  
• Your shipping partner (e.g., DTS), which may offer pre-filled, show-compliant labels
  

Referencing the IMTS Exhibitor Manual

The IMTS Exhibitor Manual (typically found via the IMTS website or GES exhibitor portal) includes vital details such as:

• Shipping deadlines and move-in windows
  
• Approved carrier info
  
• Freight target dates
  
• Labeling and handling guidelines
  
• Marshalling yard instructions
  
• Move-out procedures and paperwork
  

Advance Warehouse vs. Direct-to-Show Shipping

At IMTS, you’ll choose between two shipping options:

IMTS Advance Warehouse

Shipping to the advance warehouse means sending your materials to a secure, temporary location several weeks before the event. GES will then deliver your freight directly to your booth during the assigned move-in window. This reduces onsite congestion and ensures timely booth delivery, especially for early setups.

IMTS Direct-to-Show

Direct-to-show shipping delivers your materials straight to McCormick Place just before the show opens. It’s useful for late-stage updates or if you’re assembling booths at the last minute, but you’ll need to carefully coordinate timing with your carrier to avoid costly delays or wait times in the marshalling yard.

Why Partner with a Trade Show Shipping Professional

Shipping to IMTS isn’t like standard freight. There are strict time windows, union labor rules, and heavy congestion at McCormick Place. A dedicated trade show logistics partner like Diversified Transportation Services offers:

• Strategic shipping planning (advance vs. direct-to-show)
  
• Custom labeling & paperwork
  
• Real-time tracking and communication
  
• Dedicated point of contact
  
• Post-show outbound coordination and return shipping
  

Whether this is your first IMTS or your tenth, we’re here to help you manage the details and deliver peace of mind—starting with our comprehensive Guide to Trade Show Shipping to walk you through every step of the process.

If you’re ready to get started with shipping to IMTS—or just want professional advice on trade show logistics—contact DTS today at (310) 521-1200 or click below to request a personalized IMTS - International Manufacturing Technology Show shipping quote.