Send shop guys to trade shows

It's hard to think about summer already winding down, and I hope yours has been pleasant, but this time signals the start of a busy trade show season.

In addition to Fabtech in Atlanta, one of the primary metalworking shows, of course, is the International Manufacturing Technology Show. IMTS is held every 2 years in Chicago and contains a wide array of machine tools, cutting tools and other awesome technology. While I and other family members enjoy traveling to good trade shows, I haven’t taken any shop personnel in a few years. Why? Mostly the expense, lack of time, and not wanting key staff out of pocket for several days.

However, a high-caliber trade show presents a great opportunity to see a lot of amazing technology in one place, so after evaluating which shows to attend this year, we decided to send our two lead machinists to IMTS. We’re confident the experience will excite them about our shop’s potential, and because neither of them have been to Chicago, the entire trip is a big deal.

For many shops, trade show travel funds simply don’t exist or it’s not possible to be without key personnel even for a couple of days. I’m also aware that many shop owners and managers simply have no interest. That’s understandable, but I recommend making these trips a priority, at least once every 3 to 4 years. For us, I’m certain the investment of sending two key employees to IMTS will be returned many times over.

In addition to appreciating being considered important enough to go, they’ll see technology we can utilize to our benefit, which generates excitement about incorporating it into our operations. Additionally, it’s efficient, because they can observe, ask questions and see demos in one location. They will also make new contacts with companies we work with or want to work with. Finally, the show is expansive, helping them to realize how much is actually going on in this industry and why we, as owners, push them to experiment with new tools and techniques. Whether it’s new mills, lathes, hybrid machines, cutting tools, fixtures or software, all of it is there. The entire spectacle will light a fire under them and make them even more passionate about their craft.

We want to see the passion and enthusiasm that come with the realization that machining plain blocks of metal into valuable parts is art. For those who don’t possess that kind of passion and are working only to collect a paycheck, attending a trade show is likely a waste of time. But for those who appreciate the art of machining and want to learn, the money and time to attend will be well spent. If our two best machinists return inspired and excited about what they’ve learned, we’ll reap much more than the cost of plane tickets, meals and a hotel room. Sounds worthwhile to me.

Some may wonder why I’d write about this before the fact instead of reflecting on the experience afterwards. Mainly because IMTS takes place Sept. 8-13 and you still have time to consider attending.

Even if this is impossible in 2014, consider it for later. You’ll be amazed at the camaraderie you can build with employees, the rapport they can develop with key suppliers and the overall experience of getting away from the shop to do something important. I hope to see you there. CTE