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.