Based on feedback from attendees, The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) has announced a Job Shops program at IMTS 2018 to help job shops resolve some of their top issues. The program allows attendees to view and try new technologies and talk to technology experts.

IMTS has identified three ways that job shops can find solutions to the problems challenging them while attending IMTS 2018.

1. Technologies and Products - The Modern Machine Shops Top Shops booth, located at the entrance of the North Building, contains an interactive display to explore and discover the best practices of leading manufacturing shops and plants. Attendees can also view the latest technology on display from more than 2,400 exhibitors in the ten technology pavilions.
   
   
2. Practical Learning - Three learning sessions geared towards owner-operated job shops.
   • Uncopyable: Creating an Unfair Advantage Over the Competition
     11 a.m., Choose from Wed., Sept. 12, or Fri., Sept. 14
     This session will be led by marketing expert Steve Miller and will cover new ideas for business growth as well as topics covered in his book of the same title. All participants will receive a complimentary copy.
   • The Unending Search for Qualified Labor
     12:45 – 1:45 p.m., Wed., Sept. 12
     This session will consist of a panel of leading job shop leaders including:
   • • Matt Guse, President, MRS Machining, Augusta, Wisconsin
     • Mike Haupers, Founder, Swiss Precision Machining, Wheeling, Illinois
     • Julie Hoban, CEO of JTD Enterprises, Chilton, Wisconsin
     • Rick Hoffman, CEO & Owner, EIMCo, Farley, Iowa
   • Top Shops Workshop
     Thurs., Sept. 13
     This session is presented by Gardner Business Media, publisher of Modern Machine Shop, and is a benchmarking program covering the best practices for operational excellence, productivity and cost efficiency to become a world-class competitive job shop. Topics include:
     • Advanced Machining Technology
     • Operational Benchmarking
     • Robots & Automation
     • Shop Floor Practices
     • Workforce Development
     • Additive Manufacturing
     • Data-Driven Manufacturing
       
       
3. Engage and Discover Lunch & Learn - Network with other job shop stakeholders over lunch (included with the Uncopyable and Qualified Labor sessions) and reception (included with Top Shops Conference package).