IMTS and EMO are the two biggest machine-tool shows in the world, and people often ask how they differ. The short version: IMTS is the North American show — held in Chicago at McCormick Place in even-numbered years, produced by AMT, and the largest manufacturing-technology show in the Western Hemisphere. EMO is the European show — hosted in Europe (rotating between Hannover, Germany and Milan, Italy) and generally regarded as the largest metalworking show globally.
They effectively alternate, so between the two there's a flagship machine-tool show most years. For a U.S. buyer, IMTS is the one to attend — the exhibitor mix, the distributors, and the pricing are all oriented to the North American market. EMO matters if you're tracking European builders and global technology trends.
Both are where new machines debut, so both drive the used market that follows. Whichever you attend, the same rule applies: know what a machine is worth used before you buy new.
| IMTS | EMO | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | North America | Europe |
| Location | Chicago — McCormick Place | Hannover / Milan (rotates) |
| Cadence | Even-numbered years | Other years (alternates) |
| Organizer | AMT | CECIMO |
| Claim | Largest in the Western Hemisphere | Among the largest globally |
Official show site: imts.com · Dates: September 14–19, 2026 · Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois.
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