McCormick Place, Chicago. The 29th edition of the manufacturing technology show boasts more than 1,100 exhibiting companies that will occupy 1.1 million net square feet of exhibit space. The show attracts 82,000 buyers and sellers from more than 116 countries. Leading manufacturers will display their equipment in pavilions including Metal Cutting, Tooling and Workholding Systems, Metal Forming and Fabricating/Laser Processes, Gear Generation, Industrial Automation and many more. The IMTS 2012 Conference brings the industry together, under one roof and at one time, to discuss revered technologies, business development and optimization, plus workforce efficiency and productivity. Special emphasis will be placed on maintaining focus on short- and long-term goals during a tough economic environment.