The International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) has been named among an elite group of tradeshows as part of Trade Show Executive magazine’s “Fastest 50 Class of 2012 Honorees.” The 50 top performers in each of three metrics – net square feet, number of exhibiting companies and attendance rose to the top of the ranks among 4,000 U.S. trade shows by growing at least seven times the average growth rate for 2012. IMTS was among the top 50 shows for net square feet of exhibit space and number of exhibiting companies with 1,240,863 net square feet of exhibit space and 1,909 exhibiting companies.

Events were judged on the percentage of growth in the individual metrics. Annual shows were included as well as semi-annuals, biennials, one triennial and one quadrennial show. TSE required statistics to be verified by a senior level executive of the show management company or association. Nominations came from show organizers, service contractors, registration firms and venue managers.

“We are honored and proud to be among this elite group of events,” said Peter Eelman, IMTS vice president- exhibitions and communications. “IMTS 2012 was a blockbuster event for our industry. We hosted manufacturing professionals who clearly came to investigate new technologies and make purchases to move their businesses forward. Total registration for our six-day event was 100,200, which is a 21.6 percent increase over 2010, marking the largest show-to-show increase ever for IMTS.”