Podcasts about mccormick place

IMTS 2026 is just weeks away, and the show floor will be packed with new equipment worth tracking down. In this episode, Laura Davis highlights four machines making their case at McCormick Place this September. Here's where to find each one, and what makes it worth the walk. A 5-axis mill-turn center built for aerospace engine components A compact CNC turning center for small high-volume parts A flexible cylindrical grinder A high-torque 5-axis horizontal machining center for large structural parts. 

In this episode of Control Intelligence, editor in chief Mike Bacidore spoke with Doug Woods, president of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, which hosts the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) September 14-19 at Chicago's McCormick Place. In this interview, Woods explains the missions of the association and the exhibition, which is the western hemisphere's largest manufacturing trade show, as well as expectations of what the 2026 IMTS has in store and how to navigate the massive event.

Brendan Menapace, content director for Print & Promo Marketing, reflects on covering his first ASI Show at McCormick Place, from insightful professional development to an inspiring keynote and memorable Counselor Awards.

What an incredible weekend in the Windy City! I recap the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Weekend. From soaking in the Chicago lifestyle to experiencing the immersive fan festival, this trip was one for the books.In this episode, we dive into the 3-day WNBA Live convention at McCormick Place—the activations, the exclusive merch drops, and the culture.  Then, we head over to Wintrust Arena for All-Star Friday Night to watch the best shooters and playmakers in the league face off in the 3-Point Contest and Kia Skills Challenge. Finally, we hit the iconic United Center for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game itself!At the end of the video, I share my thoughts on where the NEXT WNBA All-Star Game needs to be. (Let me know if you agree in the comments!

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's appearance at the National Conference of State Legislatures' summit at McCormick Place.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's appearance at the National Conference of State Legislatures' summit at McCormick Place.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports on Gov. J.B. Pritzker's appearance at the National Conference of State Legislatures' summit at McCormick Place.

In this special episode of Omnivore, Anupama Joshi of the Center for Science in the Public Interest and Alon Chen, co-founder and CEO of Tastewise, join the podcast for a preview of the ideas shaping IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo, taking place July 12–15, 2026, in Chicago. Joshi, who will speak in the keynote panel Building Trust: Scientific Consensus and Policy for a Safer Food Future, explores how misinformation, policy gaps, and evolving scientific standards are influencing public trust in food and nutrition and what it will take to build greater transparency and credibility across the food system. Chen, featured in the closing keynote Designing with Agentic Intelligence: Faster, Smarter, Safer Food Innovation, discusses how AI is helping food companies identify emerging trends, translate early signals into actionable insights, and move more quickly from concept to commercialization. Together, these conversations highlight the intersection of science, policy, and technology that will define discussions at IFT FIRST—and the challenges and opportunities facing food professionals today.  Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST—Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join us July 12–15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Learn more at ift.org. 

In a recent cover story, Food Technology explored how artificial intelligence is helping food companies move from reacting to contamination events to predicting risk earlier—while raising urgent questions about validation, accountability, and human oversight. In this episode, we're continuing that conversation with three of the experts featured in the story—Willette Crawford, Matt Henderson, and Jeff Varcoe—to dig deeper into where AI is already delivering value, where the hype exceeds the science, and why humans still hold the line.  Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join us July 12–15, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Learn more at ift.org. 

Ben Rhodes, contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, co-host of Pod Save the World, an advisor to former president Barack Obama and the author of All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches (Random House, 2026), talks about his new book that tells the history of the United States and its central conflicts through public speeches, from Benjamin Franklin to Donald Trump. Photo: U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to supporters during his farewell speech at McCormick Place on January 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Darren Hauck/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hosted by David Cowen | Careers and the Business of Law Fresh off four days at McCormick Place in Chicago, David Cowen sits down with Oyango Snell, President & CEO of CLOC, for a post-CGI debrief. The energy on the floor was unmistakable: this is not the same industry it was twelve months ago. From Second City opening every morning to standing-room-only sessions on AI maturity, CGI 2026 signaled that the legal ops community has moved from anxiety to confident curiosity. WHY THIS MATTERS The legal industry is no longer asking if AI matters. It's asking how to measure it. With budgets flat and demand rising, legal ops professionals are being forced to get strategic. This conversation captures the mood of the market and where the next five years are headed. KEY TAKEAWAYS Attendees came with hands-on experience and real questions. Anxiety is out, confident curiosity is in. Legal ops has moved from chaos to at least ad hoc, if not operational, on the maturity arc. "Do more with less" is hogwash. Flat budgets plus rising demand requires strategy, not just effort. AI won't replace jobs. People who leverage AI will replace those who don't. A growing economy means more demand for legal services. The doomsday narrative doesn't hold up. Education is the new currency. CLOC Academy is hitting the road to reach those who can't make it to CGI. Legal ops sits at the intersection of law and technology. That's the superpower. Own it. CGI 2027 is back at the Aria in Las Vegas. Pro tip from David: Thank the speakers. Easiest networking move there is. Pro tip from Oyango: Own your professional stake. Relationships are built through follow-up, not just introductions. PEOPLE MENTIONED David Cowen, Host Oyango Snell, President & CEO, CLOC Kevin Clem, Harbor; co-author of the State of the Industry Report Zach Kass, CGI 2026 Keynote Speaker Mary O'Connell, Market leader, referenced Connie Brenton, Founder and CEO, LegalOps.com COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS MENTIONED CLOC, Corporate Legal Operations Consortium; host of CGI and legal ops community anchor Harbor, Co-produced the 2026 State of the Industry Report with CLOC Second City, Opened each day of CGI 2026 and set the tone for the conference Anthropic, Ivo, OpenAI, Among the vendors actively hiring legal tech talent SOLID, Legal career and education community; Solid New York on October 1st CLOC Academy, Educational arm of CLOC, now going on the road beyond CGI

In mid-May, I attended the National Restaurant Show at McCormick Place in Chicago, visiting several booths and taking in the product and equipment innovations there — while eating and drinking my way through many delicious, and filling, product samples. One of the booths I visited was the Mezete booth, where Khaled Kasih, CEO and third-generation leader of Amman, Jordan-based Kasih Food Production Co. (and the Mezete brand), took a few minutes to discuss Middle Eastern cuisine with me (and offer some samples, of course!). For this episode of the Food For Thought podcast, Kasih digs into the history of Middle Eastern cuisine and the growing popularity of authentically produced foods from the region. He also discusses his company's passion for bringing the foods to a global audience, using innovative technology as the backbone of creating high-quality, true-to-tradition Middle Eastern foods.

Bob Little, CEO of Kanzen Meal, a subsidiary of Nissin Foods, gives the scoop on how the company is rethinking wellbeing in the frozen aisle with its line of single-serve meals designed to deliver all 27 essential nutrients the body needs each day. Packaging experts Claire Sand and Ogechukwu Tasie explore how bio-based materials, agricultural waste, and emerging coating technologies could reduce food packaging's reliance on synthetic plastics while preserving food safety, shelf life, and performance. Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join the leading food science and innovation expo, IFT FIRST, at McCormick Place in Chicago, July 12-15, 2026, for the industry’s premier event connecting innovation, science, and business. Learn more at ift.org.

Carl Morrison is the legal operations ambassador to Las Vegas, a CLOC board member, and one of the people who built the legal operations function on the Las Vegas Strip. David Cowen sits down with Carl to trace the evolution of legal ops from his first CLOC at the Bellagio a decade ago to today's McCormick Place, and to unpack the central question of this moment: are we using AI as a tool, or are we becoming enslaved to it? Key Topics Covered: The CLOC origin story: Building the first legal ops function in Las Vegas gaming and hospitality The CLOC 101 Academy: Why the entry-level program now serves over 150 attendees Slavery vs. freedom: Carl's framing of the choice every legal team faces with AI Personal agency as the answer: Why the automation question is fundamentally about who you want to be The Claude conversation: Why model preference shifts month to month and why the relationship matters more than the tool Fearlessness as career strategy: Why curiosity matters more than credentials

Food science has a trust problem. In this episode, we'll explore some of the reasons why consumers are mistrustful and confused, discuss how misinformation spreads, and share thoughts on what food professionals can do to help rebuild trust in the food system. Science communication experts Linda Eatherton and Veronica Jarmillo break down some of the challenges of science communication and offer practical strategies for addressing misinformation.   Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join the leading food science and innovation expo, IFT FIRST, at McCormick Place in Chicago, July 12-15, 2026, for the industry’s premier event connecting innovation, science, and business. Learn more at ift.org.   

The T&D World team just returned from Chicago for the 2026 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition. This audio story in our ICYMI series previews the event, featuring a Q&A with Jackie Peer, director of industry outreach for the event steering committee, and Carla Frieh, co-chair of the local organizing committee. Power engineering professionals from around the world came together in Chicago from May 4-7 to explore practical solutions for a more reliable, resilient grid. ComEd hosted the week of education and networking at the McCormick Place in Chicago, where attendees could browse exhibits on the show floor, attend technical and panel sessions and participate in technical tours and networking events.   To see more coverage of the event, stay tuned to the T&D World website and look for a future episode of the T&D World Live Podcast, which will feature a recap moderated by Christina Marsh with Amy Fischbach and Nikki Chandler of T&D World. 

The T&D World team just returned from Chicago for the 2026 IEEE PES T&D Conference and Exposition. This audio story in our ICYMI series previews the event, featuring a Q&A with Jackie Peer, director of industry outreach for the event steering committee, and Carla Frieh, co-chair of the local organizing committee. Power engineering professionals from around the world came together in Chicago from May 4-7 to explore practical solutions for a more reliable, resilient grid. ComEd hosted the week of education and networking at the McCormick Place in Chicago, where attendees could browse exhibits on the show floor, attend technical and panel sessions and participate in technical tours and networking events.   To see more coverage of the event, stay tuned to the T&D World website and look for a future episode of the T&D World Live Podcast, which will feature a recap moderated by Christina Marsh with Amy Fischbach and Nikki Chandler of T&D World. 

00:00 – 23:05 – Will Pacers fans be superstitious on Sunday?, fixes to tanking, James’ aunt works at McCormick Place where the NBA Draft Lottery is and we’re trying to get her to put the balls in the Pacers’ favor, Colts positional battle 23:06 – 32:33 – ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder joins us from Bristol and discusses team building at the worldwide leader, why Anthony Richardson showed up to Colts workouts and what it means for his future, how does the rest of the league know Anthony Richardson is fully healthy? 32:34 – 46:58 – Fever radio voice John Nolan joins us in-studio and discusses going to his first Indyu 500 this year, his broadcast career, how the Fever did in the preseason, a healthy Caitlin Clark, expectations heading into the season, new faces on the team 46:59 – 58:53 - Colts sideline reporter Larra Overton joins us to discuss the “With The Next Pick” series, the editing process and how it all comes together, thoughts on the offseason additionsSupport the show: https://1075thefan.com/the-wake-up-call-1075-the-fan/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:00 – 13:18– Cubs beat the Reds in walk-off fashion again, Colts practice, Anthony Richardson’s status 13:19 – 21:12 – Morning Checkdown 21:13 – 4:22 – Will Pacers fans be superstitious on Sunday?, fixes to tanking, James’ aunt works at McCormick Place where the NBA Draft Lottery is and we’re trying to get her to put the balls in the Pacers’ favor, Colts positional battle 44:23 – 1:10:23– ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder joins us from Bristol and discusses team building at the worldwide leader, why Anthony Richardson showed up to Colts workouts and what it means for his future, how does the rest of the league know Anthony Richardson is fully healthy?, Morning Checkdown 1:10:24 – 1:27:44 – Pacers highlight from a year ago, Kevin is all in on the Carolina Hurricanes and their beer skate, how can the IMS do something similar? 1:27:45 – 1:38:02 – We get some mock ups of a beer Borg-Warner trophy, we play Get to Know Your Colts Draft Pick, the linebacker group 1:38:03 – 2:04:24 – Fever radio voice John Nolan joins us in-studio and discusses going to his first Indyu 500 this year, his broadcast career, how the Fever did in the preseason, a healthy Caitlin Clark, expectations heading into the season, new faces on the team, Morning Checkdown 2:04:25 – 2:16:29 – Colts sideline reporter Larra Overton joins us to discuss the “With The Next Pick” series, the editing process and how it all comes together, thoughts on the offseason additions 2:16:30 – 2:22:32 – NBA Draft Lottery superstitions?, the guys reflect on the Pacers-Cavs series from a year agoSupport the show: https://1075thefan.com/the-wake-up-call-1075-the-fan/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than three years on the legislative backburner, the Illinois House approved a major economic development bill that would clear the path for the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. The bill includes broader economic development provisions, especially for Chicago and Springfield. Blighted or underused rail yards in Chicago would be eligible for their own type of megaproject aimed at redeveloping and revitalizing the yards. To be eligible, the projects must bring in $40 billion in new tax revenue over at least 40 years and increase transit ridership by 10,000 riders on average each day. Such legislation could open the door to massive new projects being considered in the city such as a new White Sox stadium being floated for an Amtrak yard along the Chicago River just south of the Loop and the One Central project near McCormick Place. Host - Jon Hansen Guest - Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch seven years ago, we've published more than 30,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 150,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Conrad and Gyi are live from ABA TECHSHOW 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, and they've got a big announcement. Lunch Hour Legal Marketing is going all-in on AI with the debut of Claudia, the podcast's new AI co-host. Trained on the most authoritative legal marketing sources (including this very podcast), backed by private equity from Amazon's Alexa Fund, and equipped with her own proprietary accuracy-testing model... What could possibly go wrong? The guys break down the news: A landmark social media addiction verdict against Meta and Google  The epic police accountability case starring Afroman A lawyer whose social profiles were hijacked by a Morgan & Morgan slogan Thanks to our sponsors: Thyme, Alps, LexReception, CallRail, and our new sponsors, Lawmatics and Juvo Leads!An additional thank you to the hosts of this week's events, Smokeball and 8AM!   Chapters 0:00 Welcome from ABA TECHSHOW 2026 0:43 Thank You: Smokeball & 8AM 1:54 Why TECHSHOW Is Different 2:42 Big Announcement Coming 3:26 New Format & Weekly Episodes 3:53 Going All-In on AI 4:17 News: Afroman's Civil Rights Case 5:29 News: Meta & Google Social Media Addiction Verdict 6:27 News: Attorney's Social Profiles Hacked 7:29 ALPS Insurance Ad (Read by Claudia) 8:56 Introducing Claudia, AI Co-Host 11:04 What Claudia Does for LHLM 11:19 How Claudia Was Trained 12:37 Hallucinations & Accuracy — How Claudia Handles It 13:35 The Self-Serving Training Problem 14:34 Claudia as Agency Secret Sauce 15:20 Three Firms Per Market — The Business Model 16:02 Claudia's... Unconventional Capabilities 16:56 Things Get Weird 17:22 Budget AI Problems

Alan is joined by Jack Minahan from Henry Schein Practice Transitions for a deep dive into the modern landscape of dental practice sales, recorded live at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting. The conversation moves past the outdated stereotypes of the transition industry, with Jack providing a data-driven look at why private practice ownership remains the dominant model despite the high-profile growth of DSOs. They explore the critical "replaceability" factor for clinicians, the strategic timing of technology investments, and how "goodwill" functions as the lifeblood of a practice's value. From navigating real estate hurdles to the necessity of an emergency exit plan, this episode provides a practical roadmap for dentists at any stage of their career to protect their most valuable professional asset. I. Introduction Live from Chicago: Recording at McCormick Place during the Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting. Meet Jack Minahan: Transition specialist at Henry Schein Practice Transitions. The "Face" of Transitions: Moving past the stereotype of the veteran broker to modern, data-driven expertise. II. The Current State of Dental Sales Who is Selling?: Most sellers are in their 50s and 60s looking for retirement, but younger doctors are seeking lifestyle changes. The DSO Myth vs. Reality: * National data shows ~13% DSO ownership vs. 87% private ownership. Banks are still lending 100% of purchase prices to qualified private buyers. Ownership Trends: Younger doctors (10 years out or less) are leaning toward associateship, while veterans remain the primary owners. III. Preparing Your Practice for Sale The Value of Cash Flow: Why "Cash is King" regardless of how dated the wallpaper might be. Replaceability: The difficulty of selling a practice where the owner performs highly specialized procedures (implants, ortho) that a buyer may not be trained in. To Tech or Not to Tech?: Short-term (0–5 years): Avoid massive debt; focus on small aesthetic wins (paint, flooring). Long-term (10+ years): Invest in technology to stay competitive and efficient. IV. Navigating the Transition Process The Timeline: From finding a buyer to closing typically takes 3–18 months. Valuation & Appraisal: Analyzing new patient counts, hygiene retention, and overhead. Real Estate Realities: The difference between owning a standalone building versus leasing in a retail hub. Goodwill: Defining the "un-pinnable" value of patient relationships and reputation. V. Closing Thoughts The Power of a Plan: Why having an "emergency exit plan" is vital even if you aren't ready to retire. Resources: How to find a Henry Schein representative in your specific region. Some links from the show: Henry Schein Dental Practice Transitions ADA Practice Transitions (ADAPT) Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Frank, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!

The Midwest's largest pop culture and comic convention, C2E2, returns to McCormick Place this weekend; a look at how Pokémon Go players are shaping the delivery robot industry, and giving while living—grandparents fund education, camps, and travel, balancing generosity while protecting long-term financial security.

Food Technology trend guru Dr. Liz Sloan shares her take on the defining consumer trends of 2026, which range from next-gen comfort food to snackable beverages. And John Ruff, retired senior vice president of R&D at Kraft Foods and a past president of IFT, draws on decades of product development experience to explain why alternative meat is a long game—one that will likely be defined by hybrids, mycoproteins, incremental improvements, and products consumers choose because they taste great, not because they're told they should. Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join the leading food science and innovation expo, IFT FIRST, at McCormick Place in Chicago, July 12th through the 15th, for the industry’s premier event connecting innovation, science, and business. Learn more at ift.org.

In this episode of SciDish, we sit down with Bruce Friedrich, founder and president of the Good Food Institute, to unpack his new book MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity's Favorite Food—and Our Future, recently named one of Publishers Weekly's Top Ten New Releases in Science. Rather than arguing against meat consumption, Friedrich explores a pragmatic question: if global demand for meat continues to rise, can science help us produce it more efficiently, safely, and sustainably? We dig into the food science and biotechnology behind plant-based and cultivated meat, the real-world bottlenecks to scaling these innovations, why conventional meat companies are investing in alternative proteins, and how policy decisions today could quietly shape the future of protein production. Plus: This episode of Omnivore is brought to you by IFT FIRST – Food Improved by Research, Science, and Technology. Join the leading food science and innovation expo, IFT FIRST, at McCormick Place in Chicago, July 12th through the 15th, for the industry’s premier event connecting innovation, science, and business. Learn more at ift.org.

Recorded live from McCormick Place in Chicago, this episode marks the official kickoff of the MakingChips journey toward IMTS 2026. With nine months to go, we sit down with two leaders helping shape the show itself: Michelle Edmondson, Vice President of Exhibitions for IMTS, and Bonnie Gurney, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Industry Relations. What unfolds is a behind-the-scenes look at how the largest manufacturing technology show in North America is built — from campaign strategy and theme development to visitor planning, education tracks, emerging technologies, and student engagement. This year's theme, "Achieve the Impossible," paired with the campaign message around "Six Days," reflects what IMTS is really about: momentum. It's not just about buying a machine this year. It's about seeing where the industry is heading five years from now. We explore how exhibitors should define ROI, why attendees need a strategy before walking the floor, what's new in 2026 (including the Industrial AI Arena and the 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center), and how young people — including our own kids — can get plugged into manufacturing through Smartforce and the Student Summit. Whether you're an exhibitor, an attendee, or still on the fence, this episode is a practical roadmap for how to get the most out of IMTS — and why it matters more than ever in today's manufacturing climate. Segments (0:00) Live from Chicago: Exhibitor Workshop energy and early IMTS planning (2:17) Hennig's evolving booth strategy and bringing real machines to the floor (3:43) Why you need to be at the MFG Meeting 2026 (4:38) Introducing Michelle Edmondson and Bonnie Gurney from IMTS (7:04) The power of long-term partnerships and IMTS' impact on careers (8:58) Defining ROI for exhibitors: Setting measurable goals before the show begins (11:16) Planning IMTS as an attendee: short-term shopping list vs. long-term vision (13:21) IMTS 2026 theme: "Achieve the Impossible" and the Six Days campaign (14:52) How real visitors shape the ad campaign and messaging (16:07) Student Summit and engaging the next generation (17:40) Family business, succession, and getting kids into manufacturing (21:55) Common exhibitor mistakes — territory gatekeeping and lost opportunities (23:48) Factur: Building consistent pipeline systems for manufacturers (24:54) Behind the scenes: how IMTS develops its theme and campaign strategy (29:25) 20th anniversary of the Emerging Technology Center (30:04) Launch of the new Industrial AI Arena and AI conference (30:59) Education tracks, co-located conferences, and specialized programming (33:56) MakingChips live podcast studio plans at IMTS 2026 (35:47) Rockford IMTS summer party and nonprofit partnership (37:35) Smartforce, Student Summit, and how schools can get involved (39:12) What visitors should be doing right now to prepare (41:19) Housing deadlines and avoiding scam hotel vendors (43:24) Hire MFG Leaders: Recruiting leaders who understand manufacturing (43:52) Will IMTS 2026 be the best show ever? Why optimism is high (45:53) Young founders in manufacturing and the entrepreneurship tailwind Resources mentioned on this episode Connect with Michelle Edmondson Connect with Bonnie Gurney IMTS 2026 IMTS Smartforce Student Summit IMTS Show Planner USMTO Report Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

This special Saturday episode of the Very Dental Podcast is all about the upcoming Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting! Alan Mead sits down with Dr. Phil Schefke, President of the Chicago Dental Society (CDS), to preview the 2026 Midwinter Meeting. Whether you're a 30-year veteran of the meeting or a dental student looking for your first experience, this episode dives into why Chicago remains the premier destination for dental innovation, collegiality, and—believe it or not—puppies. The Guest: Dr. Phil Schefke Dr. Schefke serves as the President of the Chicago Dental Society, the largest component of the ADA. With a board of 15 members and a dedicated staff, Phil has spent nearly a decade on the leadership ladder to help orchestrate a meeting that hosts attendees from all 50 states and over 60 countries. What's New at the Midwinter Meeting? The CDS team has spent three years redesigning the attendee experience based on direct feedback. Here are the new features and highlights discussed in this episode: Streamlined Registration: No more waiting for badges in the mail. Attendees will receive a QR code to print their badges at self-service stations at McCormick Place or at three partner hotels (Hyatt Regency on Wacker, Hyatt McCormick, and Marriott McCormick). Enhanced Exhibit Floor Layout: The floor has been redesigned with shorter aisles for easier mobility and "crisscross" navigation. Refresh & Recharge Stations: Scattered throughout the floor, these areas offer water and phone charging ports to keep you hydrated and connected. Grab-and-Go Dining: New food stations on the exhibit floor designed for quick lunches between CE courses. The "Hadley" Puppy Corner: A dedicated space in the back of the exhibit hall to play with puppies and melt away the stress of the day (named after the first CDS president). Early Career Dentist Lounge: A comfortable space featuring couches and networking opportunities specifically for the next generation of clinicians. CDS "Swag" Booth: For the first time, attendees can purchase official CDS-branded jackets, sweaters, and coffee cups. Tech Upgrades: A brand-new, intuitive registration system that prevents double-booking courses and high-quality, reliable Wi-Fi throughout the venue. On-Site Mobile Clinic: The Illinois Masonic Hospital will have their mobile dental van on the floor for tours and demonstrations. Free Professional Headshots: Available at the CDS footprint for attendees to update their professional profiles. Special Events & Keynotes Thursday: Keynote speaker Chris Chelios, three-time Stanley Cup champion, discussing leadership and championship-level teamwork. (Plus, Garrett's Popcorn giveaways!) Friday: "Sip, Suds, and Sales" (beer and wine on the exhibit floor) followed by the Beats and Bites DJ party. Saturday: The traditional President's Dinner Dance, a black-tie event featuring a live band to celebrate the week's successes. The "Fourth Level" of Dentistry Alan and Phil discuss the "secret sauce" of CDS membership. At just $125 (for ADA members), membership provides free registration to the meeting, offering incredible value compared to standard registration fees. It's a tradition that spans 161 years, proving that while technology changes, the value of face-to-face collegiality remains priceless. Some links from the show: The 2026 Chicago Midwinter Dental Meeting Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Are you a practice owner who feels like the bottleneck in your own business? If you're tired of being the hardest-working person in your office, I've got something you need to hear. Dr. Paul Etchison, is hosting a virtual event that is a total game-changer. Paul is honestly one of the most brilliant minds in dental leadership today, and he's hosting the 3-Day Freedom Practice Workshop from February 19th through the 21st. He's going to show you exactly how to break through that two-million-dollar revenue ceiling while actually compressing your clinical week. It's about building a leadership team that takes ownership so you can finally step into the CEO role you deserve. Head over to DentalPracticeHeroes.com/freedom to grab your spot. And do me a favor—mention the Very Dental podcast when you sign up. It's 100% guaranteed, so you've got nothing to lose but the stress. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!  

Chris, Nikki, and Whip chat with Jim OBrill, Sr. Director of Marketing & Strategy at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association! Don't miss the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place through Monday, February 16th. Get your tickets HERE.Listen to The Morning Mix weekdays from 5:30am - 10:00am on 101.9fm The Mix in Chicago or with the free Mix App available in the Apple App Store and Google Play.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jen Morand, Chicago Auto Show General Manager, joins Jon Hansen to talk about how you can shop, compare, and experience the latest and greatest the auto industry has to offer at McCormick Place. For more information, visit www.chicagoautoshow.com.

Alan discusses his "whirlwind" travel plans for the Chicago Midwinter Meeting, reviews the new Bioclear TSS Matrix system, and shares his first impressions of the remarkably small Shining 3D Elf scanner. Key Highlights The Chicago Midwinter Strategy Alan is opting for a surgical strike on Chicago this year: The Schedule: Working Thursday, driving to Indiana, hitting the McCormick Center all day Friday for recording, and driving back Friday night. The Goal: Maximizing "content in the can" by recording with attendees and exhibitors without the expense of a multi-day hotel stay. Connect: If you're at McCormick Place on Friday the 20th, reach out via Facebook to say hello. Product Spotlight: Bioclear TSS Matrices Alan breaks down the new Tooth Surface Specific (TSS) matrix system from Bioclear. The Workflow: Labeled by tooth number (6–11) and surface (mesial/distal), making it "assistant-proof." Performance: Stiffer than previous iterations with better gingival control and less "over-bulking," significantly reducing finishing and polishing time. Essential Accessory: QwikStrips(specifically the Red and White versions) for breaking contacts before matrix placement. Listener Discount: Use code VERYDENTAL8TON at Bioclear for 15% off your order (includes courses and products). Tech Review: The Shining 3D "Elf" Scanner Purchased through CAD-Ray, this new scanner is making waves for its form factor. Size: Comparable to a curing light or intraoral camera; it plugs directly into USBC with no external power brick. Speed: Extremely fast full-arch scans with high accuracy on soft tissue (ideal for removable cases). Ease of Use: "Plug and play" installation with immediate functionality, even for those used to the Medit ecosystem. Some links from the show: Bioclear TSS Matrix Kit (Use code VERYDENTAL8TON at Bioclear for 15% off your order (includes courses and products) Qwikstrips (white and red) Shining 3D Aoralscan Elf from CAD-Ray Join the Very Dental Facebook Group using one of these passwords: Timmerman, Paul, Bioclear, Hornbrook, Gary, McWethy, Papa Randy, or Lipscomb!  The Very Dental Podcast network is and will remain free to download. If you'd like to support the shows you love at Very Dental then show a little love to the people that support us! I'm a big fan of the Bioclear Method! I think you should give it a try and I've got a great offer to help you get on board! Use the exclusive Very Dental Podcast code VERYDENTAL8TON for 15% OFF your total Bioclear purchase, including Core Anterior and Posterior Four day courses, Black Triangle Certification, and all Bioclear products. Are you a practice owner who feels like the bottleneck in your own business? If you're tired of being the hardest-working person in your office, I've got something you need to hear. Dr. Paul Etchison, is hosting a virtual event that is a total game-changer. Paul is honestly one of the most brilliant minds in dental leadership today, and he's hosting the 3-Day Freedom Practice Workshop from February 19th through the 21st. He's going to show you exactly how to break through that two-million-dollar revenue ceiling while actually compressing your clinical week. It's about building a leadership team that takes ownership so you can finally step into the CEO role you deserve. Head over to DentalPracticeHeroes.com/freedom to grab your spot. And do me a favor—mention the Very Dental podcast when you sign up. It's 100% guaranteed, so you've got nothing to lose but the stress. Crazy Dental has everything you need from cotton rolls to equipment and everything in between and the best prices you'll find anywhere! If you head over to verydentalpodcast.com/crazy and use coupon code "VERYSHIP" you'll get free shipping on your order! Go save yourself some money and support the show all at the same time! The Wonderist Agency is basically a one stop shop for marketing your practice and your brand. From logo redesign to a full service marketing plan, the folks at Wonderist have you covered! Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/wonderist! Enova Illumination makes the very best in loupes and headlights, including their new ergonomic angled prism loupes! They also distribute loupe mounted cameras and even the amazing line of Zumax microscopes! If you want to help out the podcast while upping your magnification and headlight game, you need to head over to verydentalpodcast.com/enova to see their whole line of products! CAD-Ray offers the best service on a wide variety of digital scanners, printers, mills and even  their very own browser based design software, Clinux! CAD-Ray has been a huge supporter of the Very Dental Podcast Network and I can tell you that you'll get no better service on everything digital dentistry than the folks from CAD-Ray. Go check them out at verydentalpodcast.com/CADRay!  

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo---known as 'C2E2'---will be at McCormick Place on March 27th, 28th and 29th. There will be panel discussions, celebrity photo and autograph sessions, gaming and costumes contests, and late night After Dark parties. More than 3-hundred exhibitors and artists will participate in this year's C2E2 event.

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo---known as 'C2E2'---will be at McCormick Place on March 27th, 28th and 29th. There will be panel discussions, celebrity photo and autograph sessions, gaming and costumes contests, and late night After Dark parties. More than 3-hundred exhibitors and artists will participate in this year's C2E2 event.

The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo---known as 'C2E2'---will be at McCormick Place on March 27th, 28th and 29th. There will be panel discussions, celebrity photo and autograph sessions, gaming and costumes contests, and late night After Dark parties. More than 3-hundred exhibitors and artists will participate in this year's C2E2 event.

When you walk into IMTS—the International Manufacturing Technology Show—it's easy to be awestruck by the machines, the energy, and the sheer scale. But few people realize just how much planning, logistics, and collaboration go into bringing that experience to life. In this episode of MakingChips, we sit down with Mark Kennedy, Senior Director of Exhibitions at AMT, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the world's largest manufacturing trade show comes together. This conversation dives deep into the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop, a two-day event that helps exhibitors prepare for success long before the show floor opens. Mark explains how exhibitors—from first-timers to seasoned veterans—can maximize ROI, streamline operations, and turn their IMTS booth into a "Super Bowl moment" for their brand. From freight logistics and pavilion planning to marketing strategy and exhibitor education, Mark shares stories that reveal the incredible coordination required to transform McCormick Place into a million-square-foot hub of innovation. The hosts also share their own trade show experiences—from lessons learned the hard way to creative booth strategies like ProShop's "Ambassador Program." Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or simply curious about the manufacturing event that defines the industry every two years, this episode offers a rare look at what it takes to make IMTS happen—and how to make it count. Segments (1:00) Introducing guest Mark Kennedy and the importance of the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop (3:14) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (6:32) How IMTS continues to evolve — from pavilions to product sectors (8:20) Why IMTS is the "Super Bowl" for manufacturers (9:01) What separates the best exhibitors (habits of highly effective show teams) (9:52) Creative booth ideas that drive engagement (ProShop Ambassadors, Toolpath's cornhole concept) (13:46) Lessons for first-time exhibitors and the importance of detailed planning (14:51) Panel discussions and hearing directly from attendees (16:46) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog (18:00) The new executive track — teaching leaders how to measure ROI (19:07) Alternatives for those who can't attend: Regional "Spring Training" sessions (20:38) Why McCormick Place and in-person networking still matter (21:53) Understanding the E-Kit and saving money through early planning (23:35) Collaboration among competitors and shared learning on the show floor (24:32) Maximizing IMTS Plus and digital marketing before the show (25:33) Introducing the IMTS Exhibitor Workbook — your "playbook for ROI" (26:35) The importance of preparation (you can't wing IMTS like a football game) (30:30) The continuous improvement mindset and what's coming next for IMTS 2026 (31:29) Predicting the next big trend — AI as the "prom queen" of manufacturing (33:46) Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Resources mentioned on this episode Register for the IMTS Exhibitor Workshop Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Check out SMW Autoblok's workholding catalog Why we created Hire MFG Leaders—and why you should use the service Connect With MakingChips www.MakingChips.com On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube

Hundreds of Chicago high school students were accepted to college on the spot today at McCormick Place.

Hundreds of Chicago high school students were accepted to college on the spot today at McCormick Place.

Hundreds of Chicago high school students were accepted to college on the spot today at McCormick Place.

In this episode of “At Your Convenience,” CSP Editors Hannah Hammond, Heather Lalley, Chuck Ulie, Diane Adam and Rachel Gignac discuss their biggest takeaways from the 2025 NACS Show.The NACS Show took place Tuesday through Friday at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Ralph Exton, Executive Director for the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, joins Your Money Matters. Ralph shares how Chicago is the definition of a water city, the innovations between water and AI, and more. It kicks off September 27th at McCormick Place. For more information, visit www.weftec.org.

North America's largest metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing event is making its return to McCormick Place in Chicago. Mark Hoper, Senior VP at the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, joins Jon Hansen to discuss what people can expect from the event. Mark talks about how attendees will be able to compare equipment, vendors, and more! […]

Marielle Bobo is the VP of Content at Shoptalk Spring and Fall, where she curates programming and secures industry-leading speakers to spark the most important conversations in retail and ecommerce. She's spent 25 years in cross-platform media, serving as Editor-in-Chief & SVP of Programming at EBONY, Fashion Director at Essence, and shaping fashion, beauty, and retail narratives at Womenswear Daily, Allure, and Cosmopolitan.Before taking the helm at Shoptalk's content strategy, Marielle built a career telling stories that resonate: across print, digital, video, and live events, earning a reputation for translating trends into actionable insights. That lens now drives how she programs Shoptalk, ensuring attendees walk away with strategies they can implement immediately.Marielle shares what's different about Shoptalk Fall this year compared to year one, the genesis of the brand-new Leadership track, and why now is the moment for retail leaders to think differently about org design, planning, and agility. She also reveals which sessions ecommerce store owners and DTC brands can't afford to miss, plus how her editorial background influences the way she curates content for maximum impact.Whether she's explaining how to navigate a packed agenda or uncovering the most relevant themes for today's volatile retail landscape, Marielle offers a candid look at how great content can transform an industry event into a growth engine.In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:40] Intro[01:01] Exploring global event series for innovators[02:05] Kicking off with immersive retail experiences[04:13] Planning your conference strategy in advance[06:20] Recapping key learnings before the show ends[09:50] Learning from leading retail and DTC brands[11:51] Finding solutions through casual conversations[12:58] Highlighting brick-and-mortar's role in EcommerceResources:Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on YoutubeOrganizing retail's industry's very best events shoptalk.com/Providing senior execs workshops, strategy sessions, Chicago retail tours, insights from 130+ leaders, and targeted connections fall.shoptalk.com/Follow Marielle Bobo linkedin.com/in/marielle-boboIf you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Isaac Reichman,​​​​ Director of Corporate Communications at Choose Chicago, joins Jon Hansen to discuss the success of the U.S. Travel Association's IPW. Isaac discusses the event, which is the largest international inbound travel trade show in the country, attracting thousands of travel buyers and media to Chicago.

John Bates, Curator and Section Head, Life Sciences, The Field Museum, joins John Williams to talk about the changes made to McCormick Place in Chicago that has kept migrating birds from hitting windows and reducing deaths by 95 percent.

John Bates, Curator and Section Head, Life Sciences, The Field Museum, joins John Williams to talk about the changes made to McCormick Place in Chicago that has kept migrating birds from hitting windows and reducing deaths by 95 percent.

John Bates, Curator and Section Head, Life Sciences, The Field Museum, joins John Williams to talk about the changes made to McCormick Place in Chicago that has kept migrating birds from hitting windows and reducing deaths by 95 percent.

Ryan Burrow has the business news of the day with the Wintrust Business Minute. This will be a big weekend for conventions and events in Chicago.  McCormick Place will host the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW 2025, the largest inbound international travel trade show in the country.  Also the HYROX World Championships, a four day sports […]

In this episode, Brian is joined by Didier Luneau, GeneralManager of the Marriott Marquis Chicago. Located on the lakefront in the South Downtown neighborhood of Chicago, The Marriott Marquis offers over 1,200 guest rooms and suites, 64 meeting rooms with over 90,000 square feet of meeting space on property and another 2.6 million square feet in the adjacent McCormick Place convention center. Tune in to hear who Didier Thanks for helping him along the way.

On October 5, 2023, thousands of migrating songbirds died after crashing into the McCormick Place Convention Center in downtown Chicago and surrounding buildings. Co-host Deja Perkins will speak with Douglas Stotz, a conservation ecologist at the Chicago-based Field Museum about that deadly night. She'll also talk with Chicago Bird Alliance's Judy Pollock about what has transpired in the months since. And co-host Purbita Saha takes us to New York's Jacob Javits Convention Center, once known for frequent window strikes but now is a safe haven for all birds – migrating and local.To learn more about our guests and their work or to view this episode's transcript and other resources, visit BirdNote.org.Want more Bring Birds Back? Subscribe to our show and follow us on Instagram! For more about BirdNote, sign up for our weekly newsletter. And for ad-free listening and other perks, sign up for BirdNote+ here.BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.Bring Birds Back Season 6 is sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Bird Conservancy.

The Democratic National Convention is officially underway in Chicago, and it's all anyone can talk about. That's why we recorded our episode from McCormick Place to check the vibes and see what this event is actually all about. Plus, to celebrate The Onion's return to print, we're playing a game: Real headline or Onion headline?  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 20 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Second City Orthodontic Experts Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19-22 at the United Center and McCormick Place. If you're reading this thinking those dates are perfect for a quick Midwestern road trip, we've got you. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with American Weekender and Chicago magazine editor Amy Cavanaugh about some quick getaways, spots to eat, and great road trip tips.  Good News: Saturday Community Climb at Steelworkers Park and Sunday Tubing at Tippecanoe River Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 7 episode: Ravinia Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE