Schaumburg, IL – The Lasers for Manufacturing Event (LME 2013) closed on an upbeat note as unofficial attendance numbers increased moderately over the previous year. The record number of exhibitors generally expressed approval of the laser-only show, telling Industrial Laser Solutions (ILS) that they were impressed by the quality level of visitors that came to LME 2013 with a processing problem requiring a laser solution.
ILS can vouch for this as several attendees stopped by our booth immediately after the show opening asking for assistance with a specific processing problem.
The show organizer, the Laser Institute of America (LIA), adjusted the event format this year by scheduling the educational courses in time slots before the adjusted show opening hour. In that way, large numbers of show visitors were lined up at the exhibit hall doors prior to the opening hour.
Two significant exhibit hall events proved to be extremely popular. Throughout the day, Technology Briefings by keynote speakers were held where exhibitors and invited speakers presented short overviews of new laser and processing technologies. On many occasions, this on-the-show-floor event was jammed with visitors, and standing room attendance was common
Also the "Ask the Experts" booth, where talented and knowledgeable laser processing experts were available to answer specific processing questions, was a constantly busy operation, and many visitors told us that this was a prime feature of the show for them.
LME looks like it has resonated with manufacturing professionals interested in utilizing lasers in their operations, and the LIA is already planning expanded activities at next year’s event.