The second half of MT Forecast day 1 was one for the books! After lunch, attendees selected a breakout session based on their interests; whether it was defense spending or integrating forecasts into their business model, there was something for everyone. Next, Al Melhim from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers gave an in-depth look at the current state and future shifts in the equipment industry. This was followed by Collin Heller of Counterpoint Market Intelligence Limited, who discussed what to expect in both aerospace and defense in the coming years. Finally, Jennifer Shahade, a professional poker player and US champion chess player, gave a special presentation on thinking like a chess master to help you make smarter decisions, not just at the poker table but in your business. The sessions were closed out by Dave Degrange of Morris Group, who recapped all we were able to take away. The night ended with a casino-themed reception complete with roulette, blackjack, and poker, hosted by the professional from earlier in the day. There is still so much to learn here on day 2!

Our morning was jam-packed with information that ranged from the broad to the granular, and we have already learned so much. The morning began with opening remarks from AMT President Doug Woods, who reiterated that now is the best time for US manufacturing. His statement was reiterated by the next two speakers: Bernard Yaros of Oxford Economics and Chris Chidzik of AMT, who gave a general economic forecast and a deeper dive into the manufacturing technology forecasts, respectively. After a short break, there was a special job shops panel moderated by Roger Atkins of NTMA. He chatted with Matt Wardle of JD Machine, Grady Cope of Reata Engineering and Machine Works, and Michael Tamasi of Accurounds about topics such as AI, automation, and the workforce. Finally, before lunch, Stephanie Brinely of Mobility Global gave an in-depth look at forecasts for automotive production in North America. Check back here for updates for the second half of day 1!

MT Forecast 2026 has officially begun! Last night, connections, both old and new, came together for the welcome reception here in Schaumburg. Day 1 has kicked off, and you can check back here for some of the exciting new insights we're taking from today's sessions!

MTForecast 2026 is just TWO WEEKS away! There’s still time to register: hubs.ly/Q04ytVgl0 This year’s featured speakers include experts from General Motors, Bloomberg, former intelligence officers, and ITR Economics. From leaders at major manufacturing technology brands to family-operated machine tool companies, attendees return year after year for insights they can put to work. See you in Schaumburg!

IMTS 2026 gave manufacturers valuable industry insights. How can leaders turn those observations into an actionable plan? MTForecast 2026, Oct. 14-16 in Schaumburg, Illinois, brings together the economic, industry, and market insights manufacturers need to put those observations into context and plan for what’s ahead. Read the full article to learn more: hubs.ly/Q04y8CpR0

We know your feed is full of IMTS action right now, but here is a quick MTForecast intermission! This Monday, Sept. 21, is your LAST chance to secure your hotel room at our exclusive group rate. Don't forget to lock in your savings before the room block fills up and prices increase: hubs.ly/Q04xNjcr0

IMTS is nearly here! As you get ready for a busy week on the show floor, don’t forget to make the AMT Member Lounge part of your plans. The AMT Member Lounge is a quiet oasis when you need a break from the show floor, so consider it your Office-Away-From-Office during show days. Here’s what you need to know: 📍 Room S-103, South Building – across from the hotel shuttle drop-off 🕗 Mon-Fri: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Sat: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. 🍻 Happy Hour: Tues. and Thurs., 4:30-6:30 p.m. ☕ Coffee and soft drinks in the morning | Beer and wine after 2 p.m. 💼 9 small meeting rooms available by the hour, reservable up to 24 hours in advance See you at IMTS!

For over 50 years, the industry’s top forecasters have come to MTForecast to share their insights on upcoming pitfalls and opportunities. And for more than 50 years, they’ve gotten it right. What do they see coming next? Join us Oct. 14-16 as we bring the experts together once again to look ahead to 2026 and beyond. Click here to learn more: hubs.ly/Q04v4Y0j0

Need a place to recharge after walking the show floor at IMTS? Stop by the AMT Member Lounge to get off your feet and get invaluable information on AMT membership and its benefits. You can find the Member Lounge in the South Building: hubs.ly/Q04tKtBN0

Total U.S. industrial production increased 0.2% in July 2026, a slight slowdown from the 0.3% growth in June. While the production of consumer goods contracted in July, it was offset by the rise in industrial equipment, space, and defense production. Read more: hubs.ly/Q04tqfyw0

As manufacturers prepare for @IMTSchicago, leaders should carefully watch key economic indicators to inform spending, production, and market planning decisions for the remainder of the year. Just a month after IMTS, MTForecast, held Oct. 14–16, gives manufacturing leaders the insights they need to determine their next steps, seize emerging opportunities, and translate economic momentum into growth. Manufacturing momentum is building. Read the full article to learn more about MTForecast and the benefits of attending: hubs.ly/Q04t3pSj0

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $672.7 million in June 2026, increasing 15.6% from May 2026 and 56.8% from June 2025. In the first half of 2026, orders totaled $3.44 billion, the strongest half-year since USMTO began collecting data in 1998. Read more: hubs.ly/Q04st0qd0

As manufacturers navigate stronger demand, AI adoption, and shifting investment across industries, knowing where growth is happening is more important than ever. Join us at MTForecast 2026, Oct. 14-16 in Schaumburg, Illinois, for economic outlooks, industry forecasts, and insights on the trends shaping manufacturing. Our latest article, featuring insights from AMT’s Summer Economic Forum, explores the forces driving the manufacturing outlook and the conversations ahead of MTForecast 2026. Read the full article: bit.ly/4z32HWu

Real U.S. economic output increased at an annualized rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, according to the advanced estimate issued today by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. This was below expectations after the previous quarter grew at 2.1%. Read more: hubs.ly/Q04rnXm40

The Federal Reserve announced today that interest rates will remain steady at a target range of 3.5% to 3.75%. An aggressive statement against inflation from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh in the prior meeting led markets to anticipate two rate increases in 2026. Read the full report: hubs.ly/Q04rkq5z0

The secret's out: MTForecast is a must-attend event for manufacturers. Join us Oct. 14–16 in Schaumburg, Illinois, for trusted market insights, expert forecasts, and meaningful industry connections. Register now to lock in Tier 2 pricing before rates increase: hubs.ly/Q04qlRB50

Monday may have passed, but every day is a #MemberMonday for AMT! This week, please help us welcome Campbell Grinder Company as one of the newest members of AMT. Campbell Grinder Company solves manufacturers’ most challenging grinding problems by designing and manufacturing the best vertical, creep feed, and 5-axis grinding machines available. Welcome, Campbell Grinder Co.!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the inaugural Summer Economic Forum last week! Your participation, thoughtful discussions, and engagement made this first hybrid summer event a great success. We also extend our appreciation to @regofix_group for hosting us and providing a great space for industry leaders to connect. Our next economic event is MTForecast 2026, taking place Oct. 14–16. Click here to learn more: hubs.ly/Q04pRN-h0

New orders of metalworking machinery totaled $583.4 million in May 2026, a 1.8% decline from April 2026, but a 47.8% increase over May 2025. Over the first five months of 2026, manufacturing technology orders totaled $2.77 billion, 31.9% over 2025. Read the latest USMTO: hubs.ly/Q04pvg3_0

Shipments of cutting tools totaled $239.8 million in May 2026. The value of shipments decreased 7.4% from April 2026 but was up 15.2% from May 2025. Year-to-date shipments totaled $1.2 billion, up 16.8% from the same period in 2025. Read the full report: hubs.ly/Q04p9xRt0