McLean, Virginia – IMTS – The International Manufacturing Technology Show debuted its newest hot air balloon showcasing the new IMTS logo and brand colors of neon green and royal blue.
The iconic mascot of the Show since 2004, the IMTS balloon honors the rich heritage of American manufacturing and the innovation and excitement of the IMTS Show held every two years in September. IMTS 2016 is Sept. 7-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
The first IMTS balloon made its inaugural flight in 2004 with a purple design, and the second version in 2008 with an orange and ribbon-striped scheme. The balloons have participated in balloon festivals and tours around the U.S. The 2008 balloon recently completed its farewell tour, which began at the 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival, April 23-25, in Louisville, Kentucky. As part of the farewell tour, members of the IMTS community participated in a contest and won free IMTS balloon rides.
Peter R. Eelman, vice president – Exhibition and Communications, AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology stated, “For the past 12 years, a conservative estimated 2.5 million people have seen the IMTS balloons in both public and private events, and numerous more have seen the balloons on TV broadcasts, web, print media, and on the wall of countless manufacturing plants by means of the IMTS balloon calendar. The IMTS balloon remains an integral part of the show in Chicago, but also extends our brand well beyond the six days of the show.”
All three IMTS balloons were made by Lindstrand Balloons USA in Galena, Illinois, and the balloons are operated by Aerial Advantage Inc. of Columbia, Missouri.
IMTS 2016 balloon event schedule
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April 28-30; Louisville, Kentucky; Derby Festival
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June 10-12; Waterloo, Iowa; Waterloo Days
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June 24-26; Howell, Michigan; Michigan Challenge
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July 29-31; Readington, New Jersey; Quick Chek Festival
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Aug. 10-12; Findlay, Ohio; Flag City Balloon Festival
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Sept. 12-17; Chicago, Illinois; IMTS
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Oct. 1-9; Albuquerque, NM; Balloon Fiesta
Source: AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology