Makers on the Move

A statewide bus tour showcasing Illinois manufacturing

Makers on the Move is a dynamic, statewide bus tour celebrating Manufacturing Month by shining a spotlight on the innovation, opportunity, and impact of modern manufacturing. Throughout the month, the tour will visit factories, technical colleges, and high schools across the state—offering an up-close look at today’s high-tech, clean, and sustainable manufacturing environments.

With each stop, Makers on the Move aims to inspire students, engage communities, and connect employers with the next generation of talent. This is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to redefine what manufacturing looks like and highlight the diverse, rewarding careers available in this vital industry.

Sponsorship Opportunities Request to Host a Stop

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us as a sponsor to help highlight and showcase our amazing manufacturing sector that employs 662,000 women and men in good, high-paying jobs who produce more than $600 billion annually in economic output. Manufacturing is our state’s leading economic sector and this is a great opportunity to add your name to our tour! Wrapped in a cool design that showcases modern manufacturing which is high-tech, clean, diverse, and sustainable, the Makers on the Move bus will visit manufacturing facilities, colleges, and high schools across the state to highlight the innovative manufacturing sector and amazing job opportunities that are available today.

Last year, the Makers on the Move bus tour crossed Illinois for seven days with 45 stops! Media will be invited to each stop along the route along with key elected officials from the federal, state, and local government. Students will be invited to visit during the tour and learn more about manufacturing careers. Want more information about sponsoring the bus tour? Contact Sarah Hartwick at shartwick@ima-net.org or by calling 217-718-4211.

Platinum

$25,000

The bus will make a stop at your facility, guaranteed. Your business name and/or logo will be displayed prominently on the bus and on all swag. You will be able to participate in the media event and you will be mentioned in all media notices.

Gold

$15,000

Your facility will be prioritized for a stop, though it is not guaranteed. Your business name and/or logo will be displayed on the bus and on all swag. You will receive recognition in media notices and will be a MOTM VIP on one stop.

Silver

$10,000

Your business name and/or logo will be displayed on the bus and on all swag. You will receive recognition in all media notices and will be a MOTM VIP on one stop.

Gift Bag

$5,000

Your business name and/or logo will be displayed on all gift bags and you will receive recognition in all media notices. You can also sponsor at this level by donating 1,000 swag items.