Event Features at RAPID + TCT Make It Much More Than a Trade Show
Additive manufacturing is known for its robust community, reflected with the many get-togethers and events that dominate different seasons. But with the main event season rapidly approaching, it can be difficult to know what you can expect from each show. However, one that has solidly established itself as much more than a trade show and is dominating the American market is RAPID + TCT.
Held this year on June 25-27, RAPID + TCT 2024 will take place in Los Angeles, California, returning to the West Coast for the first time in nearly a decade. And if the lure of sunny Southern California were not enough to sway you, what sets RAPID + TCT apart from many other AM events is how comprehensive it is. We took a closer look at the different event features to better understand what attendees can expect from the trade show! Be sure as well to get your complementary Expo Pass for FREE.
The event features at RAPID + TCT 2024 make it much more than a trade show
An Innovative Take on Exhibitors
Of course, there are certain aspects of RAPID + TCT that are mainstays at any additive manufacturing event. These include of course a robust line-up of over 400 exhibitors, including many of the biggest names in 3D printing. For example, Stratasys, 3D Systems, EOS, Colibrium Additive (formerly GE Additive), Prusa Research, SPEE3D, Formlabs, among many others.
But with 30+ years of AM innovation behind the show, it stands to reason that attendees can expect much more than the standard exhibitor experience. This can be seen especially with features such as the Discovery Zone. Put on by RAPID + TCT for the first time ever, the Discovery Zone will be a pavilion for first-time exhibitors at the event, allowing newcomers to show ideas, novel applications and more in industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Over 400 exhibitors, including in the new Discovery Zone, will welcome attendees
Not only that, but hands-on experiences are clearly a priority at the show. Beyond the exhibitors, attendees will also be able to take advantage of the Hollywood Showcase on the show floor. Presented by RAPID + TCT, Gentle Giant Studios, and Direct Dimensions, this area will show how Hollywood is incorporating additive manufacturing and metrology into movies. For example, it will be possible to experience directly how 3D scanning is used for visual and practical effects, as well as take selfies with AM-produced film assets from franchises. This is particularly apt considering that Tinseltown is not far away from downtown Los Angeles, where the show will take place.
Also, on the show floor is the SME ZONE. Though there will be attendees familiar with organizer SME, a nonprofit association of professionals, educators, and students dedicated to supporting and promoting the manufacturing industry, this does not mean all will. This is where the SME ZONE comes in. A focal point of the event, here attendees will be able to learn more about the organization, its many benefits, and experience Industry Partner panel discussions.
The SME ZONE is another highlight among the events features at RAPID + TCT 2024
Networking Events Dedicated to Food, Friends and Fun
Going hand in hand with the different exhibitors and features at the RAPID + TCT 2024 event are undoubtedly the different networking receptions that will be taking place. Starting on June 25, all attendees will be able to attend the RAPID + TCT Show Floor Reception. Here, you can enjoy different food and beverages among the exhibits while mingling with attendees, exhibitors, colleagues, speakers and industry thought leaders.
But the fun does not stop there! On Wednesday, RAPID + TCT will hold the AM Industry Celebration, sponsored by SME and TCT Group, the organizers of the conference, America Makes, AMUG and Women in 3D printing. Once again, attendees will have access to food and drinks along with live entertainment and performers! The perfect moment to toast to the future of the industry.
Wrapping it up on Thursday, there will be the RAPID + TCT closing social for all guests. Again, food, fun and friends are the highlight as attendees can reminisce on the best moments of the show while making plans to attend the next edition in April 2025.
The SME Additive Manufacturing Awards Ceremony also promises to be a must-see at RAPID + TCT 2024. Awarded to the top additive manufacturing minds, this year, awards will center on achievements that have been implemented or deployed in a commercial/industrial environment, outstanding use cases of AM adoption and implementation, and a technology and an application that solves an existing problem or unique approach. The four awards in question include the AM Pitch Fest Competition, back by popular demand for the second year, the Aubin AM Case Study Award, the AM Start-Up Technology Award, Digital Manufacturing Challenge Award (an annual competition for student designers) and of course the AM Industry Achievement Award.
Pushing AM Adoption Through Education and Learning at RAPID + TCT 2024
Another cornerstone of RAPID + TCT has always been education and learning. This is clearly visible in the wide range of conference sessions that are taking place over the three days, with 14 tracks, as well as workshops on the Monday before RAPID + TCT 2024. These are paired with two exciting Keynote Series, one on Executive Perspectives presented daily at 8:30AM and putting some of the most important leaders in AM in the spotlight, and the other on Featured Speakers with a focus on end-users in automotive, space and consumer goods.
Be sure to catch the daily Executive Perspectives Keynote Series
The importance of AM adoption is further shown at RAPID + TCT 2023 with the Certified Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals (CAMF) Review Course & Exam. This one-day program consists of a review of the fundamentals of AM followed by the Certified Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals (CAMF) exam on Monday, June 24th. A perfect chance for those new to additive manufacturing or anyone wanting to brush up on their skills.
Also, on the Monday before RAPID + TCT 2024 opens its door, there will be a symposium dedicated to the applications of 3D printing in healthcare. As one of the sectors where additive manufacturing adoption is growing the most rapidly, clearly seen through the abundance of news on the topic. Here representatives from Ricoh 3D for Healthcare and Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego will show how 3D printing can be useful in this sector including practical demonstrations and discussions.
RAPID + TCT 2024 has a lot in store for its visitors this year, continuing its well-deserved reputation as the most comprehensive industrial 3D printing event in North America. If you want to take advantage of all these exciting event features, be sure to register for one of the different passes available for the show. You can also get a complimentary Expo Pass HERE.
Will you be attending RAPID + TCT 2024? What are you most excited about among the different event features? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly newsletter here for the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.
*All Photo Credits: RAPID + TCT
