How do I access/download the SME Event Digital Experience?

For Mobile Device: Download the SME Events Live! mobile app onto your mobile device from the App Store or Google Play. A link to the mobile app is also included in your event registration confirmation email. After the app has been installed: Sign up (You must use the same email address you used to register for the event), Create a profile, View all Current and Upcoming Events, Tap Join

I noticed an error with my Exhibit listing, who should I contact?

If you notice an error with your profile listing, you should reach out to support@sme-help.freshdesk.com and let us know. We will fix it as soon as possible

How can I view my Exhibit listing?

You can click on the Exhibits section of the home page. Then, you can search for your exhibit in the search bar

If someone clicks 'Contact Us' in our profile, where does that go?

The 'Contact Us' button will send an email to the email address your team provided. All inquiries via this button will be sent directly through email

How will attendees be able to find my profile location?

Attendees will be able to view an exhibitor's booth number when they enter a digital profile. Attendees can click on the Floor Plan and search for your booth number to find where on the floor plan you are located

How do I post an update about my exhibit?

You can post updates in the Activity Feed and attendees will be able to see your updates as soon as you post it

What type of assets can I provide for our digital exhibitor profile?

All information in a2z will be uploaded to your digital profile including company logo, company description, company website, phone number, and social media. If you are an enhanced exhibitor, you may also add a cover photo, images, pdfs, white papers, links, and videos. If any of your digital profile information is incorrect, please email digitalsupport@sme.org and include what you would like changed

RAPID +TCT | TradeShowIntel

Event overview

Overview

RAPID + TCT is North America's premier additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, now in its 30+ year history.

The 2027 edition takes place at Huntington Place in Detroit, MI, with the conference running April 12-15 and exhibits April 13-15.

Co-produced by SME and Rapid News Publications (owner of the TCT Group)-, the event serves as the industry's launch pad for new product announcements, AM innovations, and leading-edge research

TL;DR

1North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, returning to Detroit's Huntington
2400+ solution providers and 30+ top equipment builders showcase the latest in 3D printing
3160+ technical sessions and 200+ expert speakers across nine industry-focused tracks, from aerospace and
4300+ new products launched at the event — more than anywhere else in North
5Co-located with AeroDef Manufacturing, connecting additive manufacturing with aerospace and defense supply chains

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

Corporate executives and business owners (21% of attendees)

Sales and marketing professionals (17%)

Product design and R&D professionals (14%)

Design engineers (13%)

Manufacturing engineers and production managers (10%)

Manufacturing management (9%)

Quality assurance, automation, control engineering, and research professionals (7%)

80% of attendees influence equipment purchase decisions; 42% have budgets over $200,000

Attendees are at various stages of AM adoption: 31% new to AM, 41% already investing, 28% optimizing advanced AM

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Additive manufacturing / 3D printing hardware and software providers (69% of exhibitor interest)

Advanced materials suppliers (20%)

3D imaging/scanning and metrology companies (23%)

Post-processing and finishing solution providers (14%)

CAD/CAM and design for additive manufacturing (DFAM) specialists (19% / 16%)

Automation, AI, and machine learning technology vendors (15% / 12%)

Metal and polymer materials producers, including plastics, metals, and composites (18% / 13% / 9%)

Industry-leading companies including BigRep, Formlabs, HP, Siemens, Carbon, and Stratasys

Exhibitors represent the entire AM ecosystem: design, materials, hardware, software, post-processing, and quality

Product categories

Key solution areas showcased across the event.

Additive Manufacturing Machines & Processes

Materials for Additive Manufacturing

3D Printers

Advanced Materials

Biomaterials

Manufacturing Services

Material Extrusion

Materials Testing

Plastics and Polymers

Research & Development

Safety & Environmental Products

Reverse Engineering

3D Scanning/Imaging

Prototyping & Engineering Services

ERP

Software

Laser Sintering (SLS)

Stereolithography

Manufacturing Process

AM/Supportive Equipment and Industrial Processes

Product Design/Engineering

Pre/Post Processing

Quality Management / Metrology

Manufacturing Software

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

Huntington Place

1 Washington Boulevard, 48226 Detroit, USA

Parking: Huntington Place offers 2,596 parking spaces across two secure garages: the Roof Deck parking (625 West Congress Street, capacity 1,200, height clearance up to 9 feet) and Washington Blvd. Garage (1 Washington Boulevard, capacity 640 covered spaces, height clearance up to 7 feet, with 6 EVO charging spots). Parking is first-come, first-served; payment by credit card, Apple Pay, or tap-to-pay. No overnight parking, oversized vehicles, or trailers allowed. Rates start at $25 daily. Hours: Monday–Friday 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM; weekends and event days vary. If venue garages are full, adjacent facilities (First Street parking deck and Millennium Garage on Congress Street) are available

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

ConferenceApril 12 – 15, 2027

ExhibitsApril 13 – 15, 2027

Exhibit hoursApril 13: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

April 14(not specified, typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

April 15:8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Ticket info

Badge collection

Badge pickup details available on the official registration page

Ticket notes

Complimentary Expo Passes are available for SME members, government, academia, and students, as well as through promotional codes. Conference Passes offer discounts for these groups

Who runs the show

Organisers

General Information

General Show-Related Questions

Email Call Website

Registration

Exhibitor or Attendee Registration

Email Call Website

Angela Szerlong

Exhibit Sales

Email Call Website

Sponsorships

Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Email Call Website

Annemarie Kalergis

Exhibitor Services

Email Call Website

Jackie Solack

Event Operations

Email Call Website

Michael Scholl

Public Relations

Email Call Website

Beth Magewick

Marketing

Email Call Website

What's on

Programme

Keynote Panel

Panel Discussion

Event days

TBA

Typical time

Official agenda

This agenda is still being finalised. Check the official agenda for the latest sessions.

Speakers

Christina Perla

Co-Founder / CEO @ MakeLab

Nick Estock

Deputy CEO @ Addup

Stefan Richardt

Sales Manager @ TANIOBIS GmbH

William Dallas Martin

Wi3DP: Continuing to advocate for DEI Initiatives in the Wake of their Mass Elimination?

Panel Discussion

Printing for Patients: How 3D Printing is Shaping the Future of Healthcare

Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Apr 13, 2027

Executive Perspectives Panel Discussions

Keynote Panel

SME Main Stage

Wednesday, Apr 14, 2027

Executive Perspectives Panel Discussions

Keynote Panel

SME Main Stage

Thursday, Apr 15, 2027

Executive Perspectives Panel Discussions

Keynote Panel

SME Main Stage

Topic tracks

AerospaceDefenseHealthcareConsumer ProductsEnergyTransportationMaterial DevelopmentProcess DevelopmentEssential AM

Co-located events

AeroDef Manufacturing

Separate ticket

Awards

SME Additive Manufacturing Community Awards

Annual

Each year, SME awards the top additive manufacturing minds for achievements in the industry. Awards are presented at RAPID + TCT for 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

AM Industry Achievement AwardAM Pitchfest CompetitionAM Production ClubAM Start-Up Technology AwardAubin AM Case Study AwardDigital Manufacturing Challenge Award

source

TCT Awards

Annual

The TCT Awards celebrate excellence in additive manufacturing and 3D printing, recognizing groundbreaking achievements and inspiring further innovation. In 2026, the SME AM Awards and TCT Awards joined for an unforgettable night of AM recognition

source

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2027 · 10,000 visitors · 500 exhibitors

Based on the consistent 500+ exhibitor and 10,000+ attendee trend from 2025 and 2026

Forecast — not final

Visitors

10,000

Exhibitors

500

Growth over time

Edition recap

RAPID + TCT 2026 In Review

On April 13-16, 2026, RAPID + TCT made its Boston debut! Four days of conference and three days of expo featured the latest in 3D printing technology from the industry's leading product and service providers, a full schedule of speakers, including the returning Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, and over 125 hours of educational content. The expansive show floor showcased over 500 exhibiting companies' latest advancements.

The 2026 event featured over 500 exhibiting companies, including all of the key OEMs as well as innovative start-ups, and the AeroDef, Healthcare, and Startup Showcases.

The decision to host RAPID + TCT 2026 on the East Coast proved to be a good one, with the event attracting 10,000+ attendees and over 260 expert speakers.

For the first time ever, The SME AM Awards and TCT awards joined for an unforgettable night of AM recognition.

New this edition

1
Boston Debut
RAPID + TCT 2026 made its first-ever East Coast debut in Boston, Massachusetts
Source
2
SME AM Awards & TCT Awards Joint Gala
For the first time ever, the SME AM Awards and TCT Awards joined for an unforgettable night of AM recognition at RAPID + TCT 2026
Source
3
AM Service Provider Pavilion
Debuted at RAPID + TCT 2025, a dedicated pavilion for service providers to showcase AM without the overhead
Source
4
AeroDef Manufacturing Co-location
First-time co-location with AeroDef Manufacturing at RAPID + TCT 2025, uniting aerospace and defense manufacturing communities
Source

Testimonials

RAPID + TCT 2025 reflected how deeply additive manufacturing (AM) is now embedded in various industries. We saw real examples of additive driving efficiencies, enabling design innovation and supporting resilient supply chains across sectors. From keynote panels to hands-on technology showcases, RAPID + TCT brought together the people and solutions that are actively shaping how products are made today. It's clear that AM is not a future vision — it's a present-day reality, and SME is proud to help lead that progress
Steve Prahalis · Chief Operating Officer · SME · 2025

There is no going back. Additive is here to stay. For too long, the industry has been described as cool. When we start talking about cost-effective, then, I think, we'll start to talk about the true path to success
Glynn Fletcher · President · EOS · 2025

The competition is not us. The competition is the status quo
Yoav Zeif · CEO · Stratasys · 2025

Next edition outlook

2027-04-12 – 2027-04-15

estimated

RAPID + TCT 2027 returns to Detroit's Huntington Place, leveraging the city's century-long legacy as the epicenter of industrial innovation and its deep manufacturing expertise. The event is expected to build on the momentum of the 2026 Boston edition, which hosted over 500 solution providers and 10,000+ attendees. With approximately 500 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors projected, the 2027 edition will continue to showcase the industry's shift toward scalable, integrated, and economically viable production solutions. AeroDef Manufacturing returns as a co-located showcase, uniting aerospace and defense manufacturing communities under one roof. Bavaria will once again host a joint booth, reflecting continued international interest in the North American AM market

Return to Detroit after the 2026 Boston debut, strengthening attendance from automotive, defense, and healthcare sectors Continued co-location with AeroDef Manufacturing, amplifying aerospace and defense manufacturing impact Expanded international pavilions, including the Bavarian joint booth Increased focus on software, process control, and end-to-end workflow integration as key differentiators for scaling AM

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

RAPID + TCT 2026 marked the event's first-ever East Coast debut in Boston, drawing 10,000+ attendees and over 260 expert speakers. The four-day conference and three-day expo featured over 125 hours of educational content, the returning Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, and more than 500 exhibiting companies showcasing the latest in 3D printing technology. The show floor was organized around three focused expo showcases—AeroDef Manufacturing, StartUp, and Healthcare—reflecting AM's growing role in defense, life sciences, and industrial production. The event also hosted the first-ever joint SME AM Awards and TCT Awards gala, uniting two long-standing recognition programs for an unforgettable night of AM achievement. Cross-sector collaboration emerged as a key theme, with conference sessions spanning nine tracks including Aerospace, Defense, Energy, Healthcare, and Consumer Products. The decision to host on the East Coast proved successful, drawing a professional demographic deeply rooted in manufacturing capability, life sciences activity, and AM-relevant research

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

RAPID + TCT 2026 attracted more than 10,000 attendees and over 260 expert speakers from more than 35 countries. The audience comprised high-level decision-makers, with 76% influencing equipment purchase decisions and nearly 47% managing budgets exceeding $200,000—a massive, high-intent, highly funded demographic. The Boston location drew professionals specifically rooted in industries actively leveraging additive manufacturing, including life sciences, aerospace, and defense. The conference program spanned nine tracks with over 160 technical presentations, allowing attendees to approach AM from both application and process perspectives, with content relevant from first-time evaluators to established practitioners

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

The 2026 event featured over 500 exhibiting companies, including all key OEMs as well as innovative start-ups, across the AeroDef, Healthcare, and Startup Showcases. The exhibition floor spanned the length of four football fields, featuring 450+ additive manufacturing providers demonstrating technologies and applications hands-on. Exhibitors included Siemens, VulcanForms, Carbon, HP, Formlabs, BigRep, Stratasys, and UnionTech, among others. Multiple companies launched new products during the event, including HP's new MFJ 1200 3D Printer, ELEGOO's Jupiter 2 printer and CANVAS multicolor system, and MOVA AtomForm's 12-nozzle multi-color 3D printing system. The post-event audience report provides detailed statistics on purchasing power, job functions, and attendance, underscoring the high-intent, high-budget nature of the attendee base

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

Why it matters

RAPID + TCT is North America’s flagship additive-manufacturing event, connecting industrial users with equipment makers, materials suppliers, software developers, service bureaus, and technical experts. It supports investment decisions from prototyping through qualified production.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Manufacturers are moving beyond prototypes toward repeatable end-use production with stronger process control.

Workflow software, simulation, monitoring, and post-processing automation are reducing cost per part.

New metal, polymer, ceramic, and composite systems are expanding certified applications.

Aerospace, medical, automotive, and defence users are prioritising traceability, validation, and workforce capability.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Detroit strengthens the event’s manufacturing context

The location gives attendees direct access to a major automotive and advanced-manufacturing ecosystem.

Application-led demonstrations gain importance

Buyers increasingly expect evidence on throughput, quality, and total cost rather than standalone machine specifications.

Partnerships accelerate adoption

Equipment, material, software, and service companies are collaborating to deliver validated production workflows.

2026-20273D

20269 – 202711(14)

:Formnext,TCT Asia,RAPID+TCT,AMUG,Rapid.Tech 3D.RAPID+TCT 2027(413-15,),AMUG(3,)Rapid.Tech 3D(5,),Formnext(11,)TCT Asia(5,)

14–19 Sep 2026

IMTS 2026

Chicago

100,000,2,000

website

17–20 Nov 2026

Formnext 2026

Frankfurt

800+,38,000+

website

26–28 Jan 2027

MILAM 2027 (Military Additive Manufacturing Summit)

Tampa

website

2–3 Mar 2027

AM Forum 2027

Berlin

11,“Additive Manufacturing at Scale”,700+60+

website

14–18 Mar 2027

AMUG Conference 2027

Atlantic City

100+

website

13–15 Apr 2027

RAPID + TCT 2027

Detroit

500,10,000,160+

website

25–27 May 2027

Rapid.Tech 3D 2027

Erfurt

website

27–29 May 2027

TCT Asia 2027

Shanghai

63,000,750+,55,000+

website

2026

IMTS 2026Formnext 2026

IMTS(9,);Formnext(11,)

2027

AMUG Conference 2027RAPID + TCT 2027

AMUG(3,)RAPID+TCT(4,)

2027/

AM Forum 2027Rapid.Tech 3D 2027TCT Asia 2027

AM Forum(3,)Rapid.Tech 3D(5,),TCT Asia(5,)

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

DTW

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport

Primary international gateway for Detroit; confirm transfer time shortly before travel.

See live route

to venue

Varies with traffic

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Budget

Public-transport corridor

Not yet confirmed

Prioritise a direct Detroit People Mover, QLINE, bus, taxi, or ride-hail connection to Huntington Place.

Mid-range

Venue district

Not yet confirmed

Best balance of commute time, business facilities, and dining access.

Premium

City centre or venue district

Not yet confirmed

Suitable for hosted buyers, executive meetings, and client entertaining.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Detroit People Mover, QLINE, bus, taxi, or ride-hail

Estimated costCheck current local fare

Best forUse the nearest station serving Huntington Place

Usually the most reliable option during exhibition hours.

Taxi or ride-hail

Estimated costMetered or app-based fare

Best forAirport, hotel, or city centre to Huntington Place

Allow additional time during morning and evening peaks.

Walking

Estimated costFree

Best forNearby hotels to the venue

Practical only where the route and weather are suitable.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: check with organiser

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Short-stay business visitor entry	Requirements depend on nationality and passport type.	Not yet confirmed	Varies by nationality

(VWP)90,ESTA.VWP42.B-1

Official visa page

Weather

Detroit in April is typically changeable, commonly around 2–18°C (35–64°F). Cool mornings and rain are possible. Pack comfortable business footwear and a light layer for air-conditioned halls.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Huntington Place is accessible from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport by Detroit People Mover, QLINE, bus, taxi, or ride-hail, taxi, or pre-booked transfer. Check live schedules and allow extra time during peak periods.

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

“”

“”, 10%

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Book early and arrive the day before the first important meeting.

Visa

Entry rules depend on nationality. Verify passport validity and business-visitor requirements with the official immigration authority.

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: Varies

Carry event registration and accommodation details if requested at the border.

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Venue district · City centre with direct public transport

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Use Detroit People Mover, QLINE, bus, taxi, or ride-hail, taxi, or a pre-booked transfer from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.

Hotel → venue: Choose a hotel with a direct connection to Huntington Place.

Ride-hail: Use licensed local taxi or ride-hail services where available.

Public transit: Detroit People Mover, QLINE, bus, taxi, or ride-hail is generally the most predictable option.

Parking: Check the venue’s official parking page and book in advance where required.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: April

Temperature: changeable, commonly around 2–18°C (35–64°F)

Seasonality: Cool mornings and rain are possible.

Packing: Bring comfortable shoes, business layers, and weather protection appropriate to the forecast.

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: 2027413

the middle conference day is the strongest day for a first visit because the full exhibition and conference programme is active, giving attendees the best balance of additive-manufacturing technology and applications, supplier meetings, and networking.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day