RAPID + TCT 2024: North America’s Largest Additive Manufacturing Event Returns to the West Coast with New Features and Experiences April 05, 2024 by SME Communications Registration is now open for RAPID + TCT in Los Angeles with new events, including a Hollywood Showcase and Discovery Zone LOS ANGELES (April 1, 2024) – RAPID + TCT 2024, the largest, most influential additive manufacturing (AM) event in North America, is returning to the West Coast for the first time in nine years. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center June 25-27, 2024, the expansive show floor will showcase over 400 solution providers latest advancements. Over the three days, attendees will experience a curated program of more than 160 timely talks, presentations, workshops and panels presented by experts from leading institutions worldwide. For more than 30 years, RAPID + TCT has defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing by empowering the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve, and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. The two industry leaders in 3D-technology events, SME and Rapid News Publications, team up to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event, each year better than the previous. “Known worldwide as North America’s largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, RAPID + TCT provides everything you need to know about the latest 3D-technologies, all under one roof,” said Robert “Bob” Willig, executive director and CEO of SME. “From early adopters to seasoned leaders, RAPID + TCT is where AM experts come to identify new opportunities and build partnerships that can take their business to the next level. With this year’s event in Southern California, we’re extremely excited to tap into the state's leading industries that are forging the way for AM.” Also new this year is the Discovery Zone, the exclusive arena for amplifying innovation in the AM world. The Discovery Zone serves as a launchpad for newcomers and start-ups with groundbreaking ideas, providing a platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies, novel applications and visionary concepts in industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing. Attendees can anticipate the return of several signature RAPID + TCT events, including the AM Community Awards, a celebration of the best of innovation and creativity within the sector, and the well-received Pitchfest, which made its RAPID debut in 2023, showcasing the latest in AM technology to a panel of industry leaders, media, and the AM community. The AM Pitchfest competition will be bigger and better this year with its placement on the main stage to offer the floor to entrepreneurs, startups, and academic spinoffs bringing emerging technology, products, and applications to the market. Finalists will have five minutes to pitch their ideas, followed by one minute of Q&A by the judges. Winners will receive main stage recognition, a fully equipped booth guaranteed at RAPID + TCT 2025 and media visibility. New this year, RAPID + TCT features a Hollywood Showcase, putting a spotlight on the industry's intersection with the entertainment and film capital of the world in partnership with Gentle Giant Studios and Direct Dimensions. This unique blend of technology and creativity will give attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how industrial 3D printing technologies are leveraged in your favorite blockbuster hits. AM-produced film assets will be on display from major franchises like Star Wars, Frozen, Avatar and Toy Story. To learn more about what RAPID + TCT 2024 has to offer, visit https://www.rapid3devent.com and keep up to date with all things AM by following us @RAPID_Event on Twitter and LinkedIn. About RAPID + TCT 2024 For more than 30 years, SME and RAPID have defined the crucial role of additive manufacturing and empowered the establishment of an industry that continues to conceive, test, improve and manufacture new products at a faster, more cost-efficient pace. In 2017, the two industry leaders in 3D-technology events, SME and The TCT Group, partnered to produce the annual RAPID + TCT event. For users and suppliers alike, the event is the premier destination for those who provide technology and those who need to understand, explore and adopt 3D printing, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE metrology and inspection technologies. About Rapid News Publications Ltd & The TCT Group Rapid News Publications Ltd, the owner of the TCT Group, has been a leading authority in additive manufacturing, 3D printing, design, and engineering technology for more than 30 years. A rich mix of live events and an all-encompassing media portfolio enables TCT to deliver business-critical intelligence, connecting the additive community across Europe, North America, and Asia. The TCT Group is owned by Rapid News Publications Ltd (rapidnews.com) a member of the AEO (Association of Event Organizers) and BPA Worldwide. About SME Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the entire North American manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds North America’s talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.