Looking ahead, SME’s decision to bring RAPID + TCT to the New England region underscores how the organization is anchoring AM’s next growth chapter in a historically strong innovation hub of manufacturing and technology.

BOSTON, Nov. 24, 2025—RAPID + TCT, North America's largest additive manufacturing (AM) and industrial 3D printing event, heads to New England's April 13-16, 2026 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center.

With this flagship industry event, co-produced by SME and TCT Group, RAPID + TCT brings the AM community together for technical exchange and real-world case studies. SME has been instrumental in advancing additive manufacturing by creating dedicated technical communities focused on the full spectrum of AM, from prototyping to production. SME also supports workforce readiness via certifications such as the Certified Additive Manufacturing Fundamentals certificate, which is available at the event, equipping professionals with the skills needed for AM adoption.
Looking ahead, SME's decision to bring RAPID + TCT to the New England region underscores how the organization is anchoring AM's next growth chapter in a historically strong innovation hub of manufacturing and technology.

Why Boston
"Hosting RAPID + TCT in Boston gives us a front-row seat to where much of the nation's innovation is happening, particularly in healthcare and life sciences," said Steve Prahalis, chief operating officer at SME. "AM's biggest names — many of whom have been coming to RAPID + TCT for 10+ years — are eager to explore this new market."

With one of the highest concentrations of life sciences investment in the world, Boston is the economic engine of New England's innovation economy. The region is home to nearly 20,000 manufacturers employing more than 750,000 workers and contributing more than $130 billion to New England's GDP.

Several of Boston's own AM leaders — including Formlabs, VulcanForms, 6K, Rapid Liquid Print and BigRep — are expected to showcase new technologies and materials at RAPID + TCT 2026, reflecting the region's dynamic ecosystem of research, startups and established manufacturers.
Its world-class universities, including MIT, Harvard and Northeastern University, sit beside leading research hospitals pioneering advances in AM for medical devices, surgical tools, bioprinting and regenerative medicine.

"New England is a region where the growth of AM is on full display, from aerospace and defense to health care and more," said Dr. Brett Conner, chief manufacturing officer at SME. "Bringing RAPID + TCT to Boston is a great opportunity for the industry as a whole to exchange ideas, explore innovations and discuss how we can collectively tackle the challenges American manufacturing is facing.

The SME AM Awards + TCT Awards Gala
A major addition to RAPID + TCT 2026 is Celebrating AM Achievement - An SME AM Awards and TCT Awards Gala, held Tuesday evening, April 14. This combined ceremony brings two legacy recognition programs onto one stage, creating a special moment for the industry to honor the people, teams and organizations shaping additive manufacturing today.

The gala will showcase achievements across materials, hardware, design, engineering, production and real-world application. It also celebrates the winners of two student competitions, reinforcing SME's longstanding commitment to workforce development and the next generation of AM professionals.

By spotlighting excellence at every level — from early-career innovators to established leaders — the SME AM awards and TCT Awards Gala gives the community a place not only to connect and learn, but to recognize the progress, collaboration and breakthroughs driving the industry forward.

New Showcases and Returning Highlights
RAPID + TCT will feature more than 450 exhibitors, 170 conference sessions and 200 expert speakers. New in 2026, the show floor will host four curated showcases that highlight emerging technologies and regional strengths.
• AeroDef Manufacturing Showcase, focused on defense and aerospace innovation. Massachusetts supports one of the nation's largest aerospace and defense manufacturing clusters, generating more than $48 billion in annual output.
• Healthcare Showcase, spotlighting biocompatible materials, surgical planning and regenerative applications.
• Startup Showcase, connecting early-stage innovators with investors and partners.
• New England Service Provider Showcase, featuring local manufacturers and AM service bureaus.

The event will also include returning favorites such as the Executive Perspectives Keynote Series, AM Pitchfest, and the Bright Minds Student Summit.

"No matter what stage of the AM experience someone is in, RAPID + TCT is the place to be," Dr. Conner said.

Registration for RAPID + TCT 2026 opens on 3D Printing Day, December 3, 2025, with early-bird discounts available for conference passes.

About RAPID + TCT 2026

For 36 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 owner of the TCT Group, Rapid News Publications Ltd, 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. Visit https://www.rapid3devent.com/.