SOUTHFIELD, MI, UNITED STATES, September 28, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The additive manufacturing industry will come together in Detroit next spring to explore the technologies, ideas and applications shaping what comes next — and SME and TCT are inviting industry experts to help lead that conversation.
Speaking proposals are now being accepted for the 2027 RAPID + TCT Conference, taking place April 12–15 at Huntington Place in Detroit. As North America’s leading advanced manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, RAPID + TCT provides a platform for experts across the industry to share knowledge, advance innovation and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of additive manufacturing.
The 2027 conference builds on the momentum of RAPID + TCT 2026 in Boston, which drew more than 10,000 attendees, over 260 expert speakers and 500+ solutions providers across nearly 100 hours of technical programming, bringing together the expertise, ideas and real-world insights needed to accelerate additive manufacturing adoption and advance the industry.
RAPID + TCT’s return to Detroit — SME’s home and a global center for automotive and advanced manufacturing — creates a fitting setting for the industry to examine what is next for industrial 3D printing and additive manufacturing.
Built Around You
Boston set a new bar for RAPID + TCT, and your feedback is shaping a 2027 program designed to go deeper on the topics our delegates want: richer case studies with genuine technical depth; Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) insights; post-processing developments; and the economics and business case for AM investment. Expect more end-user voices and sharper technical content across every one of these areas in Detroit.
Submit an abstract
SME and TCT are currently seeking dynamic and engaging speakers with world-class insights to present in the following areas:
Applications and Case Studies – Our applications tracks are some of our most well-attended sessions, and for 2027 we are placing extra emphasis on technical deep dives over high-level overviews. If you are working on something unique and groundbreaking and can bring the data, the numbers and the lessons learned, then we want to hear from you. This year our application tracks are Aerospace, Defense, Transportation, Healthcare, Energy and Consumer Products.
Aerospace & Defense – The sessions in these tracks are curated by the AeroDef Strategic Advisory Council and focus on additive manufacturing applications including the optimization of the supporting enabling technologies and materials (AI, automation, advanced materials, digital manufacturing, qualification, inspection). Please share your examples that impact faster sustainment, lighter and more capable systems, resilient supply chains, and rapid innovation leading to improving capabilities across logistics, R&D and operations.
Essential AM – Now firmly established after its introduction in 2026, Essential AM shines the spotlight on the critical support elements and considerations that determine whether AM deployment succeeds at scale. Responding directly to delegate demand, 2027 expands coverage of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), Post-Processing, Qualification & Certification, and Economics, alongside 3D Scanning & Metrology, AI in AM and Standards.
Research & Development – This part of the conference focuses on new and novel processes and materials and on significant developments to existing ones. With materials development and characterization a top priority for our 2027 delegates, we want speakers who can showcase rigorous, data-backed research in two tracks: Materials Development and Process Development.
Submission Process
Submissions are via our online submission site and must be completed no later than Nov. 4, 2026. Each submission must provide a title, presentation abstract (maximum 300 words), promotional summary (maximum 75 words), speaker biography (maximum 175 words) and a high-resolution headshot (min 300dpi).
Commercial and sales submissions will be disqualified immediately. As in 2026, the presentation format is 30 minutes; time for questions should be built into the 30 minutes if you wish to take questions from the audience.
Abstract Review Process
Submissions are reviewed and vetted by the RAPID + TCT Event Advisor panel, which is made up of respected technical experts representing the manufacturing industry, academic institutions and government agencies. Their decision to accept or decline is final.
Abstracts will be reviewed and scored against the following criteria: originality, impartiality, learning objectives, target audience, technical level and evidence and credibility, so please ensure your abstract addresses these areas directly with real data, results and lessons learned. The review process is highly competitive given the volume of submissions received each year.
Submit your proposal today and help shape the conversations, innovations and breakthroughs that will define the next chapter of additive manufacturing. Approved speakers receive a complimentary conference pass valued at $1,500.
About RAPID + TCT 2027
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 TCT, 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 , additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, CAD/CAE metrology, and other advanced manufacturing technologies. In continuation of the North American tour, RAPID + TCT 2026 took place in Boston, and will be returning to its hometown of Detroit for 2027. Visit https://www.rapid3devent.com/.
About Manufacturing IQ Ltd (owners of TCT)
Manufacturing IQ Limited, owners of TCT, 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.
About SME
Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the 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 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.
Brie Smith
SME
+1 2487981995
email us here
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