RAPID + TCT 2026: What to Know Before You Go

The Big Show Moves to Beantown

RAPID + TCT, North America's largest additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing event, makes its Boston debut this April. The show runs April 13-16, 2026 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, bringing together the biggest names in AM for four days of exhibits, keynotes, and networking.

Co-produced by SME and the TCT Group, RAPID + TCT has been the defining event for additive manufacturing for over 35 years. This year's move to Boston puts the event in one of America's strongest innovation hubs for healthcare and life sciences.

Who's Showing Up

Major players like 3D Systems (booth #1801) and Wayland Additive (booth 2733) have already announced their presence. Wayland will be pushing a key question: whether metal AM processes are truly production-ready if they force designers to work around technical limitations.

The event typically features 400+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in metal AM, resin systems, bioprinting, and industrial applications. Expect hands-on demos, new product announcements, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Why Boston Matters

SME chose Boston for strategic reasons — the region has one of the highest concentrations of life sciences investment in the world. For AM, that means strong ties to medical device manufacturing, biotech, and healthcare applications. It's a natural fit for an industry increasingly focused on production-scale additive manufacturing.

What's on the Agenda

The conference program features over 125 hours of educational content, including the popular Executive Perspectives keynote series. Topics range from aerospace and defense applications to dental and medical implants, with industry leaders sharing real-world case studies.

For anyone in additive manufacturing — whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started — RAPID + TCT remains the essential gathering. Early bird registration is likely still available, and Boston hotels book up fast.