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, Boston, MA.
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 AM 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.
"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, COO 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, start-ups, 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.
A major addition to RAPID + TCT 2026 is Celebrating AM Achievement-An SME AM Awards and TCT Awards Gala, to be 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 AM 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.
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.
Learn more about RAPID + TCT 2026 and register at rapid3devent.com.