#DAMM2020: Uniting the Global Additive Manufacturing Industry in a 26.2-Hour Digital Marathon

The landscape of global industry has been irrevocably altered, and in no sector is this more evident than in the way professionals connect, share knowledge, and foster innovation. Traditionally, events dedicated to additive manufacturing have served as indispensable hubs for the entire ecosystem. These gatherings, from grand exhibitions to specialized conferences, are pivotal for stakeholders—ranging from technology developers and manufacturers to end-users and researchers—to exchange insights, discover the latest market trends, unveil groundbreaking developments, and forge critical partnerships. They are the lifeblood of an industry constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing technologies.

However, the unprecedented global spread of COVID-19 brought with it a cascade of disruptions, severely impacting the format and feasibility of these vital in-person events. Travel restrictions, social distancing mandates, and public health concerns led to the deep affection of the events calendar, with numerous 3D printing gatherings worldwide being reluctantly postponed or, in many cases, outright cancelled. This sudden void in traditional networking and knowledge sharing channels presented a significant challenge to the additive manufacturing community, yet it also sparked a profound impetus for innovation in connectivity. Recognizing this critical need, leading organizations Link3D, Rapid + TCT, Aerodef, and 3Dnatives have collaboratively risen to the occasion. They are proud to announce the industry’s first monumental initiative: the 26.2-hour Digital Additive Manufacturing Marathon. This pioneering online conference, branded as #DAMM2020, is strategically scheduled to take place across April 27th and 28th. Its overarching mission is clear and compelling: to globally connect and energize the additive manufacturing industry during these challenging times of social distancing, ensuring that the wheels of progress continue to turn without interruption.

Building upon the resounding success of the previous Digital Additive Manufacturing Conference, expertly organized by Link3D in March, #DAMM2020 is designed to significantly expand its reach and impact. The primary focus of this global marathon will be on effectively bridging the geographical and logistical gaps that often separate additive manufacturing communities throughout the world. The precursor event, held just last month, demonstrated the immense appetite for virtual collaboration, bringing together an impressive 1,300 participants and featuring insights from over 40 thought leaders from across the additive manufacturing spectrum. This diverse group united in solidarity for two intensive days filled with inspiration, invaluable knowledge exchange, and dynamic virtual networking. The profound need for the community to come together, to share experiences, and to collectively navigate the evolving industrial landscape remains as strong as ever. It is precisely for this reason that Link3D, Rapid + TCT, Aerodef, and 3Dnatives are once again joining forces to bring #DAMM2020 to the forefront of the industry at this pivotal moment. In a move that underscores its commitment to widespread accessibility and inclusivity, this truly global event will be entirely free of charge, making it accessible to everyone, everywhere, across multiple time zones. This ensures that professionals and enthusiasts from all corners of the globe can participate, learn, and contribute without financial barriers or temporal limitations.

Shane Fox, the insightful CEO of Link3D, articulated the essence of this initiative with profound clarity. “It’s more important than ever to stay connected with the community and learn from each other’s struggles and successes to overcome these uncertain times,” he shared, emphasizing the collective resilience required in the face of global challenges. He further highlighted Link3D’s commitment to driving this connectivity: “Link3D’s team is stepping up to play our role within the industry by virtually connecting people. We hope this will provide a platform where innovation can grow and problem solving emerges.” This statement perfectly encapsulates the spirit of #DAMM2020 – a platform not just for presentations, but for genuine interaction, collaborative problem-solving, and the cultivation of new ideas that can propel the additive manufacturing sector forward even amidst unprecedented circumstances. The marathon format, spanning over 26 hours, is meticulously designed to accommodate participants from diverse geographic locations and professional backgrounds, fostering a truly inclusive environment for dialogue and discovery. This continuity of knowledge flow and human connection is paramount for an industry that thrives on rapid technological advancements and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

The Digital Additive Manufacturing Marathon promises an unparalleled educational experience, featuring an impressive lineup of 40+ presentations delivered by an array of thought leaders and executives from the vanguard of the additive manufacturing industry. The roster of participating organizations reads like a who’s who of global innovators, including prominent names such as EOS, APWorks, HP, nTopology, Carbon, GoProto, Mayo Clinic, TUV SUD, Velo3D, NASA, Renishaw, NIST, Kennametal, Additive America, Morf3D, Arevo, Tangible Solutions, The Barnes Group Advisors, Wabtec, 9T Labs, Sembcore Marine, and DNV GL, among many others. This diverse collection of speakers ensures a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted world of 3D printing, covering everything from cutting-edge materials and advanced hardware to sophisticated software solutions and real-world industrial applications. Attendees can expect deep dives into topics such as aerospace and medical device manufacturing, automotive advancements, sustainable production methods, and regulatory compliance in additive manufacturing. Beyond the formal presentations, the event is meticulously structured to include numerous virtual networking sessions taking place throughout the entire duration of the marathon. These interactive opportunities are designed to facilitate meaningful connections, allowing individuals and organizations to openly discuss their current initiatives, explore innovative applications of additive manufacturing technologies, and engage in high-level thought leadership discussions. It’s a prime opportunity for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration, and identifying future trends that will shape the industry.

Virtual networking sessions will take place throughout the day, fostering global connections.

The profound impact of this digital event is further amplified by the involvement of key industry stalwarts. RAPID + TCT, widely recognized as North America’s largest and most influential additive manufacturing event, faced the difficult but necessary decision to postpone its in-person gathering until April 2021. In light of this, #DAMM2020 emerges as an incredibly timely and crucial alternative, providing a much-needed platform to connect influential players and maintain momentum within the industry. Angela Szerlong, the dedicated additive manufacturing industry manager for SME, perfectly encapsulated the organization’s commitment: “Supporting the additive manufacturing industry is central to SME’s mission of advancing manufacturing. RAPID + TCT and AeroDef are committed to helping the additive manufacturing industry prosper and grow, and we are proud to support this initiative.” This endorsement from SME, a venerable institution with decades of experience in fostering manufacturing excellence, underscores the strategic importance and high caliber of the Digital Additive Manufacturing Marathon. The collaboration between these powerful entities ensures that #DAMM2020 will not only fill the temporary void left by in-person event cancellations but will also set a new standard for virtual engagement, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in online industry conferences. It represents a collective effort to sustain growth, encourage innovation, and reinforce the community spirit that defines the additive manufacturing sector, ensuring that progress continues unhindered.

Preparing for such an intensive and globally-reaching event requires careful planning. To maximize your experience and identify the sessions most relevant to your interests, you can find the detailed schedule of the event HERE. This comprehensive agenda will allow you to plan your participation, ensuring you don’t miss out on crucial presentations or networking opportunities that align with your professional goals. The breadth of topics covered means there is something for everyone, from those new to additive manufacturing to seasoned experts looking for advanced insights.

The video above provides a further glimpse into what you can expect from this groundbreaking digital event, offering testimonials and highlighting key features that make #DAMM2020 an unmissable opportunity for anyone involved in 3D printing. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a historic event that is shaping the future of industrial connectivity and innovation.

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Are you keen on attending #DAMM2020 and connecting with the brightest minds in additive manufacturing? We would love to hear your thoughts and anticipation! Let us know your expectations or any questions you might have in a comment below, or engage with us directly on our vibrant Facebook and Twitter pages. Your feedback and excitement fuel our community. Furthermore, to ensure you stay at the forefront of all things 3D printing, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter. It delivers all the latest news, breakthrough innovations, and essential updates in 3D printing straight to your inbox, keeping you informed and connected to the pulse of the industry. Join us in making #DAMM2020 a truly memorable and impactful event for the global additive manufacturing community!