AMUG 2022 Conference: Unlocking Advanced Additive Manufacturing Insights and Unrivaled Networking Opportunities

The highly anticipated AMUG 2022 Conference is rapidly approaching, poised to bring together the brightest minds in additive manufacturing. Known for its distinctive philosophy as a conference “designed for users, by users,” the Additive Manufacturing Users Group Conference is set to host professionals from across the globe in Chicago, Illinois, from April 3rd to 7th, 2022. Participants can look forward to an incredibly rich and diverse agenda, meticulously crafted to foster learning, collaboration, and innovation. The program features compelling keynote presentations from industry leaders, in-depth technical sessions, dynamic panel discussions, hands-on training labs, and practical workshops. Beyond formal learning, attendees can also engage in a stimulating technical competition, the inspiring Innovators Showcase, and explore cutting-edge technologies at the AMUGexpo. To gain deeper insights into what makes this year’s conference exceptional and its vital role in the additive manufacturing landscape, we recently had the privilege of speaking with Jordan Weston, AMUG’s esteemed Director of Conference & Education.

3DN: Could you introduce yourself and your connection to 3D Printing?

My role is the Manager of Operations for the Rapid Prototyping Center at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), an institution renowned for its contributions to engineering education. Our center operates with a dedicated team of four full-time staff, augmented by the invaluable contributions of approximately 15 undergraduate and graduate students. Together, we are committed to advancing the field of additive manufacturing through comprehensive education, cutting-edge applications development, and specialized services. These resources are primarily directed towards a non-compete consortium comprising around 45 industrial partners, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge and innovation thrive. Beyond serving our consortium with professional education, a significant aspect of our mission involves empowering our student employees. We immerse them in the practical intricacies of “How, Where, and Why” 3D printing effectively adds substantial value to the entire product development lifecycle. This hands-on, deeply practical approach ensures that a significant number of our graduates are exceptionally well-prepared, many of whom seamlessly transition into impactful career paths within the dynamic and rapidly evolving additive manufacturing industry, making tangible contributions from day one.

3DN: What is AMUG and how did you get involved with the conference?

AMUG, or the Additive Manufacturing Users Group, stands as a pivotal organization dedicated to the education and advancement of additive manufacturing technologies. Its core mission revolves around exploring and expanding the practical uses and diverse applications of these innovative processes across various industries. My journey with AMUG began in 2012 when I first attended the conference. It was a transformative experience where I had the opportunity to present on best practices for recycling materials within laser sintering systems, a topic crucial for sustainable additive manufacturing. This initial engagement sparked a deeper interest and commitment. Over the years, I progressively became more involved, contributing significantly to shaping the conference agenda. I took on the role of a track leader for both the Education & Training and the Software tracks, curating impactful presentations, facilitating insightful panel discussions, and organizing practical workshops that resonated deeply with the user community. This sustained dedication culminated last year with my election to a prestigious board position as the Director of Education & Conference, allowing me to directly influence the educational direction and overall success of the AMUG conference.

3DN: For someone who is going to the AMUG Conference for the first time, what could they expect?

For first-time attendees, my foremost advice is to prepare for an unparalleled networking experience! The AMUG Conference is meticulously designed, with every single aspect, from the structured sessions to the casual interactions, engineered to promote genuine conversation, foster collaborative sharing of knowledge, and facilitate meaningful networking connections. It’s an immersive environment where professionals can truly connect. A key differentiator of AMUG is that all food and evening events are thoughtfully included with the conference registration. We ensure that attendees are provided with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, not merely as a convenience, but as a strategic decision. This approach is fundamental to encouraging the AMUG community to spend each day, from the first meal to late into the evening, fully immersed in networking and profound information gathering. We believe that some of the most valuable insights and connections happen outside the formal presentation rooms. Furthermore, a foundational requirement for every AMUG Conference attendee is that they must be an owner, operator, or direct user of additive manufacturing technology. This critical policy means that every individual you encounter at the conference possesses genuine, hands-on insights and practical knowledge to share about additive manufacturing. You’re not just meeting sales representatives; you’re connecting with fellow practitioners who understand the challenges and triumphs of the technology firsthand. With this unique conference structure, you can genuinely anticipate engaging in exceptionally insightful and practical conversations throughout the entire week, discovering solutions, sharing best practices, and forging valuable professional relationships that extend far beyond the conference floor.

3DN: What are you the most excited about for this upcoming conference?

My excitement for this year’s AMUG Conference is multi-faceted, but a significant highlight is undoubtedly the expanded offering of hands-on workshops, meticulously organized by our dedicated AMUG track leaders. We’ve strategically placed more workshops on the agenda this year than in any preceding event, a direct response to feedback and a proactive measure to combat the intellectual fatigue that can sometimes set in after several days of intensive presentations and panel discussions. To maximize engagement and practical learning, we’ve dedicated Thursday, the final day of the conference, to a heavy focus on these interactive, hands-on sessions. This allows attendees to apply theoretical knowledge immediately and gain tangible skills. These workshops span a diverse range of critical topics, including the intricate process of casting metal parts using 3D-printed molds, the techniques of silicone molding, efficient support removal methodologies, and advanced 3D scanning for precise reverse engineering applications, among many others. This practical component is designed to equip attendees with direct, actionable insights they can take back to their operations.

Beyond the workshops, I am also particularly eager to hear from our distinguished keynote speakers and to immerse myself in the always-inspiring Innovators Showcase. This year’s keynotes offer a compelling focus on the automotive industry, featuring two exceptionally influential voices: Kevin Czinger, the visionary behind Divergent 3D, and Ellen Lee from the iconic Ford Motor Company. It will be incredibly insightful to gain perspectives on both the current state and the future trajectory of additive manufacturing within the automotive sector. We’ll hear from a dynamic, younger company actively seeking to innovate and disrupt traditional manufacturing paradigms, alongside an established industry giant that is strategically adapting and leading with additive technologies. Furthermore, the featured guest for this year’s AMUG Innovators Showcase is Andy Christensen, a true pioneer who has profoundly developed and expanded the medical applications of additive manufacturing. I am especially looking forward to this intimate ‘fireside chat’ with Andy, where he will undoubtedly share highlights from his remarkable career, including numerous medical and regulatory “firsts” and fascinating insights from high-profile medical cases that have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing in healthcare.

3DN: Many people from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) have been involved in the conference, what is the connection between the two?

The connection between the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and AMUG is deep-rooted, symbiotic, and spans decades. With over 30 years of invaluable experience and a robust history of professional education in additive manufacturing, primarily through its highly respected Rapid Prototyping Center and the influential industrial consortium it supports, MSOE’s mission inherently aligns seamlessly with AMUG’s core objective: to advance education and proliferate the applications of these transformative technologies. This shared vision has fostered a profound partnership. Illustrating this close relationship, three distinguished MSOE staff members have served with dedication on the AMUG Board of Directors, directly contributing to the strategic direction and growth of the organization. Over many years, numerous MSOE representatives have actively participated in a wide array of conference activities, delivering insightful presentations, engaging in lively panel discussions, leading practical workshops, and fiercely competing in the Technical Competitions – often emerging victorious. They have also played crucial roles by serving on various committees, ensuring the smooth and effective operation of the conference. Notably, an MSOE faculty member was honored with the prestigious Randy Steven Scholarship for Teachers/Professors, further solidifying the institution’s educational contributions. Delving deeper, a review of the distinguished recipients of AMUG’s revered Distinguished INnovator Operators Award (DINO) reveals an even stronger bond. The DINO award is a highly prestigious honor, specifically bestowed upon individuals who not only possess profound additive manufacturing expertise but also demonstrate an exceptional willingness to share their knowledge and make significant contributions to the AM community. Within this esteemed list, I can proudly identify no fewer than seven recipients who are either current or former MSOE employees, or accomplished MSOE alumni. This remarkable track record unequivocally demonstrates that MSOE has been, and continues to be, profoundly involved not only with the AMUG conference but also with the broader advancement of the additive manufacturing industry itself, shaping its trajectory through education, innovation, and leadership.

3DN: Any last words for our readers?

To all our valued readers in the additive manufacturing community, I cannot stress enough the importance of the upcoming AMUG Conference. It is a truly unparalleled event that will soon gather a diverse and knowledgeable assembly of users from every corner of the globe. This convergence provides a unique platform for sharing invaluable expertise, discussing cutting-edge best practices, and exploring the latest application developments across the entire spectrum of additive manufacturing. If you are actively involved in this dynamic industry – whether as an operator, engineer, researcher, or decision-maker – this conference is, without exaggeration, a “can’t-miss” opportunity. It’s where genuine connections are forged, critical insights are shared, and the future of additive manufacturing is collaboratively shaped. I sincerely look forward to welcoming you there and engaging in insightful discussions! Don’t miss out on this pivotal event; you can secure your attendance and register HERE.

Are you planning to attend AMUG 2022 and join this vibrant community of additive manufacturing pioneers? We invite you to share your thoughts and excitement in a comment below, or engage with us on our social media channels: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Furthermore, to ensure you stay abreast of all the latest developments and breaking news in the 3D printing world, don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, delivering direct and comprehensive updates straight to your inbox! You can also explore our extensive library of videos and engaging content on our dedicated YouTube channel for more visual insights into the industry.