The Authority on 3D Printing, Scanning and Additive Manufacturing to be held in Long Beach, California

DEARBORN, Mich. October 14, 2014

For almost a quarter of a century, the RAPID Conference & Exposition, produced by SME, has 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. RAPID 2015 will mark the 25th anniversary for the conference and exposition, and it will be held May 18-21, 2015, in Long Beach, California, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

"Within our industry, RAPID has been viewed as the leading conference on all things 3D printing and additive manufacturing for more than two decades," said Maria Conrado, RAPID event manager. "As our industry continues to gain momentum and exposure from the mainstream media and general public alike, we anticipate RAPID 2015 will continue to grow and bring industry thought leaders and newcomers together to better this manufacturing technology."

Last year, RAPID 2014 was the largest event in RAPIDs history, with more than 150 exhibiting companies, over 100 conference presentations and 3,400 attendees present. Additionally, 53 percent of RAPID 2014 attendees had little or no experience with additive manufacturing technologies prior to their attendance, a clear sign of the industrys growth and potential.

Nowhere else in North America is there an opportunity to see all major manufacturers, all leading technologies and have the opportunity to evaluate and compare them side by side. Major brands and startup companies utilize RAPID as a launching ground for the newest innovations and industry-changing technologies in additive manufacturing, as well as an opportunity to secure face-to-face time with a multitude of experts within the community. Seventeen industries will be represented at RAPID 2015, promoting cross-industry collaboration between aerospace, medical, consumer goods, automotive and more.

With public interest in 3D printing technologies at an all-time high, theres no better time to share innovative research, case studies or applications with an audience focused on additive manufacturing. RAPID 2015 is currently accepting conference abstracts and research posters for consideration, with a submission deadline of Nov. 15, 2014. Submissions for current and still-to-be-created art for RAPID 2015s gallery and puzzle designs will also be accepted through Dec. 1, 2014. Interested parties can enter their submissions at [rapid3devent.com/about-rapid/call-for-speakers.

For more information, and to secure your spot, visit rapid3devent.com. Follow RAPID on Twitter @RAPID_Event, like on Facebook and follow on Google+.

About RAPID
For 25 years, the RAPID Conference & Exposition, produced by SME, has 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. As the leader and authority figure in additive manufacturing, RAPID attracts buyers, sellers and end-users of design, prototyping, tooling and direct digital technologies to a world-class event for discovery, innovation and networking. For more information, please visit rapid3devent.com.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, government and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to advancing manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for industry. Follow @sme_mfg on Twitter or facebook.com/smemfg.