SME

Innovation was on full display at RAPID + TCT Event & AeroDef Manufacturing as the event reached its peak, with packed sessions and a dynamic show floor.

Yesterday highlighted the breadth of additive manufacturing’s impact—from design and materials to production and workforce development—demonstrating how the ecosystem continues to mature.

Yesterday's highlights:
🔷 Kicked off Day 1 of the Bright Minds Student Summit, where high school students from across the state experienced the high-tech reality of modern manufacturing.
🔷 The Tech Hub featured hands-on demos and expert insights on emerging additive technologies.
🔷The AeroDef Manufacturing Knowledge Bar connected attendees with experts on aerospace and defense applications.

A consistent thread throughout the day: the power of connecting technology with talent to drive manufacturing forward.

With tomorrow being the last day of the events, the ideas and connections made here will continue well beyond Boston.

SME Education Foundation

RAPID + TCT Event is underway in Boston, bringing together the people, ideas and momentum driving additive manufacturing forward.

Today’s conference programming set the tone for the week, as industry leaders and innovators shared insights on where additive manufacturing is headed—and how organizations are putting those ideas into practice. From forward-looking keynotes to in-depth technical sessions, conversations centered on innovation, application and impact.

Key moments from today included:
✅ Bringing manufacturing faculty, education researchers and practitioners together at the 2026 Manufacturing Education Summit to explore the future of manufacturing education.
✅ Setting up for the Bright Minds Student Summit, where high school students from across the state will experience the high-tech reality of modern manufacturing.
✅ Convening the AM Emerging Professionals Committee to reflect on its inaugural year and align on future priorities.

With the show floor opening tomorrow, the energy continues to build as attendees prepare to explore the latest technologies and connect with the companies shaping the future of manufacturing.