Announcements and Partnerships and Introductions, Oh My: Inside 3D Printing Hits the Big Apple

All roads once led to Rome; now, all roads lead to New York City. In what might just be blasphemy to some, the Big Apple is not my favorite place in the world (sorry!) — but I must admit, this week, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than right here, at the (ahem, debatable) center of the universe and the (less debatable?) current center of 3D printing excitement.

It’s finally here: Inside 3D Printing New York City 2016!

And I am very, very clearly not alone in having anticipated this week’s event at the Javits Convention Center. Not by a long shot, as I learned mere minutes into this morning’s opening keynote, presented by Carbon CEO Dr. Joseph DeSimone, when I rearranged myself several times so more interested parties could sit in my row. This feeling was only compounded upon throughout Monday, the first day of keynotes, sessions, and the open exhibit hall, as, indeed, I spent one full keynote this afternoon (presented by MakerBot CEO Jonathan Jaglom) literally with one foot out the door because I couldn’t squeeze it in among the press of attendees. (I know, that’s what I get for being a few minutes late!)

The day was full of excitement across the board, with introductions and announcements from all corners. From the new Fusion3 F400 3D printer to meeting with ROBO 3D, whose Printing with a Purpose campaign we wrote about yesterday, to a major, much-anticipated API announcement and partnerships from MakerBot (stay tuned for full details!) — well, let’s just say I drank a lot of coffee to keep on top of everything today.

It isn’t every day that I have the opportunity to sit in the same room at various points and, each time, hear something incredible. Held in the same hall today (one of several in today’s combined Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, and Virtual Reality Summit) were, in a small sampling, discussions from Carbon regarding the history and near future of CLIP technology; a lively session featuring full-scale 3D printing from D-Shape Enterprises; the Thingiverse announcement regarding the future of 3D printing; and Voodoo Manufacturing‘s talk on high-volume 3D printing.

With a wide variety of other sessions presented, including on the Medical and Manufacturing tracks, speakers touched today on everything from stem cells to IP to mass production.

Outside the illustrious meeting rooms, the Exhibit Hall lay — filled with booth after booth of 3D printer producers, software solutions, and companies at the bleeding edge of the latest in additive manufacturing. Between keynotes, sessions, and interviews, I only had the opportunity to do one full circuit of the hall, late in the day. While it isn’t the largest exhibit hall I’ve ever seen, every inch of filled space is packed full of excitement. If you’ve ever heard it said that those in this space are some of the most excitable, passionate people around, you heard right. My one ‘quick circuit’ took the better part of an hour, as I renewed acquaintances, saw some fantastic test prints, and watched animated conversations at every turn. From LulzBot to MakePrintable, exhibitors aren’t just here to stand behind tables — everyone is ready to engage and discuss, sharing ideas and exchanging info.

The only problem with #I3DPConf? It’s utterly impossible to see everything.

But I’m getting ready now to head out to day two — and I’m sure going to try!