Event

Messe Frankfurt, AMT, and Gardner Business Media partner to take Formnext to the USA

It’s rare that the show organisation becomes the news during a 3D printing event, but this piece of news was the topic of much discussion. Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the organizer behind additive manufacturing trade show Formnext, and Messe Frankfurt North America has announced a new partnership with the Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT) and Gardner Business Media.

Driven by the increasing adoption of 3D printing in North America, the organizations will collaborate to present a new series of additive manufacturing events in the US. Hosted under the Formnext banner, these events will eventually lead to the launch of Formnext USA Chicago, which will be held from April 8 – 10, 2025.

Glynn Fletcher, President of EOS North America, said, “EOS has been engaged with both Formnext and AMT for many years. The combined strengths of these two organizations bring exceptional value to the Additive Manufacturing industry and stimulate further peer-to-peer engagement.”

The trade show partners announcing the launch of Formnext USA at Formnext 2021. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.
The trade show partners announcing the launch of Formnext USA at Formnext 2021. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.

Formnext and IMTS

Since 2015, Formnext has grown to be the largest additive manufacturing trade show in Europe, increasing its visitor numbers by 300% over the past five years. AMT, on the other hand, owns and manages IMTS (The International Manufacturing Technology Show), the premier manufacturing technology event in the Americas. The latter’s members are increasingly representing those in the additive manufacturing community.

The upcoming US trade shows will combine both parties’ expertise and experience to provide a comprehensive platform for 3D printing firms, researchers, and customers to share knowledge. The marketing for the events will be handled by Gardner Business Media.

Douglas Woods, President of the AMT, adds, “Formnext is clearly the premier additive manufacturing event in Europe, and we are extremely excited to be partnering with them to bring these world-class events to the US.”

Formnext's AM4U Area will debut at IMTS 2022 in Chicago. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.
Formnext’s AM4U Area will debut at IMTS 2022 in Chicago. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.

The timeline for the upcoming US events

Formnext’s first appearance in the US will be in the form of the AM4U Area at IMTS 2022’s additive manufacturing pavilion, from 12 – 17 September in Chicago. The special section of the show floor is a multi-use area where industry experts and startups typically hold presentations. Gardner Business Media’s Additive Manufacturing Conference 2022 will continue to be co-located at IMTS 2022.

In 2023, the AM4U Area presented by Formnext will be featured at the Additive Manufacturing Conference in Austin, Texas.

Then in 2024, the three partners will launch Formnext Forum Austin as a standalone conference and exhibition. The AM4U Area will also be co-located at IMTS 2024, along with the Additive Manufacturing Conference 2024.

Finally, in 2025, the Formnext USA Chicago trade show will officially launch. The event is set to be held at McCormick Place from April 8 – 10.

Petra Haarburger, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt, stated, “Formnext USA Chicago offers both North American and international additive manufacturers an exceptional platform in the highly dynamic U.S. market.”

The Formnext USA timeline. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.
The Formnext USA timeline. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.

Formnext 2021 has just concluded, and the trade show was as active as ever. BigRep, a Germany-based manufacturer of large-format 3D printers, launched its latest set of FFF systems. The firm’s new BigRep PRO printer is designed to be an industrial powerhouse, offering a build volume measuring a cubic meter, while the revamped BigRep ONE is intended to be the company’s affordable offering.

Shining 3D, a China-based manufacturer of 3D printing technology, also launched a new resin-based 3D printer and a new 3D scanner at the trade show. The AccuFab-L4K printer combines a sizable build volume with a 4K resolution LCD, and is designed for both functional prototyping and low-volume end-use production for applications in engineering, medical devices, and more.

Expect to hear much more about this move and how it will shift the event landscape. Please get in contact with your thoughts.

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Featured image shows the trade show partners announcing the launch of Formnext USA at Formnext 2021. Photo via Messe Frankfurt.