Once again, the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) will host its “unlike any other” annual conference at the Hilton Chicago on March 10-14, 2024. This is the event of the year for additive manufacturing professionals across every industry. Members from around the globe look forward to convening and collaborating on what’s new and improved in the 3D printing space. Plus, they’re known for having a really good time.

In addition to incredible keynotes, technical sessions, workshops, networking breaks, awards, and competitions (we’ll get to those in a bit), the mid-conference off-site event is legendary in both planning and delivery. But AMUG doesn’t announce the location. Everyone just boards a bus and gets whisked away to a venue filled with libations and entertainment.

Last year, we had the Museum of Science + Industry Chicago all to ourselves with multiple food and drink stations, music, self-guided tours, and free rides on the flight simulators. The next day, AMUG hosted a steampunk-themed casino night at the hotel, followed by some very enthusiastic karaoke.

This year, they’re combining the undisclosed off-site dinner and dress-up party into one fantastic event — and it’s 80’s Theme Night. Seasoned attendees are strongly encouraged to dig into the back of their closets and resurface gems of their early careers, and all professionals can star as their favorite big hair band heroes. (We’re talking Twisted Sister, Whitesnake, Scorpions, and the other usual suspects.) It will undoubtedly be a night to remember, kick back, and celebrate all the additive manufacturing industry has accomplished since its inception in the 1980s.

“With this year’s theme, we want to bring the event ‘Back to the User,’” said Ed Graham, director of education and conference for AMUG. “It’s a play on Back to the Future. That’s where the 80s theme came from, and we decided to have fun with it.”

Here’s Graham’s LinkedIn post sharing all the juicy details:

But the big off-site event isn’t the only reason AMUG members attend the annual conference. The 2024 AMUG Conference is chock-full of incredible additive manufacturing leaders and innovators who have passionately paved the way for decades.

This year’s keynotes are fan favorites Jason Lopes and Olaf Diegal. Lopes is the director of additive manufacturing at Gentle Giant Studios and will discuss how additive manufacturing and 3D scanning have advanced through remarkably challenging projects in the entertainment industry. He played a pivotal role in shaping the biggest Hollywood blockbusters, such as Avatar, Terminator Genisys & Salvation, Thor, and the three Iron Man films. AMUG recognized him with a Distinguished INnovator Operators (DINO) award in 2012 and as the 3D Printing Industry’s Maker of The Year in 2017.

Diegel, professor of additive manufacturing at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, will demonstrate how the technology paired with solid DfAM practices can transform products into successes that contain value-added features. Diegal has successfully consulted and created products for companies worldwide, earning numerous awards and accolades.

Afternoon breakout sessions feature experts from dozens of top companies who will share their stories of success, challenges, and innovations so that all may learn and excel.

“We always encourage anyone who gives a presentation, panel session, or workshop to make it technically oriented and educational versus a sales pitch. That’s how we differentiate AMUG over any other type of conference or expo,” said Graham.

Last year, AMUG introduced workshops on the event’s last day to give attendees an interactive educational experience. They were such a hit that they’re now an event staple.

“After a full week of presentations and panel sessions and just sitting and listening, Thursday is the day where you can roll up your sleeves, have some fun, and learn the old-school way by diving into it,” said Graham.

This year’s newest addition is the AMUGderby on Tuesday night, where all AMUG members can bring 3D-printed racecars to compete for first place. Judges will present awards for the fastest car and best design. Rules and regulations apply, and members must register to race.

“We thought it’d be a cool way for our members to get involved and show off some of their additive skills,” said Graham. “It’ll be interesting to see what these cars look like. And it’ll be a fun time for everybody to get together and hang out in the expo hall.”

In addition to the derby, members will compete in the Technical Competition to win an Advanced Concepts, Advanced Finishing, or Members Choice award. A panel of DINOs will evaluate the entries and select winners for Advanced Concepts and Advanced Finishing, while all attendees can vote for their favorite design to win Members Choice. Designs will be displayed at the beginning of the week, and winners will be announced Thursday morning.

The AMUG Conference is also a time to acknowledge exceptional contributions to the 3D-printing industry and the AMUG community. Greg Morris, CEO of Zeda Inc., will receive the 2024 AMUG Innovators Award. Alex Campbell, a fourth-year aerospace engineering student at Ohio State University, has been awarded the Guy E. Bourdeau Scholarship for students in additive manufacturing. Phil Rufe, an Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering at Eastern Michigan University, has been selected for the Randy Stevens Scholarship for educators in additive manufacturing.

Additionally, new DINOs will be acknowledged and given a prestigious award to celebrate their contributions and years of service in the industry and within AMUG. The Lifetime Achievement Award and President’s Award will also be granted to individuals who exemplify leadership and excellence in additive manufacturing.

To make the most of the event, attendees can download the mobile app and use the online planner. Use the tool to build a schedule, network with other attendees, vote, and connect with AMUG event coordinators.

Please note that AMUG Conference attendance is limited to those who directly own industrial additive manufacturing equipment and use it for professional applications. Registration includes access to all presentations, networking, special events, workshops, competitions, and the expo.

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