Nov 28 2013
To many, 3D printing represents futuristic technology originally envisioned in the annals of science fiction. In reality, 3D printers already are transforming industry and represent an emerging focal point of engineering, creativity, disruptive technology, jobs and global competitiveness.
On January 31st, these forces will converge during the 3D Printer World Expo, a 2-day event where the broadest assortment of 3D printers ever assembled under one roof will be on exhibit at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel and Convention Center in Burbank, California. These exhibits will be complemented by more than 40 immersive educational seminars, special medical, architecture, museum and art displays, as well as key partnership and jobs-related networking opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, educators and artists.
“3D printers are driving the DaVincification of the 21st century – a true convergence of art and aesthetics with industrial design and utility,” says Jenny Bolton, President of 3D Printer World Expo. “This event delivers all the tools necessary to navigate this revolutionary wave in one location.”
Expo highlights include:
- The largest ever collection of 3D printers under one roof
- An exhibit floor filled with live demos of the latest in 3D printing technology
- Four concurrent education tracks, including:
- A Commercial 3D Printing track for engineers, entrepreneurs and businesspeople pursuing the revolutionary benefits of 3D printing in areas such as prototyping and short-run manufacturing
- A Desktop 3D Printing track, sponsored by Deezmaker, that introduces attendees to 3D printing hardware, software, design basics, filaments, processing tips and tricks, and emerging innovations in prosumer and personal 3D printing technology
- A Learning with 3D Printing track, sponsored by Afinia,for educators and administrators at schools, libraries and museums that are developing or evaluating 3D printing programs for their institutions, including curriculum development, funding options (including grant writing) and best practices
- Modeling and Monetizing 3D Printable Designs: A special, one-day track developed specifically to help artists capitalize on the 3D printing boom
- Note: All attendees with 2-day passes will receive access to video recordings of all four education tracks so they are free to network, attend meetings or choose between education tracks without missing any key content
- $100,000 in cash prizes and giveaways, including:
- The Great 3D Printer Expo Giveaway: A 3D printer given away on the show floor every hour
- Four 3D Printable Design Contests with top prizes of $15,000 each to be awarded at the Expo: ◦Monster Manifestations: a character art contest, sponsored by Sculpteo, running now through December 30
- Envisioning the Renaissance: An abstract art contest running now through December 30
- Cherishing Memories/Reaching for Dreams: A jewelry art contest running now through December 30
- Gears of Invention: A GrabCAD challenge, sponsored by GoEngineer, running December 2 through January 6
- $25,000 in travel funds to help educators and students outside of Southern California with limited travel resources attend the Expo (subject to application review and merit-based selection)