SME and Rapid News Publications Ltd to Partner on RAPID Event from 2017

DEARBORN, Mich., and CHESTER, UK, April 13, 2016 – SME and owner of The TCT Group, Rapid News Publications Ltd, have today announced a strategic alliance that will see the organizations teaming up to produce the annual RAPID 3D manufacturing event starting in 2017.

The two organizations are combining their nearly 30 years of insights and experience in accelerating the adoption and advancement of 3D manufacturing technologies and are confident that the new event, to be renamed RAPID + TCT, will result in an increased impact on the U.S. manufacturing industry. 

RAPID has been produced by SME since its inception 26 years ago as an additive manufacturing and 3D technology conference and exposition. It has seen significant growth in attendance, exhibits and activities in recent years. Through its TCT portfolio, Rapid News has been at the forefront of the 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development movement for more than 20 years.

The new partnership will leverage SME and TCT’s collective industry knowledge and global networks to draw significantly more industry professionals together to address the challenges of 3D manufacturing and drive even greater adoption and progress across all industries.

Emerging technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and other 3D technologies are enabling manufacturers to reduce time to market, produce stronger and lighter parts, improve efficiency, reduce waste, cost and emissions and create products and geometries they couldn’t create before. Increased awareness of these real benefits of using advanced manufacturing technologies will encourage more companies to adopt these technologies which will improve their ability to compete on the global stage. 

“RAPID has developed significantly in the last five years and still we recognize that even more 3D manufacturing knowledge and expertise is needed now,” said Debbie Holton, director of Events and Industry Strategy at SME. “By combining the resources of SME with TCT’s trusted and respected global brand and media reach, we will create an even stronger event that has a greater national impact on manufacturing, helping companies compete with these high tech tools in a quickly changing market.” 

“This is a strategically important and exciting move for both of our organizations,” said Duncan Wood, chief operating officer, Rapid News Publications Ltd. “This partnership with SME fits with our mission of accelerating 3D technology adoption worldwide. RAPID is the leading 3D manufacturing show in the U.S. and we are delighted to be able to add our experience, ideas and media power to the fantastic team at SME, We look forward to building an amazing RAPID + TCT event with them in the coming years.”

The RAPID + TCT partnership will go into effect for the 2017 event. 

Learn more at the RAPID 2016 event taking place May 16-19 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Register to attend at rapid3devent.com.

formnext’s Exhibitor Advisory Board Founded

First row from left to right: Duncan Wood, Daniel Lichtenstein, Dr. Christoph Schumacher
Second row from left to right:  Günther Rehm, Wolfgang Kochan, Dr. Kristian Arntz, Ingo Kuhlmann, Marco Schülken, Günther Hofmann,
Rainer Lotz, Stefan Ritt, Kai Witter

Following its foundation on 1 March 2016, formnext’s exhibitor advisory board has already begun its work. This body comprises CEOs and exhibition managers from prominent companies and organizations in additive manufacturing, tool and form-making, and other areas of industrial product development and manufacturing. It is chaired by Rainer Lotz, managing director of Renishaw GmbH, Germany.
 

Through the exhibitor advisory board, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH – the company that organizes formnext – has ensured that the spirited exchange of ideas with its target industries will remain a fixture of this international exhibition and conference.

“Since we started putting formnext together, we’ve been in close contact with numerous companies and other organizations,” explains Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President of formnext at Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “The exhibitor advisory board is a continuation of this fruitful collaboration on an even deeper level.”
 

The formnext exhibitor advisory board’s members are:

Dr. Kristian Arntz, Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology (IPT)

Günther Hofmann, Hofmann Innovation Group / Concept Laser GmbH

Wolfgang Kochan, Stratasys GmbH

Ingo Kuhlmann, IKOffice GmbH

Daniel Lichtenstein, Trumpf Laser- und Systemtechnik GmbH

Rainer Lotz, Renishaw GmbH

Günther Rehm, Listemann Technology AG

Stefan Ritt, SLM Solutions GmbH

Marco Schülken, Schülken Form GmbH

Dr. Christoph Schumacher, Arburg GmbH + Co KG

Kai Witter, EOS GmbH

Duncan Wood, Rapid News Communications / TCT
 

Among other tasks, this 12-person body is now playing a part in keeping formnext up to speed with the latest trends and establishing it as a leading international exhibition for modern product development and manufacturing.

Rapid News and VNU announce joint venture in Asia

Left to Right: Serena Liu, Evan Sha, Jessica Zhu, Bas van Haver, Duncan Wood and James Woodcock

Rapid News Publications Ltd and VNU Exhibitions Asia announce joint venture to lead technology adoption in Asian market.

As the second edition of TCT + Personalize Asia approaches, Rapid News and VNU Exhibitions Asia formalize their relationship to expand the TCT + Personalize event and media portfolio across Asia.

Shanghai, PR China, and Chester, UK, January 26th 2016 – Following a hugely successful debut edition of TCT + Personalize Asia in March 2015 the joint organisers of the event, Rapid News Publications Ltd (Rapid News) and VNU Exhibitions Asia (VNU) are today announcing the formation of a joint venture company that will combine their networks, processes and skills to further expand the Rapid News additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing and 3D technology event and media portfolio to a pan-Asian audience.
 
The timing of the joint venture is highly favourable, following the Chinese government’s National 3D Printing Industry Development Promotion Plan released in February 2015 which, coupled with significant government funding in academic institutions, science and research centers, as well as within manufacturing companies, sets in place a strong framework for future development and adoption of AM and 3D printing within China.
 
Through its TCT + Personalize portfolio Rapid News has been at the forefront of the 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development movement for more than twenty years. This unprecedented heritage means that the company is perfectly placed to lead the education process as users across Asia identify the business benefits of adopting the latest 3D technologies.
 
The joint venture company will operate under the name VNU Rapid News Co. Ltd and will be based in Shanghai. The company will capitalize on VNU’s strong reputation for organizing world-class exhibitions in the region while Rapid News will bring its two decades of technology expertise, networks, global market knowledge and experience.
 
Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Publications Ltd and Chairman of the new JV said, “This is a strategically important and exciting move for Rapid News Publications Ltd and TCT. The formation of a joint venture company with VNU significantly strengthens our presence in the region, and increases our stake in the additive manufacturing, 3D printing and 3D technology sector globally. TCT + Personalize is the global market’s most influential portfolio and we are delighted to be working with VNU. We are absolutely thrilled with the partnership and the exciting opportunities that it brings.”
 
David Zhong, CEO, VNU Exhibitions Asia commented, "This is a milestone partnership for VNU Exhibitions Asia. With our 20 years of knowledge and experience in the China market, we have developed a series of world-class exhibition brands, whilst exploring new business opportunities in emerging industries together with our international partners. We are proud of our co-operation with Rapid News Publications Ltd to develop the TCT+ Personalize portfolio in the China and Asia market.”
 
About Rapid News Publications Ltd.
 Rapid News Publications Ltd, is the owner of the TCT + Personalize portfolio. The TCT Group’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of 3D technologies for design, development and manufacture across all industry sectors. Our events, publications, websites and digital products deliver business-critical insights on 3D printing, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection and traditional manufacturing technologies across the globe. Rapid News Publications Ltd is a member of the AEO (Association of Event Organisers) and BPA Worldwide - www.thetctgroup.com
 
 
About VNU Exhibitions Asia
VNU Exhibitions Asia is a joint venture of Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs and Keylong Exhibitions Service Co., Ltd. As one of the earliest exhibition companies in the country, VNU Exhibitions Asia has been a leader in China’s exhibition industry for more than two decades. Through the joint efforts of more than 170 outstanding employees, the company hosts more than 20 top exhibitions and conferences in China each year, and boasts an exhibition area of over 300,000 square meters. The company is currently headquartered in Shanghai. The company is currently a member of Union of International Fairs (UFI) and “Level A Qualification Unit” of Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Industries Association (SCEIA). www.vnuexhibitions.com.cn

Featuring Numerous World Premieres, formnext Emerges as Top Attraction

From 17 – 20 November 2015 the very first edition of formnext powered by tct 2015 succeeded in drawing 8.982 visitors from all around the world, establishing the event as an impressive platform for cutting-edge product development. The exhibitors were delighted with the number of people visiting the booths and the upbeat atmosphere.

"With an excellent ratio of visitors per exhibitor, the debut of formnext has really hit the ground running," reports Sascha Wenzler, Vice President at Mesago Messe Frankfurt, the organizer of formnext. "Despite the tight preparation schedule, we managed to establish an excellent market position for formnext thanks to strong support from our exhibitors. At 42 percent, the share of international visitors at the event also sends a very positive signal."

Meanwhile, the exhibitors' positive feedback has affirmed formnext’s concept as well as a successful international convention for both additive technologies and conventional product development and manufacturing techniques.

Among those praising formnext 2015 for the outstanding quality of the information on offer was Rainer Lotz, CEO of Renishaw: "The additive industry is showing off its best side here; there's nothing else like it in the world," Lotz said, adding that he was pleasantly surprised by the quantity and exceptional competence of those in attendance. "For our service department involved in contract manufacturing with additive metal components, the contacts we've gained have made formnext our best event of the year."

For Stratasys, meanwhile, formnext proved to be a real sales platform right on the first day. "We're very happy, and pleasantly surprised by how many attendees have come to see us. In our view, formnext's first event has been a rousing success," stated Karolina Radosevic, EMEA event manager at the company. "Our strong commitment to formnext was definitely the right decision – we'll be back next year for sure."

André Bikar, an executive at BIKAR-METALLE, was also highly satisfied with the event as a whole. "We met a lot of new people from many different continents, industries, and application areas, some of them from larger corporate groups," he revealed before affirming that his company will be back in 2016.

Among those describing formnext as the right exhibition and conference for presenting new products was Daan A.J. Kersten, founder and CEO of Additive Industries. "We couldn't have made a better decision than to schedule the product launch of our 3D metal-printing system MetalFAB1 for formnext," he declared. "Attending formnext 2015 enabled us to reach the exact target group we have in mind." Besides praising the event's excellent organization, Kersten is thus already looking forward to "exhibiting at formnext again next year."

"The visitors we interacted with were highly competent, and they included some new contacts with real interest in our products," noted Deniz Okur, a marketing manager for 3D production printers at 3D Systems. "We're now planning to prepare an even greater presence for formnext 2016."

Throughout the event, the formnext conference delved into topics devised by content partner tct and emerged as a real think tank for the latest development and potential applications for additive technologies. It also demonstrated their growing importance in product development and manufacturing. Here, 266 participants attended the cutting-edge presentations held by members of various industries, including Audi, MTU Aero Engines, EDAG Engineering, and BMW.

The special shows at formnext – including "Audi Toolmaking" in particular – also resonated with much of the audience. "From Basic Material to Component", meanwhile, offered an overview of the latest developments in materials. Finally, the formnext Design Dialogue was a very popular meeting point for attendees with an interest in design.

TCT Show + Personalize 2016 Announces Call for Papers

Chester, UK, December 8th 2015 — The TCT Group’s mission is to accelerate the adoption of 3D technologies for design, development and manufacture across all industry sectors. Our global conferences bring together leading users, educators, analysts and commentators in the world of 3D printing, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAE, metrology and inspection, as well as traditional manufacturing processes such as moulding, casting and CNC machining.

In 2016, the conference will see perhaps the biggest changes to the format and focus since its inception. While a number of traditional presentations from users of 3D technologies throughout the process chain are sought, these will be complemented by live debate and discussion, interactive sessions and addresses from speakers whose expertise lies on the fringes of the TCT realm.

With that in mind the conferences team is now ready to receive abstracts for the 2016 conference stream, set to take place on September 28th and 29th at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, on the following topics:

• The role of technology in the ideation process
• CAD/CAE software as a competitive advantage
• Prototyping — use cases for 3D printing
• Prototyping — alternatives to 3D printing
• Integrating additive manufacturing into production environments
• Developing process chains to make best use of additive technologies
• Assessing additive technologies
• Comparing technology classes for manufacturing
• Updates on metals AM processes
• Updates on polymer AM processes
• Techniques and processes for inspecting AM components
• Metrology solutions from design to manufacture

Technology users and researchers are encouraged to submit a working title, 100 word abstract and confirmation of speaker availability to james@rapidnews.com before Friday April 29th. Preference will be given to early applications.

Please note that in a change of policy the TCT Show + Personalize Conference will no longer accept submissions from machine or materials vendors or service providers, however we welcome contacts for your innovative users with interesting stories to tell.

TCT Show + Personalize Hailed as the Must Attend Event for 3D Technologies

Chester, UK, 26th October 2015: Following the celebration of the 20th edition of TCT Show + Personalize , the organisers Rapid News Publications Ltd reported that attendance for the show has hit over 6000 (pending BPA audit), a record attendance across the two-day iteration of the show.
 
Over 200 companies exhibited, representing the whole ecosystem of innovative tools for designing and making across product development, engineering and true manufacturing. The unprecedented array of over 70 different 3D printing and additive manufacturing machines on show shared the hall with a exhaustive display of supporting, complementary and competitive 3D technologies.
 
The conference arena once again brought together thought-leaders and industry heavyweights from EnvisionTec, HP, Autodesk, Boeing and Lotus F1, who presented to more than 1500 conference attendees during the event, a testament to the insights on offer.
 
This mix of technology and education ensures that TCT Show + Personalize remains the leading 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development technology show in the UK, the success also reaffirmed its importance to the global market with exhibitors coming from 23 countries across the globe and visitors attending from 45 different countries.
 
Duncan Wood, C.O.O and Event Director at Rapid News Publications Ltd, commented: “Another record breaking year for TCT saw more exhibitors than ever before — including the most 3D printing machine manufacturers ever assembled under one roof — take part in the 20thanniversary event.  A resulting increase in floor space, more international visitors and solid growth again in overall visitor numbers when compared to the last two-day event in 2013 ensures the UK event continues to be the benchmark and one from which we can continue our global expansion.
 
We are delighted with the feedback from our visitors this year, which we believe proves that TCT Show remains among the most valuable dates in any designer, engineer or manufacturing professional’s diary.”
 
Stephen Suddell, Key Account Manager, Assystem UK Ltd commented: “Really first class show with a superbly diverse collection of stands and state of the art presentations. Excellent.”
 
Other visitors had travelled from further afield, to participate: “The TCT show was an extremely worthwhile event for me, especially considering that I travelled from South Africa at considerable cost. I'll be back!” explained Glenn Kieser, Managing Director, 3DWorx.
 
Newcomers and veterans alike visit TCT Show to develop the knowledge that could prove vital to the future of their projects and businesses. Karl O'Mahony, Product Development Manager at EasyFix Rubber Products shared his experience: “Overall a great show and a must for anyone already involved or starting out in 3D printing, whether you are looking to purchase a machine or just expand your knowledge on the advancements that are being made in 3D printing technology on an ongoing basis, the TCT show is a great place to achieve those aims.”
 
TCT Show + Personalize 2016 takes place 28th to 29thSeptember at the NEC, Birmingham.

- ENDS -

Note to Editors: TCT Show is a two-day event except every third year when it co-locates alongside another Rapid News-owned event, Interplas, and becomes a three-day event. The next three-day event will take place in 2017. The 2015 edition saw a record attendance for the two-day iteration of TCT Show. BPA audit pending.

Registration for the UK’s Biggest 3D Technologies Event Hits Record High

This year TCT Show + Personalize is celebrating its 20th anniversary and promises to be the best edition to date as registrations for the event, with just two weeks to go, hit record levels.  

As the world’s largest and most comprehensive dedicated 3D technologies event, the TCT show floor really is the only place to be in September, as the biggest players in the 3D printing industry come out in force to demonstrate their full range of capabilities. The biggest names in 3D printing — including industry champions Stratasys, EOS, EnvisionTEC, Renishaw, Materialise, SLM Solutions, Autodesk, Arcam, citim GmbH, Declam, ExOne, Höganäs, Proto Labs, Mcor, Makerbot, Roland DG, 3D Systems, DSM Somos, and Ultimaker — will all be present at TCT Show, bringing together the largest number of additive manufacturing technology manufacturers in one place. This year, TCT also boasts over 60 brand new exhibitors that have never before shown their products to a TCT audience. For a full list of exhibitors, click here.  

The newest and freshest talent of 3D printing can be explored in the Start Up Zone and through the TCT Introducing stage — an opportunity to see the very latest product launches from both first-time exhibitors and returning companies with something new to unveil. For the maker community, TCT welcomes back the RepRap Hub, a renowned hotbed for sharing ideas and making connections.

In the main conference arena, keynotes will kick off morning and afternoon sessions on both days of the show including: Al Siblani, CEO, EnvisionTec; J. Scott Schiller, Worldwide Director of 3D Printing, HP; Andy Middleton, President EMEA, Stratasys; Max Lobovsky, Founder & CEO, Formlabs; Dr Conor MacCormack, Co-founder and CEO, Mcor Technologies; and finally, Todd Grimm, President, T.A. Grimm & Associates.  

The rest of the sessions will cover the myriad applications of 3D technologies across a diverse range of industries. Day one features sessions focusing on Design, Prototyping and Manufacturing looking at the processes themselves; Day two will then cover applications of the technologies in the Transport, Healthcare, and Jewellery & Heritage sectors. For the full list of confirmed speakers, click here.  

The Technology Stage will feature a host of interesting and informative seminar sessions carefully crafted to educate both new and experienced users of 3D technologies. The ever-popular Introduction to Additive Technologies session will return to the show as well as industry-focused sessions on software, inspection, digitising and metrology. A new session for 2015 called Introducing the UL AM Training Curriculum will look at training standards in the 3D printing sector.  

Finally, making a welcome return to TCT Show will be TCT Inspired Minds in association with Black Country Atelier and 3D Systems, giving schoolchildren the chance to get hands-on 3D printing experience.  

Head of Content at TCT, James Woodcock, said:

“The 20th anniversary edition of TCT Show + Personalize was always going to be special and the whole team is exceptionally proud of the event we’ve put together for 2015. The TCT show floor has become the benchmark against which other shows are measured, and the conference stage attracts the biggest names in the industry year-on-year. To have all of this available free for visitors is an unparalleled achievement. We’ve seen an incredible evolution of 3D technologies in the last few years but TCT Show remains the very best place to see everything together under one roof.”

Industry Executives Bring Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing Intelligence to Leading UK Show

Dr Hans Langer, CEO of EOS, was one of the executive keynotes at TCT Show + Personalize 2014

EnvisionTEC, Hewlett-Packard, T. A. Grimm & Associates, Mcor, Formlabs, and Stratasys will take to the #TCTshow stage.

The TCT Show + Personalize Conference team has announced the 2015 Executive Keynote programme for the 20th edition of the industry-leading 3D technologies event. Introduced in 2013, the Executive Keynotes are part of the TCT conferences worldwide.  

The 2015 line up features: Al Siblani, CEO, EnvisionTEC; Scott Schiller, Worldwide Director 3D Printing, Hewlett-Packard; Max Lobovsky, CEO, Formlabs; Conor MacCormack, CEO, Mcor Technologies; Todd Grimm, President, T. A. Grimm Associates; Andy Middleton, President EMEA, Stratasys.  

Jim Woodcock, Head of Content at TCT commented: “We strive to bring fresh perspectives to the TCT conference stages year-on-year — something that’s made easier by the wealth of talented speakers available to us and the speed that this fascinating industry is developing. Our executive keynotes have decades of experience with 3D technologies between them (and sometimes decades each) but are all poised to have their biggest impacts in the years to come. Long-standing companies like EnvisionTEC, Stratasys and Mcor will share the stage with relative newcomers Formlabs and debutants HP — with Todd Grimm providing the energetic education that he has become famed for.”  

The strength of this year’s conference programme perfectly complements the exhibition, which is demonstrably the most comprehensive show floor dedicated to 3D technologies anywhere in the world. From desktop to workshop to production floor, TCT Show + Personalize is the only place to see all of the technologies that matter.

Watch highlights from last year's event in the TCT Show Conference 2014 Gallery.

TCT Show + Personalize 2015 & formnext powered by TCT 2015 - Call for Speakers

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Rapid News Communications Group (RNCG), the company behind the whole TCT portfolio, has announced the Call for Speakers for both the 2015 edition of TCT Show + Personalize, being held 30th Sept – 1st Oct at the NEC, Birmingham, and formnext powered by TCT, the trade show for tool making and additive technologies/3D printing taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from 17th–20th November 2015.

TCT Show + Personalize is by far the biggest concentration of design, development, manufacturing and engineering professionals in the UK at any time in 2015. For 20 years TCT Show + Personalize has been the leading show in additive manufacturing and has welcomed the most distinguished speakers and commentators in the industry on to its stage.


Following the recently announced long-term strategic partnership between formnext, organized by Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and the TCT group, part of RNCG, it has been agreed that the conference programme will be organised and delivered by TCT’s experienced and well-connected team. The combination of both organisations facilitates a high-level two-day conference with international speakers running in parallel to the show.

The two events will build on the huge success of TCT’s conferences in the UK, Asia and at International CES in Las Vegas. Accordingly, the organisers are now looking for insightful, educational and entertaining presentations from industry leaders, evangelists, commentators and super users who can shine the spotlight on the technologies and signpost how they will develop in the future.

Presentations on any topic relating to where the physical and digital worlds intersect will be considered, with emphasis on 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development specifically.

TCT Show + Personalize 2015 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th - October 1st 2015. Formnext takes place in Frankfurt, Germany from 17th – 20th November 2015. All submissions must come with confirmation that the proposed speaker is able to attend on specified dates.

A working title, 200 word synopsis and speaker credentials are requested no later than April 30th 2015. Submissions should be sent to James Woodcock, Conference Director via james@rapidnews.com.

Introducing: formnext powered by TCT

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The organizer of formnext, Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH and the organizer of TCT Show + Personalize, Rapid News Publications Ltd, have agreed on a long-term strategic partnership. The trade show for tool making and additive technologies/3D printing taking place in Frankfurt, Germany from 24. – 27. November, 2015 will be substantially strengthened by this. This fact is underlined by the new brand of “formnext powered by TCT”.

“This partnership offers additional strength to the formnext concept, creating a very attractive, international and long-lasting trade show concept,” says Johann Thoma, CEO of Mesago Messe Frankfurt. “The benefits to the additive technologies/3D printing sector are most obvious, but the tool making sector stands to gain from the innovative partnership.”

Advantage for every participant
The combination of both organizations facilitates a high-level two day conference with international speakers running in parallel to the show. Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News points out the advantage of the strategic partnership for every participant: “Mesago and Rapid News Publications have come together to work with and for the wider industry. Our research highlighted the requirement for an annual event, in a global hub, with trusted organisers. formnext powered by TCT will deliver this and more, giving the industry a stable international platform from which to continue its unprecedented growth. The conference program organized by TCT’s experienced and well-connected team will be highly attractive for attendees from all over the world. We will bring over 20 years of expertise in the additive technologies/3D printing sector to bear. We have a deep understanding of the trends, innovations and are well connected to the world’s finest speakers.”

The conference program will not only focus on additive technologies/3D printing, but will also follow the trends and latest insights on the area of tool making. Johann Thoma concludes: “The combination of a substantial exhibition and an expansion of the well-respected TCT conference series will make formnext powered by TCT the place to be for additive technologies/ 3D printing and tool making. Knowledge meets expertise, expertise meets customers. A platform that can be a benefit for everyone involved."

formnext powered by TCT will take place in Hall 3, one of the most modern halls of the Frankfurt exhibition centre and one of the most spectacularly designed halls in the world. The combination of modern architecture and innovative functionality contributes to the ideal presentation platform for exhibitors and a pleasing tradeshow experience for visitors. The Frankfurt fairground is easily reachable via excellent international and local transportation links.

For further information please contact Duncan Wood or James Woodcock

Rapid News Communications Group Concludes Interplas Acquisition from Reed Exhibitions

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Chester, UK, November 14th, 2014: Rapid News Communications Group is delighted to announce that it has concluded the purchase of Interplas from Reed Exhibitions UK.

Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition and the only UK event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry. Under the management of Rapid News since 2011, the event has undergone a remarkable turnaround with visitors, exhibitors and floorspace all increasing during both the 2011 and recent 2014 editions.

The purchase, for an undisclosed amount, concludes a period of licence during which Rapid News have revitalised the event. Much of this success can be attributed to the unique position Rapid News holds operating the key European plastics publications British Plastics and Rubber (BP&R), European Plastic Product Manufacturer (EPPM) and Medical Plastics News (MPN). The strength of audience reach offered by these media brands, along with a deep history in the sector built on long-term relationships, has accelerated the return of the event to the standout plastics event in the UK.

Commenting on the acquisition by Rapid News Communications Group, Philip Law, Director-General of the British Plastics Federation, said: “Interplas now has a clear direction and confidence in the future. It is a further step in the process of making the UK a 'go to place' globally for plastics technology and products.”

Nigel Flowers, Chairman of the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA), said: “From both the PMMDA and UK polymer industry viewpoint it is great news that Interplas has now found a permanent ‘home’ in the Rapid News portfolio. The market needs a showcase event, and this is found in Interplas. It has been especially encouraging to see Interplas flourish this year and we are confident that this success will continue under Rapid’s control.”

Duncan Wood, C.O.O and Event Director at Rapid News Communications Group, commented: “Interplas has continued its resurgence under our management this year and we are delighted now to formally announce the conclusion of the acquisition and officially add it to our already strong plastics portfolio, strengthening our commitment to the UK and wider European plastics industry. 2014 represented a second consecutive edition with solid growth on all the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold and we now have a fantastic foundation which to build the event and we look forward to working with our partners, exhibitors and key associations such as the BPF and PMMDA to develop a world class showcase for the UK plastics industry in 2017."

Interplas 2017 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 26th-28th, 2017.

About Interplas
Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition and the only UK event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry. Operating on a tri-annual basis, the next edition will take place in 2017 and will comprise 400 exhibitors with an attendance approaching 12,000. Visit the website at www.interplasuk.com and follow the event on twitter @interplasuk

Serious selling and high spirits during three-day show

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The three days of Interplas saw buzzing halls and high spirits as well as some major stand sales, testament to the positivity felt in the industry.

Visitor numbers and footfall was up, with the organisers saying the show an attracted over 10,400 attendees (pending BPA audit) for its 2014 edition, a number that represents growth of 10 percent against 2011 figures alongside increased exhibitor numbers and an expanded show floor.

International attendance at Interplas also increased in 2014, with visitors from 56 countries travelling to the NEC, Birmingham, underlining the importance of the UK plastics sector on the world stage.

“Interplas has continued its resurgence under our management, and 2014 represents a second consecutive edition with solid growth on all the key metrics of number of visitors, exhibitors and space sold,” commented Duncan Wood, COO and Event Director for the show.

“The key to the continued resurgence of Interplas under the management of Rapid News is the level of business created and executed at the event. The post-show feedback this year, has been unequivocally positive in this area.”

Testament to this, Romi Machines UK announced it had sold some 14 machines on the first day of Interplas alone, Richard Hird of Premier Moulding Machinery said that the company had sold four machines and PMS UK sold its Borsche BS150 moulding machine straight off its stand.

Also selling directly off his stand was Kevin Horne, Managing Director of Renmar UK, whose three AEC gravimetric blenders were being taken straight from the NEC to UK manufacturer, Chess Plastics, in Droitwich.

“We’ve had a really good show – the footfall has been excellent and it’s the first time I’ve sold the machinery on display straight off the stand,” Horne told BP&R.

“We’ve invested a lot in our stand this year. Three years ago we couldn’t have justified the cost, as people were coming to look and not buy. Now, however, people are coming ready to purchase machinery and equipment, they are looking at the technology on the stand and asking about lead times and when we can deliver.”

Materials exhibitors were also full of positive news, with Plastribution’s Duncan Scott stating that the show had resulted in several new customer projects and lots of detailed enquiries.

“This is the best Interplas I’ve been to in years. People are here because they want to be,” commented Scott. “We’ve had constant enquiries from potential new customers. There is certainly more optimism about the industry now.”

Over at Resin Trade, the company said the public reaction to its new marketing campaign had been positive and pleasing, with the stand “constantly busy” with enquiries throughout the course of the show.

“We wanted a modern representation of an industry that itself is becoming more modern,” explained Alex Nunn, Marketing Manager at Resin Trade.

“We’ve been inundated with enquiries at the show that are for forward-thinking projects that are more focused on 10 years into the future than stuck 10 years in the past. We want to reflect that modernity with our branding and Interplas was the perfect place to introduce it.”

Manufacturer of antimicrobial and detectable solutions, SteriTouch, exhibited for the first time at Interplas in 2014 and says it is already looking forward to the next show.

“Interplas exceeded all of our expectations,” said Joanna Wilson of SteriTouch. “The atmosphere was great, and we were kept constantly busy with enquiries for the full three days, with interest from a real variety of companies with antimicrobial and detectable requirements for a broad list of applications, from food packaging to flooring.”

Finally, those providing services and consultancy also said interest was high. “We have nearly filled our enquiries book and have had loads of good leads,” said Alex Miles of the British Plastics Federation.

Over at BBE recruitment, Nigel Hyde said having not exhibited at the show since 1999, the company was “very impressed” with attendance and said they’d had a successful show.

PlastikCity was also feeling the buzz, stating that it felt its stand was “one of the busiest at the show,” and said that the numbers in attendance, as well as the high spirits of visitors, was “a clear indication of the positive state of our industry.”

Horsham-based manufacturer of injection-moulded products, Pentagon Plastics, said its first time exhibiting at Interplas had been "a great success."

“This was our first three-day event and it has provided us with valuable new contacts and an informal opportunity to welcome existing customers to the stand. It has also proved a real benefit to touch base with some of our own key suppliers gaining information on other services that they offer that may be of assistance to our own business going forward," said Managing Director, Paul Edwards.

“The busy and vibrant event was well attended and we look forward to exhibiting when it returns in three years time.’’

Interplas 2014: UK plastics event kicks off in 2 weeks!

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Chester, UK, September 16th, 2014: After months of preparation, Interplas 2014 is set to open in just two weeks.

With an expanded, sold-out floor plan and visitor numbers anticipated to be in excess of 12,000 plastics industry professionals, students, media and investors from every corner of the world, the anticipation for what has been billed the 'must attend' plastics industry trade show is palpable.

In addition to featuring a show floor that is not only one-third larger than 2011's outing, but will feature exhibitions from the biggest names in the industry, organisers Rapid News Communications Group have plenty up their sleeves for the triennial event, which will run for three days from September 30th to October 2nd at the NEC, Birmingham, UK.

Duncan Wood, COO and Event Director, commented: "Thanks to the big names that have signed up from all over the world to exhibit and speak at this key industry event, Interplas 2014 is set to live up to the hype as the 'must-attend' British plastics fair of the year. Our excitement has been building for months and the hard work that has gone into piecing this show together will be apparent from the moment the doors open."

The conference side of Interplas will be given an auspicious start, with Philip Law, Director General of the British Plastics Federation (BPF), commencing proceedings in the opening keynote. On Day Two, Shadow Minister for Industry Iain Wright MP will deliver the key address, covering the state of British industry and how the Commons are supporting businesses.

In addition to the firebrands of academia and industry taking to the stage in Theatre One, visitors can look forward to specialised talks in Theatre Two, with a medical focus in association with Medical Plastics News on October 1st, and the NetComposites polymer industry session on October 2nd. For more details on the conference sessions, click here.

On the show floor, visitors can turn detective in Interplas 2014's special MoDiP exhibition of iconic pieces from the history of design in plastics, where they will be asked to piece together unusual facts about everyday objects. Furthermore, attendees can be thrilled and entertained by artist Glenn West's 'Melting Plastic Art' - a live demonstration of how he melts polyethylene and plastic sheet into large contemporary paintings.

Visitors have all of this in addition to the exciting exhibits on the show floor from the likes of Arburg, Engel, Demag, Summit Systems, Romi Sandretto, Ferromatik, Bayer MaterialScience, Albis and Boy. For the full list of confirmed exhibitors, click here.

In addition to being opened by the BPF, the Polymer Machinery Manufacturers and Distributors Association (PMMDA) has thrown its support behind Interplas 2014, along with the GTMA and Materials KTN, with trailblazing industry publication British Plastics and Rubber (BP&R) returning to the Interplas as official lead media partner.

Leanne Taylor, Group Editor, BP&R, Rapid News Communications Group, commented: "British Plastics and Rubber is thrilled to once again be headline media partner to Interplas 2014. The amount of exhibitors, across the entire industry spectrum that are launching new products, bringing new and exciting technology and showing the most highly specialised equipment is a clear indication of the importance placed on the event by the plastics sector. Topped off with a seminar programme that is informative, educational and a vehicle for learning, as well as unique and unusual features and events, this year’s outing is set to be something extra special."

Interplas 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th-October 2nd 2014

TCT Bright Minds Program Extends to Euromold

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On the back of a hugely successful UK programme TCT Bright Minds will make its debut at Euromold this year.

The TCT Magazine + Personalize, 3D Systems Corporation and Black County Atelier have announced that they will partner with Euromold organisers DEMAT to bring the innovative program to the heart of Hall 11 at the event that will see over 200 schoolchildren get real hands-on technology experience in Frankfurt/Main.

Building on a successful UK programme that has been running at the TCT event for many years, the TCT Bright Minds UK programme sees a glass walled classroom built in the heart of the exhibition and throughout the show hundreds of schoolchildren have their chance to use CAD and 3D Printing technologies in a workshop setting. Black Country Atelier will run the classroom sessions with the equipment being provided free-of-charge by 3D Systems. For the Euromold edition the range of technologies covered will include 3D scanning, a haptic based 3D mouse and 3D printers.

As 3D printing becomes an increasingly popular tool for teaching STEM-related subjects, the Bright Minds program incorporates a course developed by Black Country Atelier. Pupils will be able to apply real world design and manufacture thinking into their work using a range of technologies that reflect the importance of an integrated set of tools in the classroom and an ecosystem that includes not only technology, but teacher training and the new curriculum.

Duncan Wood, Chief Operating Officer at Rapid News Communications Group commented “The TCT Bright Minds UK programme has come of age in the last few years with hundreds of excited participants getting a real hands on experience of the technologies that TCT Show + Personalize specialises in. We think inspiring the next generation is important and the extension of this program into Germany at Euromold in partnership with our friends at DEMAT GmbH is extremely exciting. I can't thank our partners enough for their contribution to the initiative, and for continuing to work with us as the program expands into new territories. They have enabled us to have a real impact on a growing number of students and we are delighted to be able to work together with both BCA and 3D Systems again and continue to inspire the next generation of designers and engineers, this time in Germany”

Jing Lu, Director at BCA, added: “We are excited to bring 3D printing education to Euromold. 3D design innovation skills are vital to industries globally and we look forward to working with local schools and colleges.”

Cathy Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer of 3D Systems, stated: "We are excited to partner once again with Rapid News, TCT and BCA on this powerful education initiative, and are delighted to bring it to Frankfurt with Euromold organisers DEMAT. We are committed to bringing 21st century tools, programmes and technologies to students and schools across the globe and this program extension helps us further realize this goal.”

Euromold Project Manager Frank Santo stated “We as a society have the responsibility to bring our next generation close to new technical developments so that they can make the first and important experiences early. Together with our cooperation partners The TCT Magazine, 3D Systems Corporation and Black Country Atelier we will offer our German pupils the chance getting in contact with latest 3D technology and technical innovations in this industry section professionally. We are very delighted to present and establish this educational event at EuroMold 2014 for the very first time and we hope this event may be the occasion 3D technology lessons can beheld directly in German schools in future.”

The programme is designed for young students of High Schools and Secondary Schools in Germany. Each session will last approximately two hours and will also give all participants entry to EuroMold 2014

TCT + Personalize 2014 Welcomes 3D Hubs Community

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TCT Show + Personalize is proud to announce the first 3D Hubs UK Maker Meetup is to take place at the leading 3D printing and additive manufacturing event.

This collaboration will see the Dutch start-up host one of its renowned community gatherings on the show floor, inviting hobbyists, creatives, beginners, businesses and anybody else with a curiosity and flair for 3D printing to participate.

3D Hubs is home to the fastest-growing community of makers on the planet, connecting its members with the 6,000 3D printers on its global platform, giving more than 750 million people access to the technology from within a 10-mile radius of their home.

Bram de Zwart, 3D Hubs CEO and co-founder, stated: "TCT Show for us is one of the most exciting shows to be at. It is a great opportunity to catch up on the latest in 3D printing and hang out with the 3D Hubs community. By hosting one of our bigger 3D Hubs events at the show, we can work together with our community towards the future of digital manufacturing."

The 19th edition of the annual TCT Show anticipates 200 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors, and will take place once again at the NEC in Birmingham, where event organisers have ensured the growing Maker Movement is celebrated alongside the industrial and consumer-driven sides of the maturing 3D printing industry.

In addition to the 3D Hubs Maker Meetup, makers can explore the expanded RepRap Hub and take in engaging speaker sessions such as TCT Introducing. 3D Hubs top brass will kick off this new feature on the stage, where they will reveal a little more about this industry-disrupting enterprise and its plans for the future.

Daniel O'Connor, Associate Editor of TCT Magazine + Personalize, said: "This partnership with 3D Hubs is one I am particularly excited about. Having recently visited their HQ and seen a Maker Meetup in full swing, it only felt right that TCT Show + Personalize joined forces to bring our communities together. For the 3D Hubs community, who are proven 3D printing users, it presents an exciting opportunity for them to see the latest and greatest technology."

Reebok and Under Armour Present 3D Printing in Wearables at TCT Show + Personalize 2014

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TCT Show + Personalize is proud to be hosting its first dedicated conference session on wearables presented by international sports kit giant Reebok and vanguard of specialist athletic clothing Under Armour.

Wearable technology is one of the most talked-about developments in 3D printing this year, as more innovators turn to the leading technology to both improve consumer goods and make their manufacture more efficient, which is why TCT is targeting this key growth area in a specialist conference session.

TCT Show + Personalize Conference Director James Woodcock stated: "Wearables and 3D printing are two of the hottest topics in the tech world at the moment and demonstrate significant convergence. Wearables are best when they're customised, and the manufacturing freedoms allowed by 3D printing and additive manufacturing are a perfect fit."

Reebok RP Lab Manager and AMUG Advisor Gary Rabinovitz will unearth how the sports brand has been using 3D printing for years. Reebok is a 3D printing early adopter, utilising additive manufacturing for rapid prototyping for the best part of two decades. The globally-recognised brand has a long and successful history with the technology, using 3D Systems machines to create models for sports shoes, a prototyping process that saves the company both time and money, preventing the need for later modifications.

Under Armour's Senior Innovation Manager Alan Guyan is the company's 3D printing expert. The Baltimore-headquartered business is using leading-edge additive manufacturing to create the most advanced sportswear on the market, using 3D printing to optimise footwear, clothing and accessories for various sports and activities both at prototype stage and with the final product.

"While the true manufacture of wearables through 3D printing may be some years away, both Reebok and Under Armour have extensive experience of additive technologies in the design, development and prototyping phases in the wider sports apparel markets," Woodcock continued. "Both companies will deliver a unique insight into the part 3D printing is playing - an increasingly important role in diverse product development niches."

TCT Show's 2014 outing is set to be the biggest ever, extending across three days from September 30th to October 2nd and with almost 200 of the biggest names in 3D printing exhibiting on the packed show floor. Organisers anticipate 10,000 attendees from over 50 countries will visit the event to take in the stands, seminars and keynote sessions.

TCT Show + Personalize 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th-October 2nd 2014.

Horners' Award winner to be announced at Interplas

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The Horners' Award for Plastics Innovation and Design will be announced on the first day of Interplas 2014, it has been announced.

This Industry-recognised accolade is promoted in conjunction with the British Plastics Federation and is handed out annually to recognise imaginative and innovative contributions to the development of plastics and its applications.

Winners of the Horners' Award can include outstanding and original machines, processes and products, with entries reviewed by a panel of judges who assess each entry's significance for the UK market through its inventive and appropriate use of plastics.

Previous winners include the Airbus A350 XWB Composite Rear Spar developed by GKN Aerospace, the Cycloc Secure Bicycle Storage System by Andrew Lang Product Design and the Vent-Axia Air Minder.

Interplas 2014 organiser Rapid News Communications Group has welcomed the news that this year's outing - which takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, from September 30th to October 2nd - will be playing host to the major plastics industry prize-giving, which the show’s orgnisers say serves to highlight Interplas as the “must-attend” event in the plastics industry calendar.

This year, the triennial expo will feature more than 400 exhibitors on an expanded show floor and include an exceptional roll call of speakers set to engage, educate and inspire many of the 12,000-strong crowds of expected attendees, with British Plastics and Rubber (BP&R) covering the event in its entirety as lead media partner.

"Awarded for innovation in plastics design and manufacture or in the processing of plastics, some of the industry's most innovative and forward-thinking products have previously won the Horners' Award," said Leanne Taylor, Editor of BP&R. "The fact that the winning design will be announced at Interplas will give the product a fantastic platform for not only deserved recognition and exposure to the industry, but also the potential for future development."

Jack Bunyer, Master of The Horners Company, said: "The Horners' Award is a prestigious accolade with a number of valuable commercial benefits attached. Last year we saw a record number of entrants all demonstrating high levels of innovation and exemplary creativity in design. The calibre of entrants year after year demonstrates its uniqueness and how vital it is to promote all that design in plastics stands for."

Application forms are available to download from www.hornersaward.co.uk and entries for the award must be received by the deadline of 25th July 2014.

Interplas 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th-October 2nd 2014.

TCT + Personalize Asia to launch in Shanghai

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Chester, UK, and Shanghai, China, May 29th, 2014: Rapid News Communications Group and VNU Exhibitions Asia are delighted to announce the debut edition of TCT + Personalize Asia, which will take place from March 12th - 14th 2015 at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing.

Over the last 20 years Rapid News Communication Group (RNCG) has helped define the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry for European and US audiences with the TCT + Personalize portfolio. RNCG was the first company to publish a commercial publication, TCT Magazine, on the subject back in 1992, and the one of first to produce an event dedicated to the technologies in 1995 with TCT Show + Personalize.

In partnership with VNU Exhibitions, the TCT + Personalize brand will make its Shanghai debut in March 2015. The launch edition of this exciting event will build on the highly successful TCT Show + Personalize format in the UK and is set to become the definitive additive manufacturing, 3D printing and product development technology show in Asia.

The media explosion around 3D printing has heralded unprecedented interest in the technologies that have been central to TCT for two decades. Creative sectors such as art and design, fashion, architecture and the maker movement are embracing the exciting possibilities afforded by additive manufacturing and 3D printing. TCT Asia will further demonstrate what is really possible using this incredible technology.

The TCT + Personalize portfolio's strength lies in the breadth and depth of coverage, which includes not only additive manufacturing and 3D printing, but hardware and software for 3D scanning and digitising, inspection and metrology, design, development and manufacturing. This winning combination of core complementary technologies will populate the TCT Asia exhibition and conference.

Daben Mao, Managing Director, VNU Exhibitions Asia, stated: "With over 20 years' experience in China, VNU Exhibitions Asia has established a range of world-class show brands in China together with its international partners. We've been seeking opportunities in growth sectors, which fit in China's dynamic and vigorous market. TCT Asia fits this profile.

"We are proud to introduce the TCT brand to China together with Rapid News Communications Group. TCT Show + Personalize is by far the most complete and professional exhibition in the 3D printing space with outstanding content and conference programmes. We look forward to replicating the successful UK model in Shanghai next year. The world is looking at China and China is looking at Shanghai. For those who do not like to miss the next economic upsurge in China, Shanghai 2015 is the perfect opportunity."

Duncan Wood, COO of RNCG, which owns the TCT brand, added: "We are excited to be taking TCT + Personalize to Shanghai in 2015. We recognise the demand in China and the surrounding region for intelligence and information about these exciting technologies. Our trusted brand, along with VNU's experience and expertise in the territory, makes for a formidable team and we look forward to the debut show next year. This is the first step in a planned global expansion of TCT + Personalize and we welcome partners globally to make contact with us to explore these opportunities."

About VNU Exhibitions
Since 1917, VNU Exhibitions Europe, affiliated to Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs has organised trade fairs in Europe, making it one of Europe's longest-established exhibition specialists. VNU Exhibitions has been active in China since 1993, when the country's exhibition industry started to take off. It was one of the earliest joint venture exhibition companies in China. Currently the company has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, hosting more than 20 exhibitions and conferences each year. The company is a member of the Union of International Fairs and "Level A Qualification Unit" of the Shanghai Conference and Exhibition Association.

Forthcoming TCT Events
TCT Show + Personalize, September 30th - October 2nd 2014, NEC, Birmingham, UK
TCT Magazine + Personalize @ International CES, January 2015, LVCC, Las Vegas, USA
TCT + Personalize Asia, March 12th -15th 2015, SHCEC, Shanghai, China.

Interplas 2014 - PMMDA Flying The Flag For British Plastics Show

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Chester, UK, May 8th, 2014: Leading British plastics event Interplas is proud to announce its partnership with supporting organisation PMMDA.

PMMDA's involvement in what is fast becoming the 'must attend' plastics show of 2014 reaffirms why Interplas is the unmissable event of the year and why it is relevant to the entire industry. Organisers Rapid News Communications Group welcomes PMMDA's endorsement, flying the flag for British plastics at the triennial event, which this year features an outstanding line-up of top flight speakers and a buzzing show floor of more than 400 exhibitors from September 30th-October 2nd at the NEC in Birmingham.

Originally formed in 1996 from eight founder companies in polymer machinery manufacturing and distribution, PMMDA's mission is to set the standards of UK manufacturers and distributors of foreign machinery.

The group has grown to more than 30 members in polymers, plastics and related technologies and continues to provide a mark of superior quality, with members fulfilling criteria proving their authority in the marketplace and working together to develop EU and ISO standards for the entire sector. It is this indicator of excellence that makes PMMDA's endorsement of Interplas so significant.

Nigel Flowers, PMMDA Chairman, commented: "PMMDA is the Trade Association for machinery manufacturers and distributors within the Polymer Industry in the UK. Member companies carry the stamp of approval for sales, service and spares, and are pleased to be supporting Interplas 2014. Our members are confident that over the last 50 years Interplas has fully established itself in the UK, offering plastics industry professionals the opportunity to view and compare the widest range of machinery in action, covering every aspect of plastics manufacturing equipment."

Duncan Wood, COO and Event Director, Rapid News Communications, added: "We are delighted once again to have the support of the PMMDA and its members for Interplas this year. To date we have 26 member companies confirmed on the expanded 2014 floorplan and we hope to add additional members in due course. The PMMDA's support for the event is indicative of the strength of a resurgent Interplas and reaffirms the event as the leading event for the UK plastics industry. We look forward to a fruitful partnership in the run up to September and beyond."

Interplas 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, on September 30th-October 2nd 2014. Visitors can register for free at www.interplasuk.com/register.html.

About Interplas
Interplas is the UK’s largest plastics industry exhibition and the only event to cover all of the manufacturing processes, technologies and services within the plastics industry.

Under the new management of Rapid News Communications Group, the 2011 event was hailed as a resounding success by exhibitors and visitors alike placing the show firmly back on the map as a must attend event for the British plastics industry. The anticipation of a further revitalised Interplas in 2014 is clearly evident with over 400 exhibiting companies set to display to over 12,000 attendees.

About PMMDA
Having formed almost 50 years ago, PMMDA remains a well-respected Trade Association within the UK Plastics Industry. As a group of machinery suppliers, PMMDA members must be able to demonstrate that their equipment is well established in the UK market or in its country of origin before acceptance into the Association. With over 30 member companies, PMMDA therefore represents a substantial industrial force within the plastics machinery market.

As well as maintaining its main pillars of quality and service, the Association also acts as an information source for members and their customers, with regular newsletters keeping its readers up to date on information relevant to the industry.

TCT Show + Personalize 2014 Proudly Presents Brooklyn Rising - The Story, Philosophy & Future Of MakerBot

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'Brooklyn Rising - The Story, Philosophy and Future of MakerBot' will be presented by both CEO Bre Pettis and President Jenny Lawton to an audience of hundreds at TCT Show + Personalize 2014, which takes place from September 30th to October 2nd 2014 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK.

Pettis co-founded MakerBot in January 2009 in Brooklyn, New York, with a mission to create affordable, open-source 3D printers. The CEO's teaching, arts and media background has undoubtedly helped to shape the multi-million dollar brand into what it is today, with three retail stores in New York City, Boston and Greenwich, Connecticut.

Lawton has been with MakerBot since 2011 and has overseen the company's growth, retail and product development strategies. She was promoted to President in June 2013, when 3D printing industry giant Stratasys acquired the desktop 3D printing manufacturer and consumer 3D printing brand for $403 million (£241.7 million, €293.4 million).

The MakerBot story has fascinated the 3D printing sphere and wider tech media for some time because of its motivational story, creative products and attractive, easy-to-use 3D printing technology. This unusual ensemble presentation format aims to offer the event's diverse audience of innovators, press, designers, engineers, students and industry representatives something different from the usual keynote session.

'Brooklyn Rising' seeks to inspire the audience with MakerBot's tale of entrepreneurship, the challenges it has had to overcome and how the start-up mentality can still apply to a growing, globally-recognised company.

This will be the 19th edition of the annual TCT Show, the UK's leading 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development event. The show will run for three days this year and looks set to eclipse last year's outing, showcasing nearly 200 exhibitors and up to 10,000 visitors from over 50 countries.

Bre Pettis and Jenny Lawton will be joining EOS founder and CEO Dr Hans Langer and CEO of Materialise Wilfried Vancraen on the keynote speaker line up, which will offer visitors the widest and most informed view of the maturing 3D printing industry.

Duncan Wood, COO of Rapid News Communications Group, which organises TCT Show + Personalize, stated: "We are delighted to have Bre and Jenny joining us this year for TCT Show + Personalize. The MakerBot story is one of the most interesting technology stories of our time, and to have the leading players in its journey live on stage with us in September is fantastic for our attendees. The inspiration, evangelism and can-do attitude that pours from the MakerBot brand is sure to resonate with our audience and make this a must-attend session at the event."

TCT Show + Personalize 2014 takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, UK on September 30th-October 2nd 2014.

More speakers and TCT Show + Personalize 2014 news will be announced in the weeks and months to come, including the full keynote speaker line up and speaker sessions.

For further information on the programme please contact James Woodcock, Rapid News Communications Group.

Tel: +44 (0) 1244 680222, Email: james@rapidnews.com

About MakerBot
MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys, Ltd., is leading the Next Industrial Revolution by setting the standards in reliable and affordable desktop 3D printing. Founded in 2009, MakerBot has built the largest installed base of desktop 3D printers sold to innovative and industry-leading customers worldwide, including engineers, architects, designers, educators and consumers. The MakerBot 3D Ecosystem drives accessibility and rapid adoption of 3D printing and includes: Thingiverse.com, the MakerBot Digitizer Desktop 3D Scanner, the MakerBot Replicator line of Desktop 3D Printers, MakerWare software, MakerCare, the MakerBot retail stores, and strategic partnerships with top-tier brands. Join the Next Industrial Revolution by following MakerBot at makerbot.com.

About Stratasys
Stratasys Ltd. (Nasdaq: SSYS), headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. and Rehovot, Israel, manufactures 3D printers and materials for prototyping and production. The company's patented FDM® and PolyJetTM3D Printing technologies produce prototypes and manufactured goods directly from 3D CAD files or other 3D content. Systems include 3D printers for idea development, prototyping and direct digital manufacturing. Stratasys subsidiaries include MakerBot and Solidscape, and the company operates the RedEye digital-manufacturing service. Stratasys has more than 1700 employees, holds over 500 granted or pending additive manufacturing patents globally, and has received more than 20 awards for its technology and leadership.

About TCT Show + Personalize
TCT Show + Personalize is the leading event dedicated to 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development, owned and organised by Rapid News Communications Group (RNCG). Held annually, TCT showcases almost 200 exhibitors and presents a line up of internationally recognised speakers who shine the spotlight on the technologies and signpost how they will develop in the future. In 2014 almost 10,000 attendees from over 50 countries will visit TCT for inspiration, education and most importantly to do business. The mix of inspirational speakers, cutting edge technologies and innovative initiatives such as Bright Minds UK, the Startup Zone and the RepRap Hub — all accessible with no entrance fees for attendees — is unique. As a result TCT attracts business leaders, early adopters and a wide range of users from across concept, design and manufacturing to an event where they can see tomorrow’s technology today. Follow TCT online at www.tctshow.com and through social media.

Image credit: Louis Seigal, Insue Photography.