RAPID + TCT 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus
March 17, 2020
The RAPID + TCT 2020 conference and exhibition, which was due to take place at Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, California, USA, from April 20-23, 2020, has been cancelled due to the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19). Organised by SME and the TCT Group, the event will next take place from April 26–29 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
RAPID + TCT is thought to be the largest and longest-running Additive Manufacturing trade show in North America, and in 2019 was attended by nearly 9,000 visitors and hosted more than 400 exhibitors.
Steve Prahalis, Chief Operating Officer of SME, wrote, “We pursued venues and alternate dates and explored every possibility to hold the event later this summer. Despite this extensive effort, however, we were forced to make a difficult choice. Given the volatile nature of the pandemic’s length and severity, we recognised that there were no 2020 options that would both work operationally and assure the safety of the Additive Manufacturing community. As a result, we have decided to postpone RAPID + TCT until 2021 in Chicago.”
“I understand that this decision will disappoint many of you,” he continued. “I’m personally disappointed, and this was an agonising outcome. But the health and well-being of the Additive Manufacturing community is and always will be our primary concern… We cannot wait to reignite RAPID + TCT in 2021 in Chicago, bigger and better than ever. We look forward to seeing you on the shores of Lake Michigan next year.”