Top 11 Must‑Attend 3D Printing Conferences & Events in 2020

Choosing the right 3D printing event can be overwhelming—there are dozens of shows, each with its own focus and audience. Below we highlight the most influential conferences and trade shows of 2020, covering everything from industrial applications to medical breakthroughs.

1. TÜV SÜD Additive Manufacturing Conference

Where: Munich, Germany
When: 6‑7 Feb 2020
Why attend? TÜV SÜD brings together production planners, quality experts, and regulated‑industry professionals to share real‑world success stories and chart the next steps for industrial AM implementation. More information here

2. AM Expo

Where: Lucerne, Switzerland
When: 3‑4 Mar 2020
Why attend? The expo’s 8 focused tracks—Rapid Tooling, Lightweighting, Series Production, Design for AM, and more—offer deep dives into niche applications, while 48 experts present at the Innovation Symposium. More information here

3. AM Forum

Where: Berlin, Germany
When: 11‑12 Mar 2020
Why attend? Over 1,000 attendees converge for a two‑day user‑oriented conference and exhibition featuring 100+ leading AM vendors, including AMFG. It’s an ideal venue for business exposure and partnership building. More information here

4. Hannover Messe (6th AM Symposium)

Where: Hannover, Germany
When: 20‑24 Apr 2020
Why attend? One of the world’s largest industrial tech fairs, this year’s Messe hosts a dedicated AM symposium and a themed tour, showcasing sector‑specific systems and real‑world applications. More information here

5. 3D Printing Europe at IDTechEx Show

Where: Berlin, Germany
When: 13‑14 May 2020
Why attend? Co‑located with six concurrent conferences—Graphene, Printed Electronics, Sensors, etc.—the event attracts investors, end‑users, and suppliers, offering unparalleled networking and a glimpse of emerging tech. More information here

6. IMTS 2020

Where: Chicago, USA
When: 14‑19 Sep 2020
Why attend? Although AM is a smaller portion of the show, floor space for additive manufacturing will expand by 40 %. The Additive Manufacturing Conference delivers a practical, application‑driven perspective on machines, materials, and methods. More information here

Industry‑Specific Events

Medical 3D Printing Conferences

7. 4th International Conference on 3D Printing in Medicine

Where: Mainz, Germany
When: 24‑25 Apr 2020
Why attend? Covering bioprinting, dental, orthopaedic, and more, the conference features ‘Toolbox’ sessions that demonstrate clinical applications in oral‑maxillofacial, orthopaedic, and vascular surgery. More information here

8. AM Medical Additive Manufacturing & 3D Innovations

Where: Minneapolis, USA
When: 27‑28 May 2020
Why attend? Organized by ASME, this interactive event bridges medicine, engineering, and manufacturing, with dedicated labs and discussions on validation, regulation, and biocompatibility. More information here

Aerospace and Defence

9. Additive Manufacturing for Aerospace & Space Conference

Where: Birmingham, UK
When: 25‑27 Feb 2020
Why attend? The sixth edition offers networking with high‑value manufacturing leaders, site visits to Siemens/Materials Solutions, and panels from the Midlands Aerospace and EASA, all showcasing industry case studies. More information here

10. AeroDef

Where: Texas, USA
When: 16‑19 Mar 2020
Why attend? As the premier aerospace and defence exposition, AeroDef presents cutting‑edge AM, composites, Industry 4.0, and robotics sessions. With 2,600+ global attendees and significant budgets, it’s a prime spot for business development. More information here

Automotive 3D Printing Conferences

11. Additive Manufacturing for Car Body Engineering 2020

Where: Bad Nauheim, Germany
When: 22 Sep 2020
Why attend? The conference tackles AM integration in car body engineering, featuring lectures from OEMs and suppliers and a hands‑on workshop for knowledge exchange.