For 35 years, RAPID + TCT has helped define the evolution of additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, advancing technologies that continue to reshape the future of manufacturing. Hosted by SME and Rapid News Group, the event has evolved into North America’s leading platform for additive manufacturing innovation, industrial applications and emerging technologies spanning aerospace, defense, healthcare, automotive and consumer products.

Since 2019, Identity has served as the PR agency of record for RAPID + TCT, developing tailored communications strategies across major host markets including Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston. As the industry evolved, each market required a localized media strategy aligned with regional industries, emerging trends and evolving conversations surrounding additive manufacturing. The challenge was not only generating awareness for the event itself, but also positioning RAPID + TCT, SME and participating exhibitors as leading voices shaping the future of industrial innovation.

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Identity developed and executed an integrated communications strategy designed to position RAPID + TCT at the center of conversations shaping additive manufacturing, industrial innovation and emerging technologies. Each year, the team conducts a discovery process to identify the trends, technologies, exhibitors and speakers most capable of driving meaningful media coverage and industry engagement before, during and after the event.

Using those insights, Identity builds an awareness strategy that blends media relations, thought leadership, owned content, influencer engagement and real-time event storytelling while supporting on-site media engagement, interview coordination and content capture throughout the event. Through a surgical approach to topic development rooted in market trends and industry momentum, Identity secured thousands of media mentions highlighting RAPID + TCT, SME leadership and participating exhibitors. The program also expanded outreach efforts to include manufacturing-focused creators and influencers, helping extend visibility beyond traditional trade media audiences.

In 2026, RAPID + TCT entered a pivotal new chapter with its debut in Boston—one of the nation’s leading hubs for healthcare, defense, higher education and advanced manufacturing innovation. The event featured expanded programming, new showcase experiences and an increased emphasis on life sciences and defense applications.

Across multiple event cycles, Identity secured coverage and thought leadership opportunities with local, regional and national business media and trade outlets including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, FOX News, IndustryWeek, Automotive News, Manufacturing Dive, Manufacturing Tomorrow, Design News, 3D Printing Industry and Inside Dental Technology, generating thousands of media mentions and billions of impressions worldwide.

In 2026 alone, Identity generated more than 1,500 global media mentions reaching an estimated audience of nearly 1.5 billion. Coverage included placements with Manufacturing Engineering & Technology, Aerospace & Defense Technology and Boston 25 News, helping position RAPID + TCT at the forefront of emerging industry conversations while driving awareness throughout the New England market. On-site, Identity managed media engagement with outlets including The New York Times, IndustryWeek and Boston Globe while coordinating interviews with SME leadership, exhibitors and event stakeholders.

Through strategic communications, thought leadership and hands-on event support, Identity helped position RAPID + TCT at the center of global conversations shaping the future of additive manufacturing.