1.
Smart Partnerships have always been there, but AM needs them more than ever. We probably needed a shift of focus and vocabulary – thanks, Marie Langer.
Said that, who stole the show?
nLIGHT, Inc. partnering with EOS is in my opinion the talk of the moment, as it goes beyond the Customer-Supplier transaction routine. Congrats to both teams, with a special mention to fellow Listener Alex Kingsbury (less than a year in the job and THIS happens?).
Strictly personal Q&A:
- Is booth sharing a Smart Partnership?
Yes, and t’s a trend. - Are consortiums and their memberships Smart Partnership?
Yes and kudos to the launch, Dyndrite, ASTRO Test Lab, MIMO Technik. Also to be mentioned, EWI and its current activities – the guy to see is Howard Marotto. - Is the presence of Formnext Chicago at IMTS – International Manufacturing Technology Show a smart partnership?
I think so – also considering the calendar. (hashtag#ifyouknowyouknow)
2.
You go to AM Shows hearing that Companies should consolidate.
You also hear Companies say that AM Shows should consolidate.
(listen…listen…LISTEN!)
What ties them together? Why do Companies attend Trade Shows?
I’d simplify it like this:
- if your Customers and Prospects attend the Show with you, it’s leads-generating event.
- if they don’t, it’s a group therapy session for your Industry. (Please, don’t get it wrong: there’s great value in meeting peers – it’s just a different from meeting accounts).
- In either case you have the opportunity to deepen your Market Intelligence and build relationships.
So, if you have a dilemma about what of the two points might prevail in an upcoming event, the third may still ‘save the show’.
I would say that the proliferation of AM events, fueled by years of growth and hype, has reached a sort of historic point. “Who will attend what in Spring 2025?”
Best drinking game for the coming months.
However you see it, kudos to the stunt pulled by Mary Cecile Neville and Bonnie Gurney: a giant Ad for Formnext surprising RAPID + TCT attendees right outside the venue. Boom.
3.
Parallel events move the conversations forward – and they feed the soul of AM.
Honored to have been invited by Alexander Schmoeckel and Arno Held to the luminous AM Ventures reception. A golden afternoon and the precious opportunity to debrief. ‘Thought leaders’ – as Alex Kingsbury wrote.
Congrats on the confirmed relevance of Women in 3D Printing, Kristin Mulherin – and another large dinner pulled together.
I met new AM young guns, suspecting we’ll hear more about them.