Unlocking the Power of Production: Your Definitive Guide to the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference & Expo in Chicago, USA

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern manufacturing, a revolutionary force is reshaping how products are designed, developed, and produced: Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing. No longer just for rapid prototyping, AM has matured into a robust production technology, capable of creating complex, high-performance parts across diverse industries, from aerospace and medical to automotive and consumer goods. This paradigm shift demands a new level of expertise, collaboration, and shared knowledge among those who actively use and advance this technology. For engineers, designers, researchers, and business leaders who are not just observing but actively doing additive manufacturing, finding a dedicated community to learn, share, and grow is paramount. This is precisely why the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference & Expo in Chicago, USA, stands as the premier event for AM users, a unique and invaluable platform for in-depth education, hands-on training, and unparalleled networking.

AMUG is distinctive. Unlike many large trade shows focused primarily on sales and marketing, AMUG is a conference “for users, by users.” Its origins trace back to the early days of additive manufacturing, when a small group of pioneering users came together to share challenges, best practices, and innovative applications. This user-centric philosophy remains the bedrock of AMUG, fostering an atmosphere of open exchange, collaborative problem-solving, and genuine community. The conference is meticulously designed to provide deep technical insights, hands-on training, and candid discussions that are often absent from other events. It’s where you can truly “learn—share—network” with a passionate community eager to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing. Whether you’re seeking to optimize your processes, explore new materials, troubleshoot complex issues, or simply connect with fellow AM enthusiasts who truly understand your work, AMUG offers an immersive experience that accelerates personal mastery and drives industry advancement.

The Heart of the Heartland: The Venue and Its Time

Chicago, Illinois, often referred to as the “Heartland” of America, provides a centrally located and highly accessible setting for the AMUG Conference. As a major international hub with two large airports (O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW)), Chicago offers superb connectivity for attendees traveling from across the globe. Beyond its logistical advantages, Chicago is a vibrant city with world-class museums, iconic architecture, a renowned culinary scene, and a lively cultural landscape, providing an enriching experience beyond the conference halls. Its reputation as a major manufacturing and industrial center further adds to its appeal as the host city for an event focused on advanced production technologies.

The AMUG Conference & Expo is consistently held at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605, USA. This historic and grand hotel is a landmark on its own, offering extensive conference facilities, multiple ballrooms, and ample exhibition space to accommodate the diverse program of AMUG. Its prime location directly overlooking Grant Park and Lake Michigan provides stunning views and easy access to many of Chicago’s downtown attractions, including museums, dining, and public transportation. The integrated nature of the hotel and conference facilities ensures a seamless experience, allowing attendees to move effortlessly between sessions, workshops, and networking events.

AMUG operates on an annual schedule, typically taking place in the spring, offering a crucial annual touchpoint for the additive manufacturing community. The highly anticipated AMUG Conference 2025 is scheduled for March 30 – April 3, 2025.

The event spans an intensive five days (four full days of content plus an opening evening), designed to maximize learning, networking, and engagement:

• Sunday, March 30, 2025: The conference officially kicks off in the late afternoon/evening with the “New Member Welcome” and the opening of the AMUGexpo. This initial session provides a fantastic opportunity for attendees to register, pick up their badges, and begin networking in a more relaxed environment while exploring initial exhibitor displays.
• Monday, March 31, 2025: A full day of comprehensive programming, including keynote presentations, numerous technical sessions, and hands-on workshops. The AMUGexpo typically has dedicated morning and evening hours on Monday to allow ample time for attendee-exhibitor interaction without conflicting with too many educational sessions.
• Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Another packed day of educational content, including more keynote addresses, diverse breakout sessions across various tracks, and continued hands-on workshops. The AMUGexpo may have evening hours or special events. This day often features the Technical Competition, showcasing innovative AM applications.
• Wednesday, April 2, 2025: A full day of presentations, panels, and workshops. This evening is a highlight, featuring the Special Event & Dinner, an exclusive networking event known for its unique venues and entertainment, fostering a strong sense of community.
• Thursday, April 3, 2025: The final day, with morning sessions and workshops wrapping up the educational content. The conference concludes in the late afternoon with the Family Closing Dinner, a final opportunity for networking and camaraderie.

This unique, comprehensive five-day format ensures that attendees receive an extraordinary amount of value, from in-depth technical training to unparalleled networking and social engagement, all included for one price.

The Ecosystem of Creation: Key Product and Solution Categories

The AMUG Conference & Expo, while user-focused, provides a robust showcase of the entire additive manufacturing ecosystem. The AMUGexpo offers a concentrated opportunity to interact with leading OEMs and service providers, but the core of the event’s “product categories” lies within its educational tracks and the technologies represented by its attendees. Attendees will primarily engage with and discuss:

• Additive Manufacturing Equipment & Systems:
  • Polymer Technologies: Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Material Jetting, Binder Jetting (Polymers), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Digital Light Processing (DLP), etc.
  • Metal Technologies: Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), Binder Jetting (Metals), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), Metal FDM/FFF, Cold Spray, etc.
  • Ceramic & Composite AM Systems: Emerging technologies for advanced materials.
  • Post-Processing Equipment: Curing stations, depowdering systems, surface finishing machines, heat treatment furnaces, support removal stations.
• Additive Manufacturing Materials:
  • Polymers: Thermoplastics (e.g., Nylon, ABS, PC, ULTEM, PEEK), thermosets, resins, elastomers, composites (carbon fiber, fiberglass reinforced).
  • Metals: Stainless steels, tool steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, aluminum alloys, precious metals, refractory metals.
  • Ceramics: Technical ceramics for high-temperature and specialized applications.
  • New & Advanced Materials: Exploration of novel materials designed specifically for AM processes.
• Software & Digital Tools for AM:
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): Software for topology optimization, lattice structures, generative design, and part consolidation.
  • Build Preparation Software: Slicers, build orientation tools, support generation software.
  • Simulation & Process Monitoring: Software for predicting part behavior, optimizing print parameters, and real-time process control.
  • Workflow Management & MES for AM: Solutions for managing the AM workflow from design to post-processing.
  • Data Management & Analytics: Tools for collecting, analyzing, and leveraging AM production data.
• Quality Control & Metrology:
  • In-situ Monitoring Systems: Sensors and software for real-time quality assurance during the build process.
  • Post-Build Inspection: 3D scanners, CT (Computed Tomography) systems, optical inspection, and non-destructive testing for AM parts.
  • Material Characterization: Equipment for testing mechanical properties, microstructure, and chemical composition of AM materials.
• Applications & Case Studies:
  • Real-world applications across key industries like Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Medical & Dental, Consumer Products, Tooling & Fixtures, Education & Research, and more.
  • Discussions on transitioning from prototyping to production, scaling AM operations, and achieving ROI.
• Service Bureaus & Consultancies:
  • Companies offering on-demand AM part production, specialized finishing services, and strategic consulting for AM adoption.

The true “product” at AMUG is the knowledge exchanged—the tips and tricks for machine maintenance, the best practices for achieving specific material properties, the insights into designing for various AM processes, and the shared experiences of overcoming technical hurdles. This peer-to-peer learning, combined with targeted access to leading vendors, creates an unparalleled learning environment for the additive manufacturing user.

The Collective Brainpower: Visitor Count and Demographics

AMUG has grown significantly from its humble beginnings as a small user group to a major international conference, while steadfastly maintaining its intimate, user-centric feel. It consistently attracts a highly qualified and deeply engaged audience. While precise final numbers for AMUG 2025 will be announced after the event, historical data provides a clear picture of its reach and the caliber of its attendees.

In recent years, AMUG has consistently drawn over 2,000 attendees from more than 30 countries. For example, the 2019 conference saw over 2,000 attendees, and while numbers dipped in 2021 due to global travel restrictions, they quickly rebounded, with 2022 seeing 1,865 attendees. The 2023 and 2024 editions have continued this growth trajectory, demonstrating the sustained demand for this unique event. The focus is always on fostering meaningful connections rather than simply maximizing attendance numbers.

The attendee profile at AMUG is predominantly composed of active users of additive manufacturing technology, reflecting a highly technical and experienced audience:

• Engineers (Design, Manufacturing, R&D): A significant majority, including mechanical engineers, materials engineers, process engineers, and designers who are hands-on with AM equipment and software.
• Technicians & Operators: Individuals responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting AM machines.
• Managers & Directors: Leaders overseeing additive manufacturing departments, production lines, and R&D initiatives.
• Researchers & Academics: Scientists and educators exploring new AM processes, materials, and applications.
• Product Development & Innovation Leaders: Professionals integrating AM into new product development cycles.
• Service Bureau Professionals: Experts providing AM services to clients across various industries.
• Key Industry Sectors Represented: AMUG draws from a diverse range of industries heavily utilizing AM, including:
  • Aerospace & Defense (e.g., for complex, lightweight components)
  • Automotive (e.g., for prototyping, tooling, and end-use parts)
  • Medical & Dental (e.g., for custom implants, prosthetics, surgical guides)
  • Consumer Products (e.g., for mass customization, rapid iteration)
  • Industrial Equipment & Machinery (e.g., for spare parts, tooling)
  • Research & Development Institutions

A defining characteristic of AMUG attendees is their direct engagement with additive manufacturing equipment. Attendees (and their companies) must typically own and operate industrial additive manufacturing equipment for professional applications to qualify for attendance, ensuring a high level of expertise and shared context. This unique qualification criterion sets AMUG apart and contributes to the high quality of discussions and networking.

Elevate Your AM Expertise: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the AMUG Conference & Expo in Chicago offers a truly unique and comprehensive package of benefits and exclusive perks for anyone deeply involved in additive manufacturing:

• Unrivaled Peer-to-Peer Learning: This is the core of AMUG. Engage in candid, unfiltered discussions with hundreds of experienced AM users. Get practical “tips and tricks,” troubleshoot complex issues, and learn real-world applications directly from those who are doing the work every day, often in non-competitive settings.
• Deep-Dive Technical Sessions & Hands-on Workshops: The conference agenda is packed with over 100 presentations, ranging from fundamental principles to advanced applications. Critically, AMUG emphasizes hands-on workshops where you can gain practical experience with different AM technologies, materials, and software in a guided environment.
• Direct Access to Industry Leaders and Innovators: Interact casually and formally with some of the most influential figures in additive manufacturing, including keynote speakers, pioneers, and thought leaders who are shaping the future of the industry.
• Comprehensive All-Inclusive Experience: For one registration fee, AMUG provides an all-inclusive experience that covers:
  • All Conference Sessions: Keynotes, technical sessions, panels, and workshops.
  • AMUGexpo Access: Dedicated time to explore leading AM technologies and meet vendors.
  • All Meals & Beverages: Breakfasts, lunches, dinners (including the Special Event & Dinner and Family Closing Dinner), and networking breaks throughout the week. This fosters continuous networking opportunities.
  • Evening Activities: Beyond the formal sessions, the structured evening events provide ample opportunities for informal networking and community building.
• Networking Without the Agenda: AMUG prides itself on “effortless networking.” The community-driven atmosphere and inclusive meal functions encourage spontaneous, meaningful conversations, allowing you to build connections that extend far beyond the conference week.
• Explore Diverse AM Technologies: While you may specialize in one or two AM processes, AMUG offers exposure to the full spectrum of additive manufacturing technologies—from various polymer and metal systems to new materials and software. This broad overview helps inform future investment and application strategies.
• Technical Competition: Witness incredible innovation and learn the detailed processes behind award-winning AM applications in the highly competitive AMUG Technical Competition.
• Stay at the Forefront of Innovation: By immersing yourself in the latest advancements, problem-solving discussions, and emerging trends, you gain a critical edge in accelerating your own AM projects and contributing to your organization’s success.
• Community and Camaraderie: Many attendees describe AMUG as a “family reunion.” The welcoming and collaborative spirit of the community is a major draw, fostering a sense of belonging and ongoing support long after the conference concludes.

Your Downtown Oasis: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Given that the AMUG Conference is primarily held within the Hilton Chicago, staying at the host hotel offers the ultimate convenience, allowing direct access to all conference activities, educational sessions, and the AMUGexpo without needing to leave the building. However, downtown Chicago offers a plethora of excellent hotel options within walking distance or a short ride, catering to various preferences and budgets. Booking your accommodation well in advance is highly recommended, especially given the popularity of AMUG and Chicago’s status as a major convention city.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue) include:

• The Blackstone Hotel, Autograph Collection: A historic and elegant hotel located directly across the street from the Hilton Chicago, offering luxury and convenience.
• Le Méridien Essex Chicago: Also very close to the Hilton, offering modern design and views of Grant Park.
• Travelodge by Wyndham Downtown Chicago: A more budget-friendly option located a very short walk from the Hilton, providing basic but convenient accommodation.
• Congress Plaza Hotel: Another historic hotel with a prime location overlooking Grant Park, just a couple of blocks from the Hilton.
• Best Western Grant Park Hotel: A comfortable and affordable option located within a short walking distance of the venue.
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop: A modern and well-appointed hotel located a few blocks away, offering good amenities.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop: Offers suites with kitchens, ideal for longer stays, a short walk or ride from the Hilton.
• Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop, Chicago: Located a bit further into the Loop, but still within a reasonable walking distance or a very short taxi/rideshare.

These hotels provide a wide range of amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, fitness centers, business services, and diverse dining options, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay in the heart of Chicago. Beyond the conference, attendees can easily explore nearby attractions like Millennium Park, the Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, and enjoy the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

The Investment in Expertise: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The AMUG Conference is recognized for its exceptional value, especially considering its all-inclusive nature and the depth of its user-driven content. While precise figures for AMUG 2026 will be released closer to September 1, 2025, when registration opens, past pricing provides a strong indication.

For the AMUG Conference 2025, the registration fee was:

• Early-bird Registration Fee: $1,295 USD per person (typically available for a limited period after registration opens).
• Advanced Registration Fee: $1,495 USD per person.
• Standard Registration Fee: $1,695 USD per person (late or on-site registration).

It’s crucial to understand what this single fee includes, as it is a significant perk that sets AMUG apart:

• Full Access to the 4.5-day Conference: All keynote presentations, general sessions, technical sessions, and hands-on workshops are included.
• Access to the AMUGexpo: Dedicated time to interact with exhibitors.
• All Meals and Beverages for the Entire Week: This includes continental breakfasts, lunches, all dinners (including the Welcome Reception, Special Event & Dinner, and Family Closing Dinner), and refreshment breaks. This substantially reduces out-of-pocket expenses for food during the conference week.
• Networking Events: Access to all organized networking functions.
• Technical Competition: Participation and viewing of the innovative competition.

Important Qualification Note: The AMUG Conference is not open to the general public. To register as an attendee, you or your company must have direct ownership of commercially available additive manufacturing equipment and be using it for professional applications. This ensures a high level of relevant technical expertise among attendees and contributes to the “by users, for users” philosophy.

Considering the extensive educational programming, hands-on training opportunities, unparalleled networking with experienced users and industry leaders, and the all-inclusive nature of meals and evening events, the AMUG registration fee represents an exceptional value for professionals seeking to truly advance their skills and knowledge in additive manufacturing.

Elevate Your Craft: Secure Your Place at AMUG!

The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) Conference & Expo in Chicago is more than just an event; it’s an essential pilgrimage for anyone serious about mastering and advancing additive manufacturing. It’s where the collective wisdom of thousands of dedicated users converges, where challenges are openly discussed and solutions collaboratively forged, and where the future of production is actively shaped by those who build it. If you’re a design engineer striving for optimal part performance, a manufacturing leader looking to scale your AM operations, a technician seeking to troubleshoot complex machine issues, or simply an AM enthusiast eager to immerse yourself in the deepest technical discussions, then securing your place at AMUG is not just an option—it’s an indispensable investment in your expertise, your network, and your ability to drive innovation. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to learn, share, and connect with the world’s most dedicated additive manufacturing community!

To learn more and register for the upcoming AMUG Conference, visit: www.amug.com