2024-10-30 19:55:00
The American edition of Formnext, Formnext Chicago 2025, has been cancelled. The three organizers AMT, Mesago Messe Frankfurt and Gardner Business Media announced this. It can be concluded from the explanation that for the time being it has been decided to make the AM event part of the IMTS, as was the case in September.
As previously reported, interest in the Chicago fair was disappointing, partly because the fair was scheduled for the same week as Rapid + TCT in Detroit. AMUG will also take place at the same location a week before the planned fair in Chicago. “In light of current market conditions, the structural dynamics of additive manufacturing (AM) and conflicts with another AM show, it became increasingly difficult for us to host a successful and impactful event,” said Douglas K. Woods, president of AMT (the American Manufacturing Technology Trade Association).
No agreement on other date
Sascha F. Wenzler, Vice President Formnext, also says that it is not the right time or the appropriate signal to the market to continue with the launch of the American event in 2025. According to him, the postponement is better suited to the current market and the evolving needs of companies in this sector. The Chicago exchange should have brought together the entire US AM ecosystem and mirrored the success of Formnext Frankfurt. The fair organizer in Frankfurt reports in its own press release that it tried until the last minute to reach agreement with all parties involved about the time of the fair. That did not work, and the three parties jointly decided to postpone the event. “This decision was not taken lightly. We are convinced that it is in the interest of the industry and the companies involved,” explains Sascha Wenzler.
Part IMTS 2026
As the plans now stand, the AM community will again participate in IMTS, the major machinery fair for the metal industry in the US, in 2026. Last year, 23 companies from the AM industry participated in the Formnext Stage at the IMTS. “We will use our partnership with Mesago and GBM to expand AM’s presence at IMTS 2026 to deliver new and greater benefits to everyone in the AM value chain, including existing AM users and industrial manufacturers who are driving the future of AM represent growth,” said Woods.
Mesago Messe Frankfurt reports that a new strategy will be developed with both partners for approaching the American AM market.
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**Interview with Douglas K. Woods, President of AMT, on the Cancellation of Formnext Chicago 2025**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Douglas. The announcement about the cancellation of Formnext Chicago 2025 has gained significant attention. Can you explain what led to this decision?
**Douglas K. Woods:** Thank you for having me. The decision to cancel Formnext Chicago 2025 was based on several factors. Primarily, we observed disappointing interest in the fair, largely due to its scheduling conflict with other major events like Rapid + TCT in Detroit and the AMUG conference. In today’s rapidly evolving additive manufacturing market, we believed it was crucial to prioritize a strong, impactful event rather than move forward with insufficient engagement.
**Editor:** That makes sense, and it seems like you’re consolidating efforts by integrating into IMTS instead. How will that benefit exhibitors and attendees?
**Douglas K. Woods:** Integrating the additive manufacturing segment into IMTS allows us to gather a larger audience and provide more robust networking opportunities. Since many AM companies participated successfully at the IMTS this past September, it seemed a logical step. This will enable exhibitors to reach a broader audience and ensure that attendees get a comprehensive view of the advancements in manufacturing technologies.
**Editor:** Sascha Wenzler mentioned that now may not be the right time to launch this American event. Why do you think that is?
**Douglas K. Woods:** The additive manufacturing landscape is still maturing. Our environment is competitive, with many events vying for the same audience. With the ongoing structural dynamics in the industry, it’s essential that any new initiative we undertake is well-timed and market-responsive. We believe delaying the launch of Formnext Chicago is a strategic choice, allowing us to reassess and plan for a future that more closely aligns with market needs.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of additive manufacturing events in the U.S.?
**Douglas K. Woods:** I’m optimistic about the future. As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, there will be ample opportunities to showcase innovation and foster collaboration. Our goal is to create events that truly reflect the industry’s growth. As we refine our approach, I believe we’ll establish a platform that benefits all stakeholders in the additive manufacturing space.
**Editor:** Thank you, Douglas, for your insights. It sounds like a thoughtful approach to navigating the current challenges in the industry.
**Douglas K. Woods:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic. We’re committed to supporting the growth of the additive manufacturing community and look forward to what the future holds.
