3D Printing Set to Take Eastern Europe by Storm with Two Big Events

Budapest and Prague are undeniably two of the most fascinating cities in Europe and in the world. At least, that’s what I have heard from those who have been there, since I have not yet had the opportunity. However, that opportunity, for me and all interested in 3D printing, is coming up with two 3D printing shows and conferences: Prague’s 3D Expo and Budapest’s Days, set to take place within the next two months.

The Budapest show – taking place on from May 14th to the 16th – is in its third year. Last year, we covered some of the events after the show and, this year, I might actually be able to make it there myself. Any company interested in participating can apply until March 29th. The show is growing significantly: there are currently 40 planned exhibitors and the conference schedule will soon be announced. A design competition has also been organised by Design Terminal and VARINEX, with the support of FabLab Budapest, among others, and the opportunity to win a MakerBot Replicator Mini 3D printer.

Like last year’s Budapest’s Days, the 2015 event will be held at the Design Terminal building in Central Budapest, near the city’s design and fashion districts. Design Terminal is the Hungarian national centre for the creative industries and is dedicated to offering incubation services for start-ups and stimulating the digital economy, industrial design and urban planning.

Even before that, from April 21st to the 23rd, the 3DExpo is taking place in Prague. For the first time, the beautiful Bohemian city will set the stage for a 3D event which will see both the exhibition of the latest 3D printing technologies and a rich program aimed both at professionals and at raising awareness among the wider public, with conferences, workshops, and competitions.

“One of the main objectives for this event is to give the opportunity for innovators and leaders in 3D printing technology to present their innovations and/or projects,” Petr Bláha, 3D Expo’s Project Leader, told me. And, personally, I cannot think of much better reasons to schedule a trip to Eastern Europe.