Each year, the TCT Awards ceremony brings together some of the brightest minds in additive manufacturing. Hosted during the TCT 3Sixty show in Birmingham, UK, this black-tie event is a rare blend of industry recognition and elegant celebration. It’s where groundbreaking innovations meet the people and stories behind them.
This guide takes you inside the TCT Awards experience, exploring why the awards matter, what makes the event memorable, and why it’s worth attending, whether you’re an engineer, designer, startup, or member of the media.
A Black-Tie Event in 3D Printing
While many tech events lean toward casual or corporate atmospheres, the TCT Awards embrace something different — a formal evening that elevates the status of the industry. From the tuxedos and evening gowns to the ambient lighting and elegant dinner service, the event feels more like a gala than a trade show extension.
Award Categories and What They Represent
The TCT Awards span a wide range of categories that reflect the depth and diversity of the 3D printing and additive manufacturing landscape – from hardware and software to materials and end-use applications.
Rather than listing them all here, we recommend visiting the official TCT Awards website, where you can find a comprehensive breakdown of categories, nominees, and winners.
Additionally, there were notable recognitions, including the SMF Rising Star Award and the TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award.
Each category showcases a unique aspect of innovation — whether it’s advancing industrial-scale production, solving real-world problems through creative application, or pushing the boundaries of technology and collaboration.
Why Awards Matter in the 3D Printing Industry
In a rapidly evolving space like additive manufacturing, recognition isn’t just about prestige — it’s about visibility, credibility, and inspiration. Award ceremonies like the TCT Awards:
– Highlight breakthrough applications that drive the industry forward.
– Give emerging companies a platform to stand out among giants.
– Encourage excellence and innovation across software, hardware, materials, and services.
– Unite the community, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate.
For finalists, even making the shortlist can open doors to partnerships, press, and customer trust.
Networking, Inspiration & Community
The TCT Awards evening offers a unique opportunity to connect with a wide cross-section of the additive manufacturing industry. Founders may find themselves seated next to engineers, startups often engage with investors and media, and industry peers get a chance to meet in person after years of online collaboration.
These relaxed yet focused conversations often spark new partnerships, media opportunities, and future projects. The blend of formal recognition and informal networking makes the evening not just memorable but genuinely valuable for those looking to deepen their industry relationships.
Tip: Bring business cards, prepare your elevator pitch, and don’t skip the red-carpet-style photo zones.
Photo Moments & Atmosphere
The backdrop branding, stage setup, and lighting make it ideal for professional photography. Many attendees use the event as an opportunity to boost visibility on LinkedIn and industry media platforms. The official photos typically follow a few days later and are widely shared across social media and company press releases.
How to Attend or Get Involved
There are multiple ways to engage with the TCT Awards:
Nominate your product, application, or team.
Attend as a guest or sponsor.
Join the TCT 3Sixty show, which runs alongside the event.
Follow along via social media or media coverage (3DWithUs included!).
Even if you’re not nominated, the event is open to industry professionals and provides a great night of networking.
Final Thoughts
The TCT Awards aren’t just a night of celebration — they’re a reflection of where the industry is heading. For those involved in 3D printing and AM, it’s a chance to step out of the workshop and onto the stage, if only for one evening.
If you’re planning your calendar around key industry events, the TCT Awards deserve a permanent spot — not just for the trophies, but for the people, conversations, and energy they bring to the additive community.
Stay tuned — this guide will be updated annually with new highlights, award winners, and fresh insights from the show floor.
Have questions? Feel free to ask in the comment section below.
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