America Makes Conference Draws Large Crowd

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Some of the country’s best-known specialists in additive manufacturing convened at Stambaugh Auditorium Tuesday morning for the first of a two-day America Makes members conference dedicated to sharing ideas, research and networking opportunities.

“We’re really excited,” said Rob Gorham, executive director of America Makes. “This is a true testament to what we’ve been working to build for the last six and-a-half to seven years. It’s really only just beginning.”

Gorham said that about 320 attended the first day of America Makes’ Members Meeting and Exchange, the largest attendance ever. Last year, the event attracted about 280.

“They know this is the place where they can meet the who’s who in additive manufacturing,” Gorham said. “They want to discover and understand what’s happening in additive manufacturing.”

Often, those involved in additive manufacturing do not have the opportunity to network with others in the field, Gorham said. The meeting and exchange event gives them the opportunity to do so.

America Makes has funded more than 70 projects worth more than $100 million, since it was established. The morning session included introductions from Mayor Jamael Tito Brown and Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel.

YSU, the Youngstown Business Incubator, and other local companies have partnered with local companies to further research and development to improve applications in additive manufacturing technology.

“They’ve brought energy, they’ve brought confidence, they’ve brought excitement – I can’t even tell you the difference it’s made in this community,” Tressel told the crowd.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.