On April 29th, we’re heading down to Washington, DC for 3D/DC. 3D/DC is an event organized by the nonprofit organization Public Knowledge designed to introduce policymakers and the 3D printing world to each other. Instead of waiting for a crisis, the goal of 3D/DC is to make sure that policymakers are familiar with 3D printing – and that the 3D printing community is familiar with policymakers – in an environment that facilitates education and understanding. (Full disclosure: I have helped to organize 3D/DC since the beginning and, even after leaving Public Knowledge last month, continue to be closely involved in its operation.)
This year the event (which is free and open to the public) will feature a full day of panels on various aspects of 3D printing, along with a demonstration reception so everyone can see and talk to people using 3D printers themselves.
So, why is Shapeways participating? As the leading online service and marketplace for 3D designers and 3D printing, we sit at the intersection of a huge number of 3D printing-related policy issues. With such a great view, we want to make sure that policymakers in Washington understand the amazing things that are happening in our community.
We are operating at the bleeding edge of 3D printing. That means the challenges facing our community today will be felt throughout the larger 3D printing community tomorrow. That also means the ways we work to address current challenges will serve as a model for addressing challenges in the future.
We know being in such a position gives us a special responsibility to explain to both our community and policymakers what we are seeing. Good policy starts with good information, and Shapeways has some of the best information around on what people are doing with 3D printing.
We are looking forward to connecting with policymakers in DC, and with any of you in the DC area that want to come out to join us!