Chester, UK, and Shanghai, China, May 29th, 2014:  Rapid News Communications Group and VNU Exhibitions Asia are delighted to announce the debut edition of TCT + Personalize Asia, which will take place from March 12th - 14th 2015 at the Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing.

Over the last 20 years Rapid News Communication Group (RNCG) has helped define the 3D printing and additive manufacturing industry for European and US audiences with the TCT + Personalize portfolio. RNCG was the first company to publish a commercial publication, TCT Magazine, on the subject back in 1992, and the one of first to produce an event dedicated to the technologies in 1995 with TCT Show + Personalize.

In partnership with VNU Exhibitions, the TCT + Personalize brand will make its Shanghai debut in March 2015. The launch edition of this exciting event will build on the highly successful TCT Show + Personalize format in the UK and is set to become the definitive additive manufacturing, 3D printing and product development technology show in Asia.

The media explosion around 3D printing has heralded unprecedented interest in the technologies that have been central to TCT for two decades. Creative sectors such as art and design, fashion, architecture and the maker movement are embracing the exciting possibilities afforded by additive manufacturing and 3D printing. TCT Asia will further demonstrate what is really possible using this incredible technology.

The TCT + Personalize portfolio's strength lies in the breadth and depth of coverage, which includes not only additive manufacturing and 3D printing, but hardware and software for 3D scanning and digitising, inspection and metrology, design, development and manufacturing. This winning combination of core complementary technologies will populate the TCT Asia exhibition and conference.

Daben Mao, Managing Director, VNU Exhibitions Asia, stated: "With over 20 years' experience in China, VNU Exhibitions Asia has established a range of world-class show brands in China together with its international partners. We've been seeking opportunities in growth sectors, which fit in China's dynamic and vigorous market. TCT Asia fits this profile.

"We are proud to introduce the TCT brand to China together with Rapid News Communications Group. TCT Show + Personalize is by far the most complete and professional exhibition in the 3D printing space with outstanding content and conference programmes. We look forward to replicating the successful UK model in Shanghai next year. The world is looking at China and China is looking at Shanghai. For those who do not like to miss the next economic upsurge in China, Shanghai 2015 is the perfect opportunity."

Duncan Wood, COO of RNCG, which owns the TCT brand, added: "We are excited to be taking TCT + Personalize to Shanghai in 2015. We recognise the demand in China and the surrounding region for intelligence and information about these exciting technologies. Our trusted brand, along with VNU's experience and expertise in the territory, makes for a formidable team and we look forward to the debut show next year. This is the first step in a planned global expansion of TCT + Personalize and we welcome partners globally to make contact with us to explore these opportunities."
 
Notes to Editors
TCT Show + Personalize is abbreviated simply to TCT after written once in full. TCT + Personalize Asia is abbreviated to TCT Asia after written once in full.
 
About TCT Show + Personalize
TCT Show + Personalize is the leading event dedicated to 3D printing, additive manufacturing and product development, owned and organised by Rapid News Communications Group (RNCG). Held annually, the UK event showcases almost 200 exhibitors and presents a line up of internationally-recognised speakers. In 2014 almost 10,000 attendees from over 50 countries will visit TCT for inspiration, education and most importantly to do business. The mix of inspirational speakers, cutting-edge technologies and innovative initiatives such as Bright Minds UK, the Startup Zone and the RepRap Hub — all accessible with no entrance fees for attendees — is unique. As a result, TCT attracts business leaders, early adopters and a wide range of users from across engineering, design and manufacturing to an event where they can see tomorrow’s technology today. Follow TCT online at www.tctshow.com and through social media. 
 
About VNU Exhibitions
Since 1917, VNU Exhibitions Europe, affiliated to Royal Dutch Jaarbeurs has organised trade fairs in Europe, making it one of Europe's longest-established exhibition specialists. VNU Exhibitions has been active in China since 1993, when the country's exhibition industry started to take off. It was one of the earliest joint venture exhibition companies in China. Currently the company has offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou, hosting more than 20 exhibitions and conferences each year. The company is a member of the Union of International Fairs and "Level A Qualification Unit" of the Shanghai Conference and Exhibition Association. 

Forthcoming TCT Events

TCT Show + Personalize, September 30th - October 2nd 2014, NEC, Birmingham, UK
TCT Magazine + Personalize @ International CES, January 2015, LVCC, Las Vegas, USA
TCT + Personalize Asia, March 12th -15th 2015, SHCEC, Shanghai, China.
Contacts
Duncan Wood - duncan@rapidnews.com
Serena Liu – serena.liu@vnuexhibitions.com.cn
More information at www.tctasia.com.cn