# 3D/DC : 3D Printing Community Meets DC Policy Community

March 26, 2011

_On April 28th at [3D⚡DC](http://www.publicknowledge.org/node/3731), the 3D printing community will descend on_

_Washington, DC to show policymakers what they are up to. Panels will_

_introduce the 3D printing community to the DC policy community, and_

_explore some of the policy issues that this disruptive technology will_

_implicate._

Organized by [Public Knowledge](http://www.publicknowledge.org/), the good people behind the white paper [It Will Be Awesome If They Don’t Screw It Up](/content/blog/archives/639-It-Will-Be-Awesome-if-They-Dont-Screw-it-Up-3D-Printing,-Intellectual-Property,-and-the-Fight-Over-the-Next-Great-Disruptive-Technology.html), the event is a positive step towards letting policymakers know what 3D printing means, and how not to screw it up.

Shapeways will be explaining the awesome things that are being made by the Shapeways community and the potential empowerment for individuals to have access to tools of production. Let us know if there is anything you think is important for policymakers to know?

Shapeways will be presenting alongside representatives from [3D Systems](http://www.3dsystems.com/), [ExOne](http://www.exone.com/), [Fab@Home](http://www.fabathome.org/), [Makerbot](http://www.makerbot.com/) and [Makergear](http://www.makergear.com/).

[Michael Weinberg](http://www.publicknowledge.org/user/2258 "View user profile.") says, “ _3D⚡DC will have three parts: two panels and a demonstration. The first panel, Meet the Printers,_  
_will introduce Washington to all of the parts of this industry. A_  
_broad cross section of representatives will introduce themselves with_  
_quick 5-minute presentations. After the presentations, you will have an_  
_opportunity to ask questions and explore further._  
_This being Washington, the second panel, How a Promising Technology Might Get Shelved,_  
_will focus on some of the policies that can best foster the growth of_  
_3D printing technology. The discussion will focus on lessons from other_  
_flourishing creative industries that have limited reliance on_  
_traditional intellectual property rights as well as ways 3D printing can_  
_be used to increase science education in the United States._  
_The final part will be a demonstration. This will be your chance to_  
_get one-on-one access to the 3D printing community. Each group will_  
_have a table to show off what they do and what they make. You will be_  
_able to see 3D printing and 3D printed objects, and talk to the people_  
_that make 3D printing possible face-to-face.”_

Image above [AC/DC by Dena Flows](http://www.flickr.com/photos/denaflows/5057696076/), not 3D/DC, though I assume there will be a similar vibe.