The Printed Athlete: Sports Embraces 3D Printing
Over the past two decades 3D printing has radically shifted the way that many industries design new products. The medical field uses the process for creating bespoke hearing aids and aerospace companies use it to design more efficient aircraft. However, one of the sectors that is on the leading edge of this revolution is sports. All the major sporting goods brands have begun to adopt the technology. From 3D-printed high-end parts for F1 race cars to multi-colored 3D-printed footwear prototypes at Nike; the opportunities offered by the new manufacturing process could transform how athletes and customers interact with the games they love. This talk focuses on how 3D printing technology already has and will continue to revolutionize sports. This session is part of the brand new SXsports programming at SXSW 2014.
Presenters

Jeff Beckham
Author
Jeff Beckham
I'm a contributor to Playbook, Wired's sports blog. I'm also the communications manager for AT&T's Consumer Digital Experience division, working to tell the digital team's story to anyone who will listen.

Mike Vasquez
Sports Technology & 3D Printing Expert
Tribal Sciences
Dr. Mike Vasquez is a Sports Technology expert who has spent his career working to bring innovative engineering and technology solutions (like 3D Printing) to sports. During his career, Mike has worked with companies including Easton, Burton Snowboards, New Balance, Rawlings, Progressive Sports Technologies and the MIT Sports Innovation Lab.
Mike completed his PhD at Loughborough University's Sports Technology Institute in the UK, specializing in Sports Technology and Additive Manufacturing. He received his BS/M.Eng from MIT in Materials Science and Engineering.
Mike was a captain of the MIT baseball team and worked as an assistant coach at MIT while completing his Masters degree. He has also finished six marathons and loves to snowboard