The Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG) has announced its keynote speakers for the highly anticipated 2025 AMUG Conference. The event, set to take place in Chicago from March 30 to April 3, will feature Ryan Watkins from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) and Joe Scarbo, President of Scarbo Performance Corp.

Keynote Presentations to Showcase Innovation Across Industries

Ryan Watkins, a Research Engineer at JPL, will deliver his keynote on April 1. His presentation will focus on “linking design with Additive Manufacturing” in the context of NASA’s development of crushable structures for high-speed impact attenuation. Watkins will share insights on overcoming engineering challenges, introducing new technologies in the conservative aerospace field, and advancing space exploration through innovative manufacturing.

On April 3, Joe Scarbo will discuss the use of Additive Manufacturing in performance vehicles. Scarbo’s company, Scarbo Performance, has applied AM technology in racing vehicles such as the SV RSR, which raced in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the SV Rover, which competed in the Baja 1000. Scarbo’s keynote will cover his company’s experiences with AM in motorsports and manufacturing, shedding light on when and why AM was the optimal choice.

About the Speakers

Ryan Watkins has been with NASA’s JPL for nearly a decade and is recognized for his work on flight projects and advanced materials development. In 2024, he received multiple accolades, including the 3D Printing Industry Award in the Aerospace, Space, and Defense Application category.

Joe Scarbo, with a background in mechanical engineering, founded Scarbo Performance in 2008. His passion for motorsports and expertise in Additive Manufacturing have driven his company to integrate AM into its performance vehicle designs, including projects for global leaders in motorsport.