At the 37th annual conference of the Additive Manufacturing Users Group (AMUG), Jason Lopes, Chief Technology Officer at Gentle Giant Studios, was presented with the President’s Award. This rare honor recognizes outstanding commitment and long-term contributions to the growth and advancement of the AMUG community.
Lopes has been a central figure in the user group since his first participation in 2010, consistently promoting additive manufacturing technologies. In recognition of his early contributions, he received the DINO Award in 2012. Since then, he has served in several key roles, including as a member of the DINO Award selection committee and the technical competition team.
Shannon VanDeren said, “As I worked through this year, there was one name that continually rose to the top in many instances, Jason Lopes. As AMUG president, I was inspired to recognize Jason for his character and contributions as a person, contributor, teammate, teacher, and student. The sharing of this award with Jason was a delight and honor.”
Joe Allison—CEO of Gentle Giant Studios, past AMUG board member, DINO recipient (twice), and Innovators Award honoree—said, “As long as I’ve known Jason, he ‘eats, sleeps, and breathes 3D printing.’ He’s always looking for what he can do with new technologies and materials. His passion and his enthusiasm are contagious.
He loves to share everything he learns with anyone who is interested. Over the years, he has always been very generous with his time to share his journey and knowledge. This very much includes AMUG, which I know holds a special place in his heart. I am very happy to extend my congratulations to Jason and express my appreciation for all he has done for our industry.”
Lopes’ career includes work at Stan Winston Studio and Legacy Effects, where he used additive techniques for film props and special effects. He later joined Carbon to help integrate new printing technologies into customer applications. Since 2022, he has been leading technology development at Gentle Giant Studios and currently serves on the board of Axtra3D.
“Jason has always been vocal about his love for AMUG. He has always been a cheerleader outside the walls of the AMUG Conference. Jason has always answered the call to deliver while at AMUG. And he continually offers encouragement, suggestions, affirmations, and his time to the user community,” said VanDeren.
AMUG positions itself as a platform for knowledge sharing and exchange among users of additive manufacturing technologies.
Lopes said, “I am beyond humbled to receive the President’s Award and to sit alongside the previous eleven recipients that came before me. I would like to thank AMUG President Shannon VanDeren for all her hard work and seeing the value that I bring to the group and industry.”
Lopes continued, “2025 marked my 15th year of attending the Additive Manufacturing Users Group, a users group unlike any other, and it’s an event I look forward to year after year. The talent and openness are truly what make this group what it is, and the motto says it all, ‘For Users, By Users’.”
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