Building a Global Community: Lessons from Women in 3D Printing

When Nora Toure started a blog 10 years ago highlighting women in the 3D printing industry, she had no idea it would evolve into a thriving global network with 30,000+ members across multiple continents. What began as a way to connect with other women in a male-dominated field quickly became Women in 3D Printing (Wi3DP)—a movement that blends virtual engagement, in-person networking, and corporate partnerships to create real impact.

At Fuse, we know that great events are more than moments—they’re catalysts for community. In our recent conversation with Nora, we explored how Wi3DP has grown into a powerful force for connection, education, and industry change. Listen in or keep scrolling to read some of the key takeaways from our discussion.

The Power of Organic Community Growth

Nora started Wi3DP to share stories of women trailblazing in 3D printing. The response was immediate women wanted more than just stories. They wanted to connect.

Key Lesson: Let your audience guide your growth. The best communities evolve organically based on what members need. In the case of Wi3DP, what started as a blog turned into local meetups, global events, and an annual conference—all driven by the interests of its members.

Today, the community spans North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with volunteers organizing events in their own cities. By allowing local ambassadors to tailor events to their region’s needs, the network remains flexible yet unified under a common mission.

Engagement Strategies for a Virtual-First Community

Keeping 30,000+ members engaged, especially in a largely virtual-first environment, is no small task. So how does Wi3DP do it?

• 100% volunteer-driven: The organization operates without membership fees and relies on a network of 200+ volunteers who organize events at their own pace (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
• Blended approach: While most engagement happens online; the community also meets in person at major trade shows where Wi3DP hosts networking happy hours.
• Corporate partnerships: Wi3DP sustains itself financially through sponsorships and industry partnerships rather than charging members—ensuring accessibility while giving companies a way to engage with the community.

Key Lesson: Give members a reason to stay engaged. Whether it’s networking, professional growth, or mentorship, people will commit to a community when they see real value in being part of it.

The Role of Events in Sustaining a Community

One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was learning how Wi3DP uses events to fuel its momentum. Their approach goes beyond just hosting meetups, it’s about strategically integrating events into the community experience.

• Local & global activations: Wi3DP’s ambassadors run local meetups, while the organization also hosts an annual virtual conference (TIPE) that features female speakers from across the industry.
• Trade show integration: Instead of setting up costly booths, Wi3DP hosts happy hours at major 3D printing and additive manufacturing events, providing a high-impact, low-cost way to bring members together.
• Flexible event formats: Different chapters approach events differently—New York’s group focuses on makers, Detroit’s on industry professionals, etc. This customized approach ensures relevance and engagement at every level.

Key Lesson: Use events as connection points, not just standalone experiences. Events should be an extension of your community’s bigger mission, not just a one-time interaction.

Sustaining Growth: Challenges & Solutions

With any fast-growing organization, challenges are inevitable. For Wi3DP, some of the biggest hurdles include:

• Finding the right virtual platforms: Different regions prefer different tools, making it hard to standardize engagement. Solution: Wi3DP lets chapters choose the platforms that work best for them, ensuring flexibility.
• Balancing structure with autonomy: While the organization has branding and engagement guidelines, each chapter has freedom in how they run events. Solution: A mix of guidelines + creative freedom allows for global consistency without rigidity.
• Monetization without barriers: Since membership is free, Wi3DP relies on corporate sponsors for funding. Solution: They offer customized sponsorship packages that provide companies with branding and engagement opportunities at various events.

Key Lesson: Stay flexible. Community thrives when there’s a balance between structure and adaptability. Giving members room to shape the experience makes engagement more meaningful.

Final Takeaway: Commitment Creates Impact

When asked what she’s most proud of, Nora’s answer was simple but powerful: she’s proud that she stuck with it for 10 years. Growing a community takes time, energy, and resilience.

For anyone looking to build an event-driven community, the message is clear: Start small, listen to your members, stay flexible, and keep going. The impact will come.

🎧 Listen to our full conversation with Nora Toure here.

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