The Global Alliance of Rapid Prototyping Associations (GARPA), and its annual meeting, the Global Summit, were formed to encourage the sharing of information on rapid prototyping and related subjects across international borders. As a part of this sharing, GARPA members from around the world participate in activities that include technical presentations at industry conferences, the publication of application case studies, business meetings, social events, and the formal and informal exchange of information.

Each year, GARPA alternates the location of its annual Global Summit. Past Summits have been held in Beijing, China (2008); Leiria, Portugal (2007); Helsinki, Finland (2006); Leiria, Portugal (2005); Bloemfontein, South Africa (2004); Birmingham, England (2003); Beijing, China (2002); Stellenbosch, South Africa (2001); Paris, France (2000); Chicago, Illinois (1999); and Dearborn, Michigan, USA (1998).