When it comes to the laser engraving and cutting industry, collaboration and innovation go hand in hand. That spirit was on full display at the Next Level Laser Conference 2025, where OneLaser showcased its most advanced machines, connected with thousands of creators, and proved once again why it’s one of the fastest-growing names in the industry.
From live demos to customer interviews, the event highlighted not only the power of the XRF and Hydra 7 but also the creativity of the people who use them. Whether you’re a small business owner, a hobbyist, or a seasoned maker, the Next Level Laser Conference offered an inspiring look at where laser technology is headed.
1. What Is the Next Level Laser Conference?
For those unfamiliar, the Next Level Laser Conference is one of the largest gatherings of laser enthusiasts, business owners, and vendors in North America. Hosted at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, Texas, the 2025 event brought together innovators from across the laser industry to exchange ideas, showcase new products, and provide hands-on workshops for attendees.
Unlike typical trade shows, the Next Level Laser Conference 2025 emphasized education, real-world applications, and community. Makers didn’t just see machines — they saw them in action, solving real problems and creating opportunities for growth.
For OneLaser, this was more than just another conference. It was a chance to meet the people who use their machines daily and to demonstrate why industrial-grade technology shouldn’t be out of reach for small shops and creative entrepreneurs.
2. OneLaser’s Booth: Packed with Energy
From the moment the doors opened, OneLaser’s booth was one of the busiest at the event. Creators crowded around to see the XRF and Hydra 7 in action, with live demonstrations running throughout the day.
The energy was electric. As one attendee put it:
“I caught my two top vendors right now, OneLaser and Lens Digital, and I’m looking forward to checking out other vendors and meeting people.”
That kind of feedback reflected what many were feeling: OneLaser has become a must-see brand in the laser industry, thanks to its combination of cutting-edge performance and accessible design.
3. Hydra 7: A Game-Changer for Production
One highlight of the conference was the buzz around the OneLaser Hydra 7. Erik Crowell, owner of Marked & Made, shared his excitement in an interview:
“Super innovative. You know, 150-watt CO₂, 38-watt RF is going to be an insane production improvement to my business. Processing all those larger items, items at scale — the engraving speed paired with the cutting speed of the blast tube is just going to be crazy. It’s going to do a lot for our business.”
This combination of high-power CO₂ cutting with RF precision engraving is exactly why the Hydra 7 stood out. For small businesses scaling up, speed and consistency are everything. The Hydra 7 delivers both without compromise, making it a true next level laser solution.
4. Live Creations on Display
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was seeing what makers could create with OneLaser machines in real time.
a. David from Ash & Ember Woodshop
David wowed the crowd by using the Hydra to craft custom swag live on-site. Among the standout projects was a laser-etched hat clip, designed and engraved right in front of attendees. The precision and clean finish showcased the machine’s ability to handle both fine engraving and practical product applications.
b. Sechelski Creations LLC
Meanwhile, Sechelski Creations demonstrated the Hydra’s potential for apparel customization. Using custom leatherette patches engraved with sharp detail and crisp edges, they showed how simple accessories can transform ordinary hats into premium products.
Machine settings were also shared for transparency:
- Speed: 1,000 mm/s
- Power: 65%
- Resolution: 500 LPI
The result? High-quality patches ready for immediate application, with no wasted material and no second-guessing.
5. XRF: Precision Meets Accessibility
Alongside the Hydra, OneLaser showcased the XRF desktop laser engraver, a compact yet powerful machine designed for creators who need professional-grade performance in smaller workspaces.
For many attendees, the XRF struck the perfect balance:
- RF laser technology for instant startup and sharper detail.
- A desktop footprint that doesn’t compromise on capability.
- The ability to engrave wood, acrylic, leather, and more with precision.
This made the XRF especially appealing to small businesses looking to scale their custom product lines without jumping straight into a full cabinet machine.
6. Beyond Machines: OneLaser’s Commitment to the Community
While the technology was front and center, OneLaser used the conference to highlight something equally important: community.
As the team put it:
“Thanks to everyone who visited us at Next Level. At OneLaser, we’re dedicated to making industrial-grade technology accessible to every creator. This is only the start. Bigger innovations are on the horizon, and we can’t wait to share what’s next.”
That mission resonated with attendees. For many small business owners, access to reliable technology can mean the difference between struggling to keep up and thriving in a competitive market. OneLaser’s approach — pairing professional-grade machines with U.S. support, financing options, and education — makes that leap less intimidating.
7. Why the Next Level Laser Conference 2025 Mattered
For OneLaser, the Next Level Laser Conference 2025 wasn’t just about showing off machines. It was about listening to the community, understanding their challenges, and demonstrating that solutions exist today.
Here’s why this event was so impactful:
- Direct feedback from users: Hearing from small businesses like Marked & Made about real-world applications validated the power of OneLaser’s technology.
- Hands-on learning: Attendees didn’t just watch — they engaged with the machines, tested materials, and learned settings.
- Community building: Events like these foster collaboration between makers, vendors, and educators, strengthening the entire laser engraving ecosystem.
- Innovation spotlight: By showcasing machines like the Hydra 7 and XRF, OneLaser reinforced its role as a brand pushing the industry forward.
8. Looking Ahead: OneLaser’s Next Chapter
The excitement around OneLaser at the Next Level Laser Conference is just the beginning. With continued R&D and customer-focused innovation, the company is preparing to introduce even more advanced features and models in the near future.
For attendees, the event was a chance to see where laser technology is headed. For OneLaser, it was a chance to reaffirm its promise: to empower creators, elevate businesses, and redefine what’s possible with a laser engraver.
9. FAQs
Q1: What is the Next Level Laser Conference?
It’s an annual event that brings together laser machine vendors, makers, and small businesses to learn, connect, and see the latest innovations in laser technology.
Q2: Where was the Next Level Laser Conference 2025 held?
At the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine, Texas.
Q3: Which OneLaser machines were showcased?
The XRF desktop laser engraver and the Hydra 7, a powerful cabinet-style machine with both CO₂ and RF options.
Q4: Can I see live demos of OneLaser machines outside of the event?
Yes! OneLaser frequently hosts virtual demos and offers personalized consultations through their website.
Q5: What’s next for OneLaser?
Bigger innovations are on the horizon, with new machine capabilities and continued support for the growing community of creators.
Conclusion
The Next Level Laser Conference 2025 was a celebration of innovation, creativity, and community. For OneLaser, it was an opportunity to connect directly with the people who make this industry thrive — creators, entrepreneurs, and laser enthusiasts.
By showcasing the Hydra 7 and XRF, supporting live demos, and listening to real business owners, OneLaser demonstrated that its vision goes beyond machines. It’s about helping every maker reach the next level.
If you missed the event, don’t worry — this is only the beginning. Stay tuned for even more innovations from OneLaser as they continue to push boundaries and inspire creators worldwide.