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Advancing in a New Era
March 22, 2023 | John W. Mitchell, IPCEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
What goes down must also come up. This is not the idiom we’re used to hearing, but I’d like to apply it to IPC APEX EXPO 2023. After a few years of lower attendance numbers due to the COVID pandemic, 2023 ushered in a re-invigorated group of attendees, exhibitors, speakers, event contractors, and staff to the show floor and meeting rooms.
IPC APEX EXPO 2023 was fueled by the possibilities of new advances in electronics manufacturing. We saw this in the exhibition, where a multitude of high-tech machinery (artificial intelligence, in some cases) showcased cutting-edge assembly, testing and inspection equipment, software automation, laser systems, additive manufacturing, and Factory of the Future technologies. The Technical Conference sessions and Professional Development courses covered such hot-topic tracks as Smart factories, PCB fabrication and materials, and high-density interconnects.
From what I observed and heard directly from exhibitors, the exhibition experience was positive for the 376 exhibitors who showcased their products and services on 122,700 square feet of show floor space. Davina McDonnell, global marketing manager for Cogiscan, told me, “IPC APEX 2023 was a big hit for us—the best show in years! Our booth was consistently packed with every demo station in use by customers. Our team had meaningful and productive conversations with lots of new contacts and we all left the show energized and excited about what’s in store for the rest of the year. This was the best IPC APEX EXPO we have participated in.”
From attendees, I was pleased to hear accolades on technical program offerings, many stating that it was the best conference in years; attendance was at an all-time high in more than a decade. The Technical Program Committee built a strong program with five tracks, 28 sessions, and 104 papers, with peer-reviewed content from 18 countries, detailing original research and innovations from industry experts around the world. The paper presenters—international subject matter experts—eagerly shared their knowledge and expertise, and provided attendees with quality technical content not found or presented anywhere else. We are very proud of the Technical Conference and set the bar high for paper submissions.
New this year were two special technical sessions, one on advanced packaging presented by IPC’s Chief Technical Officer Matt Kelly, and another on e-mobility led by Brian O’Leary of Indium and Jason Schwartz of KYZEN. Both special sessions drew capacity crowds and earned high marks from attendees for their thoroughness of content.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the 2023 edition of Show & Tell Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Zentech First to Adopt IPC Apprenticeship National Program Standards
05/20/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIPC achieved a landmark in 2023 by creating an apprenticeship program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. With such a registered framework in place, industry can work through IPC to secure local, state, and federal dollars for workforce development in a way they’ve never been able to do before. Zentech Manufacturing, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with production facilities in Bloomington, Illinois, and Richardson, Texas, is the first employer partner to adopt IPC’s national program. Click here to read their story.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.