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One World, One Industry: Advance in a New Era

At IPC APEX EXPO 2023, we look forward to connecting with you as we “Advance in a New Era of Electronics Manufacturing.” This year will be one of our most exciting as we share ideas, insights, and new discoveries on topics ranging from substrates, packaging, and automation to data analytics, cybersecurity, and Factory of the Future.

IPC APEX EXPO is the ideal place for electronics manufacturing industry members to meet and collaborate with peers, leaders, and innovators from around the world, not only during educational sessions, but also on the show floor, in standards development committees, and at a variety of networking events and receptions.

What will you enjoy at IPC APEX EXPO this year?

The show floor will feature the largest gathering of exhibitors in North America from every step in the electronics manufacturing supply chain. Make sure to walk the show floor to meet the industry’s leading equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and innovators to compare solutions, connect with existing suppliers, and find new partners.

We’re excited to present three keynote speakers at IPC APEX EXPO this year, with two speaking during luncheons for the first time. We welcome Emily Callandrelli, mechanical and aerospace engineer and the host and co-producer of “Emily’s Wonder Lab” on Netflix, who will speak about the sustainability, economics, and advocacy of space exploration. Our second luncheon speaker is Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist, who will provide insight into emerging technology themes and the micro trends defining the future of electronics; and I look forward to sharing more on workforce modernization.

For the first time, IPC E-Textiles, the international conference for the e-textiles industry, will be co-located with IPC APEX EXPO. This global e-textiles industry event allows product designers, technical experts, and company executives from around the world to collaborate on new ideas, view and get hands-on access to the latest innovations, and learn how to build reliable products.

The EMS Leadership Summit on Jan. 23 will bring together current and future industry leaders to solve problems, build business networks, and share insights on doing business better. Focused on high-level topics that drive business growth and financial success, leaders will gather insights from experts and discuss both their current and potential new best practices during panel discussions and roundtables. This meeting of minds inspires action and builds resources for participants, future leaders, and the greater EMS industry.

Our educational offerings at the show have always been unique and 2023 will be no exception. IPC’s Technical Program Committee (TPC) created an expert lineup of speakers and instructors in technical education and professional development. Our carefully curated Technical Conference will include presentations featuring topical studies, new technologies, advanced materials, and the latest processes that help improve the efficiency and quality of your manufacturing. Attendees will have the opportunity to select from five hot topic tracks: Factory of the Future and future technologies; PCB fabrication and materials; quality, reliability, test, and inspection; assembly and materials; and high-density interconnects and microvias. Two special Technical Conference sessions will also cover advanced packaging and e-mobility. Professional development courses will include something for everyone, from advanced classes exploring the details and depth of specific topics, to informative classes catering to engineers just beginning their careers.

If you’re interested in actively participating in the development, review, and update of the electronics industry’s critical standards and guidelines, attend some of our more than 100 standards development committee meetings. Standards committee meetings are the perfect place to meet and collaborate with new peers, industry leaders, and innovators.

For those visiting IPC APEX EXPO for the first time, we welcome you to the largest gathering of electronics professionals in North America. We are happy that you’ve chosen to spend your time with us. Be sure to take advantage of the many networking opportunities offered by signing up for educational sessions that are directly applicable to your work; there, you will meet manufacturing industry professionals from around the world who are facing (and solving) challenges like yours. For returning attendees, we welcome you back with open arms. One of the best things about it is the community we’ve built over the years, and we look forward to reconnecting with you again.

If you’re active on social media, please use the hashtag #IPCAPEXEXPO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to share your experience, post photos, and continue the conversation with our social community.

As one of our many attendees said, “I come to IPC APEX EXPO because the whole industry is here.” We are all here, and we are looking forward to seeing you in sunny San Diego.

This column originally appeared in the December 2022 issue of SMT007 Magazine.