SMTAI Returns to Its Chicago Roots

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SMTA International, the anchor conference and exhibition for SMTA, returned to the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, Oct. 20–24. After a COVID hiatus, followed by two years of co-locating with the MDMA show in Minneapolis, SMTAI went back to its Chicagoland home turf. The 2024 installment of the SMTAI event included more than 110 exhibitors, co-location with The ASSEMBLY Show, over 100 technical papers in the conference, technical forums, social activities, and renewed enthusiasm in the attendants.

It was a great week being onsite, feeling the energy of the show, talking to those who were attending and participating, and catching up on what’s trending in surface mount technology. One change to the exhibition for this year was the addition of a Tuesday afternoon exhibition session as well as the normal Wednesday and Thursday sessions. The technical sessions were, as always, well received and full of insightful research. SMTA debuted it’s “40 Under 40” awards, recognizing the contributions of its younger members, and SMTA organizers reported receiving positive feedback on the venue and attendance.

"The expo floor seemed busier compared to recent years," said Mike Konrad, SMTA VP of communications. "Traffic flow varied from moderate to robust, and exhibitors (at least the ones I spoke to) were pleased. I also noticed a measurable increase in the number of younger attendees this year, both within the technical conference and on the expo floor. Not only were there more young people, but there were more events specifically designed for younger attendees."

The Technical Track included session on advanced packaging, additively manufactured electronics, low-temperature solder, manufacturing for excellence, reliability and harsh environments, test and inspection, and the ever-popular Women’s Leadership Program.

"This year's WLP wa the strongest I have ever experienced," Konrad said. "It was so well attended, it was standing room only. Multi-topic roundtable discussions followed two keynote presentations. The standout keynote was from Mandy Long, CEO of BigBear AI, a publicly-traded company on the New York Stock Exchange."

The co-location with The ASSEMBLY Show was a great complement for both shows, and a high-value addition for SMTAI attendees who have an interest in mechanical assembly services. 

"While online meetings and virtual events are available year-round, they lack the one-on-one experience only a conference in a trade show can provide," Konrad said. "With the EMS industry becoming more siloed every year, the opportunity for real collaboration and networking is only available thrugh live events. As an ever-increasing number of younger people enter our industry, live events such as SMTAI provide a unique opportunity for connection, accelerating both career paths and knowledge."

It is worth noting that this year’s SMTAI marked the organization’s 40th anniversary; there were a number of nods to the 1980s during the show, including an ’80s themed after-hours party and a quick trip to 1985 by the “Back to The Future” DeLorean.

"This year's SMTAI was reminiscent of pre-pandemic events, both in participation and in the general feeling within the conference and expo floor," Konrad said. "The DeLorean on the expo floor and the ’80s-themed party was a huge success, and gave me an opportunity to dust off my old 'Members Only' jacket."

One of my great opportunities at shows like these is to schedule and conduct interviews with some of the industry’s top experts. Not only do I get reacquainted with friends and colleagues, but it keeps me updated on what’s happening in this evolving world of electronics. I look forward to sharing some of those interviews, so be sure to bookmark our Real Time with… site.