NEDME Announces 2018 Keynote Speakers

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NEDME, the Pacific Northwest’s largest expo for electronics design and manufacturing, to be held October 3, 2018 at Tektronix, Inc. in Beaverton, Oregon, has announced the selection of Rick Turoczy, co-founder and general manager of PIE (the Portland Incubator Experiment) and PIE Shop, and Duane Benson, technology champion at Screaming Circuits as keynote speakers. Rick will kick off the event with the morning keynote session at 8:00 a.m. with a talk on Portland’s startup scene. Duane will continue the post-lunch program at 1:00 p.m. with his vision of the next decade in electronics manufacturing.

Morning keynote speaker Rick Turoczy is a Portland tech legend and founder of the Portland Incubator Experiment, an ongoing experiment to explore how established organizations—like corporations, government agencies and educational institutions—can effectively collaborate with the Portland startup community. Rick has been active in the startup community for more than 20 years and produces content on his tech blog, Silicon Florist.

“We’ve seen a distinct shift in the Portland startup community in recent years,” said Rick. “What was once largely a group of software companies has become a thriving community of organizations pursuing both software and hardware, as well as hybrid connected devices that require knowledge of both disciplines. For the first time in my experience, we have the opportunity to leverage our region’s rich history and knowledge of manufacturing—especially the knowledge housed in organizations outside of the city center—for the benefit of the entire regional ecosystem, startup or otherwise.”

Afternoon keynote speaker Duane Benson has been at the forefront of the reinvention of manufacturing in the U.S. over the last decade with Screaming Circuits. As a technologist, writer, speaker and industry pundit, he’s actively exploring the future of manufacturing. “The next ten years in electronics manufacturing—whether you’re a design engineer or a manufacturing manager—will be exhilarating, overwhelming and at times terrifying,” said Benson. “This year’s NEDME will help guide engineers and managers as new capabilities and challenges continue to change our playing field.”

The expo will be attended by hundreds of industry leaders in manufacturing, supply chain and engineering. This year’s theme, “New Product Introduction and Getting to Market,” will showcase the region’s most innovative products and manufacturing services. Attendees will learn about emergent trends and new technologies in product design, manufacturing, design for manufacturability (DFM), production line testing, crowdfunding and more. Between sessions, attendees can get a firsthand look at product demos and components produced by leaders in the region’s electronics industry and visit face-to-face with suppliers.

Register for the conference or exhibit floor, click here.

About the NW Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo

The NW Electronics Design & Manufacturing Expo is the premier trade show and networking event for members of the high-tech industry in the Pacific Northwest. For 18 years, NEDME has connected local businesses with engineers, entrepreneurs, buyers and reps in a fun atmosphere that promotes innovation and learning. Admission is free with a donation of five or more food items to the Oregon Food Bank or $5 at the door. NEDME will contribute 100 percent of net entrance proceeds to the Oregon Food Bank. To learn more click here.

About the Oregon Electronics Manufacturers Association

The Electronics Manufacturers Association of Oregon (EMA) empowers local manufacturers’ growth and success. The 40-year-old organization works to keep Oregon a place of economic opportunity for its member firms by informing and educating members on leading technological, regulatory and economic topics, promoting their interests to local and state governments, and facilitating productive relationships. The nonprofit’s aim is to serve its members so they continue to be Oregon’s job creators and innovators, helping them stay competitive, sustainable and profitable in Oregon, the U.S. and around the world. Learn more at www.ema-oregon.org.