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IPC APEX EXPO 2021 Offers More than 100 Future-focused Educational Opportunities
February 1, 2021 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Changing technologies, advanced materials and new processes that are driving the electronics manufacturing industry will take center stage throughout the IPC APEX EXPO 2021 technical conference and professional development sessions, which will take place virtually March 8-12. Registration is now open at www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.
This year’s technical conference will feature more than 70 technical sessions detailing original research and innovations from industry experts around the world. Subject-matter experts will cover hot topics in three tracks: factory of the future implementation; PCB fabrication and materials; and quality, reliability, assembly, test and inspection.
“As the importance of modernization, automation and data exchange in manufacturing grows, designers and engineers need to keep current. Which is why the industry needs the education that IPC APEX EXPO 2021 will offer,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technologist and APEX technical conference co-director. “Throughout the conference tracks, attendees will access new research on data analytics, connected factory, cybersecurity, and digital twin; learn more about microvia reliability, PCB design, reliability, and advancements; and advance their skills in automotive electronics, electronics materials, assembly, coating, and printed circuit board assembly design. Industry experts will teach the practical to help attendees succeed at their job,” Kelly added.
IPC APEX EXPO’s half-day professional development courses will blend traditional electronics industry topics with hot-new developments, delivered by corporate technologists, consultants, training center staff and university faculty. Whether it’s advanced courses exploring the details and depth of specific topics, or informative courses catering to engineers ready to improve their careers, attendees can find the right professional development course for their specific role and experience level. Courses will cover: assembly processes; circuit design and component technologies; PCB fabrication and materials; and quality, reliability, test and inspection.
All technical conference sessions and professional development courses will be available via on-demand access 90 days after the event. In addition to educational offerings, IPC APEX EXPO features many free activities, including three keynotes, a live Q&A with keynote speaker and IndustryWeek Editor-in-Chief Travis Hessman who will present on digital transformation. In addition, IPC APEX EXPO 2021 offers exhibitor connections, new product demonstrations, IPC Annual Meeting and awards, virtual escape room, trivia competitions and networking opportunities with IPC Hall of Famers and Emerging Engineer program participants.
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