Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
Facing the Future: Time for Real Talk, Early and Often, Between Design and Fabrication
Trouble in Your Tank: Can You Drill the Perfect Hole?
IPC Mourns Loss of Former Vice President of Industry Programs Tony Hilvers
February 14, 2024 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
It is with sadness that IPC announces the passing of Tony Hilvers, former IPC vice president of industry programs, on Tuesday, February 6. Hilvers left IPC in 2012 after 29 years of service.
During his long tenure, Hilvers was responsible for the association’s market research, government relations and environmental policy, meetings and professional development departments.
In addition, he was responsible for industry segments including the PWB and EMS Management Councils, the PWB Suppliers Council, the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers (SMEMA) Council, the Solder Products Value Council, and associated events, including IPC APEX EXPO. While he was vice president of industry programs, IPC APEX EXPO was named one of the top 25 fastest-growing U.S. trade shows in attendance by Trade Show News Network.
While serving as director of educational services and marketing communications, he formed the EMS Management Council and published the first market research study on the EMS industry in 1984. Hilvers was also instrumental in launching IPC Printed Circuits Expo, IPC APEX Conference and Exhibition and the co-located IPC APEX EXPO and worked with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association to launch the HKPCA/IPC International Printed Circuits and Assembly Fair.
Said David Bergman, IPC’s vice president of standards and technology and long-time colleague of Hilvers, “I had the privilege of working with Tony for nearly 30 years. I did sales visits, traveled internationally, collaborated, supported and was supported by Tony and his team. I always admired his ability to listen to a group of business leaders, figure out a program to solve a problem they were faced with, and then convince others that this program was worth their support. Tony’s passion for the industry and his natural sales ability facilitated his creation of many new programs for IPC.”
IPC extends its sincere condolences to Tony’s family, friends, and former work colleagues.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Seeing a Future in Mexico
07/09/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
The Knowledge Base: A Conference for Cleaning and Coating of Mission-critical Electronics
07/08/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn electronics manufacturing, there’s a dangerous misconception that cleaning and coating are standalone options, that they operate in different lanes, and that one can compensate for the other. Let’s clear that up now. Cleaning and conformal coating are not separate decisions. They are two chapters in the same story—the story of reliability.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.