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Marcy’s Musings: Countdown—The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO

Like any great tech industry event, IPC APEX EXPO pushes us outside of our busy 24/7 manufacturing bubbles. It forces us to pay attention to things that are important but not always present in our day-to-day lives. But there is so much to see and do. This issue of PCB007 Magazine previews many of the important events taking place at the show this year and highlights some changes and opportunities. Let us help you map out your show plan.

The February 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine is focused on the PCB fabricator’s show experience and how you can get the most from your valuable time and investment in attending the show. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.

Most of us likely shared a sigh of relief that this year’s show, April 6–11, would not happen immediately after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Though many will miss their beloved venue in San Diego, this move back to Anaheim is only 90 minutes north, ensuring visitors can still bask in the sunny skies and moderate temperatures of Southern California.

The Anaheim Convention Center is a well-established and appointed venue conveniently located in the center of the greater Los Angeles area, near two airports—LAX and John Wayne— which makes it easier if you’re traveling long distances. It’s also strategically located across the street from Disneyland and Downtown Disney, which definitely adds appeal. In fact, IPC exhibitors can get discounted tickets to the overpriced Magic Kingdom with their registration packets. So, if you like to make the most of opportunities, a day in Walt’s Wonderland might be just right for some epic team-building or memorable moments with customers.

This year, IPC will host Electronic Circuit World Convention (ECWC) 16, a global gathering of the World Electronic Circuits Council that happens every three years. Significantly, because of this year’s confluence with ECWC, the Technical Conference promises to deliver higher-level content, in addition to robust Professional Development Courses for PCB designers, fabricators, and EMS professionals. Of course, a massive exposition with more than 4,700 exhibitors will be there on the show floor as well.

For this issue, we conducted an expert panel interview with IPC staff and chairs of the Technical Conference Committee, who talked about the technical prowess of the 2024 show from every angle: technical conference, special sessions, professional development, and standards. Make no mistake, technical topics for PCB fabricators have factored heavily into the paper presentations. The experts want PCB fabricators to get the most from their time and investment in attending this important industry event.

I’ve also included previews of other activities and networking opportunities at IPC APEX EXPO, from the Women in Electronics reception to the special technical sessions. Columnists John Mitchell, Hannah Grace, and Don Ball provide a welcome and their own tips on making the most of the show. And just for fun, we have some history of both IPC APEX EXPO and ECWC.

In addition to technical topics from our other columnists, I want to mention an important interview highlighting IPC’s efforts to improve workforce development through an accredited apprenticeship model. These programs have recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor and are now gaining acceptance within individual state programs that will directly boost your hiring and training programs.

As I prepared for this month’s issue, I was continually reminded of what impresses me most about IPC APEX EXPO: An unparalleled networking opportunity, communing with friends and colleagues (some of whom we only see one time each year), a ripe environment for impromptu technical discussions and business meetings, and deepening of the customer/supplier relationship.

Whether you are considering attending IPC APEX EXPO 2024 for the technical program, professional development, or to check out new equipment and technology toward improving your throughput, quality, or sustainability, it’s most definitely worth your time and investment. If you or your management team is still on the fence about your attending, please visit IPC’s Justification Toolkit, which will help you better communicate the value of this investment for you and your company.

It will be my first time back at IPC APEX EXPO after returning to the industry. I look forward to seeing you all in April.

This column originally appeared in the February 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine.