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IPC APEX EXPO 2024 Readies for Tomorrow’s Show Opener
April 8, 2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
IPC APEX EXPO is finally happening in Anaheim this week. As we entered the Anaheim Convention Center this past Friday, the weather was colder than expected, but the sun still shone. Making our way to the entrance doors, the small groups of happy but tired-looking Disneyland goers filled our path, as did hundreds of young, sparkle-clad cheerleaders from across the nation whose competition was taking place in a neighboring hall.
As crews worked efficiently to put up the more than 400 booths that will be part of IPC APEX EXPO this week in halls C and D, the conference kicked off quietly with IPC standards development and task group meetings over the weekend and continuing through today. In fact, our editorial staff peeked in on an IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 discussion with over 100 people in attendance. To us, this was a testament of the extraordinary time and effort that goes into both standards development and updates.
Though the show floor will not open until tomorrow at 9 a.m., 32 Professional Development learning opportunities are in full swing. I was fortunate to attend a 3D printing session by Kat Ermant of Peloton in the morning and a Design for Reliability session by Paul Cooke of Ventec in the afternoon, while my I-Connect007 colleagues made sure to divide and conquer, hitting up all of the design sessions, an area that is noticeably quite robust this year now that IPC has made design one of its core initiatives.
Today, I am looking forward to an AI discussion by Dr. Jennie Hwang, and a discussion on thermal management, but it is difficult not to have some FOMO (fear of missing out) since it is impossible to attend every valuable session being offered. The EMS Leadership Summit also happens today.
We have spent quite a bit of time anticipating the technical program, special sessions and professional development leading up to the big show. I hope most attendees took heed and will take advantage. The program appears to be a stand-out this year. With the ECWC16 being hosted by IPC this year, there is even more global industry expertise in the white paper and posters program.
But tomorrow will be the “main event,” at least as most IPC APEX EXPO attendees see it. The show floor will open with great fanfare. A big red ribbon will be cut. An amazing keynote speaker will inspire us with his professional experience and wit, and we will all get our steps in as we make the rounds. As for I-Connect007, if you are here, please stop by booth #1412 and check out our new studio. We will be conducting over 100 interviews over the next three days and look forward to sharing them with you on our Real Time with... IPC show site which will come online soon. Stay tuned.
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Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.
The Knowledge Base: The Value of Industry Certifications
07/24/2024 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIndustry certifications have become increasingly significant in the modern job market, offering a range of benefits to both individuals and employers. These certifications serve as formal recognitions of expertise and proficiency in specific areas, validating a person's skills and knowledge. In the context of the electronics assembly industry, certifications are particularly valuable, given the technical nature of the work and the rapid advancements in technology.
Tom Edman Leads IPC Board of Directors
07/17/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineIPC elected several new board members at IPC APEX EXPO in April, including new Board Chair Tom Edman, CEO of TTM, who assumes the role from Bob Neves, CTO and chair of Microtek Laboratories. Tom and TTM have long been active in many facets of IPC. I caught up with Tom and asked him about his new board appointment, IPC, and the industry he serves. He emphasizes IPC’s work in standards and advocacy as especially important for our industry.
Getting Clear About Certification With Charlie Capers
07/17/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamWalk through the entrance at Zentech Dallas and you’ll see a wall of certification plaques prominently displayed. Beyond being impressive and a point of pride, these certifications tell a story to potential customers: This company is ready to do business. Charlie Capers, former vice president and general manager, shares his insights on quantifying the ROI of certifications. You may not see it on paper, but it’s definitely there. He also talks about his expectations for new hires and shares a case study about the importance of collaborating with your PCB designers.
Winners of 2024 IPC Masters Competition China Announced
07/17/2024 | IPCFrom July 8-10, the 2024 IPC Masters Competition China was successfully held in Pudong, Shanghai. This year’s competition, was the largest in the history of the Greater China region, bringing nearly 400 electronics industry elites from 18 provinces and municipalities.