-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueWhat's Your Sweet Spot?
Are you in a niche that’s growing or shrinking? Is it time to reassess and refocus? We spotlight companies thriving by redefining or reinforcing their niche. What are their insights?
Moving Forward With Confidence
In this issue, we focus on sales and quoting, workforce training, new IPC leadership in the U.S. and Canada, the effects of tariffs, CFX standards, and much more—all designed to provide perspective as you move through the cloud bank of today's shifting economic market.
Intelligent Test and Inspection
Are you ready to explore the cutting-edge advancements shaping the electronics manufacturing industry? The May 2025 issue of SMT007 Magazine is packed with insights, innovations, and expert perspectives that you won’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
AEMS: Third Time’s the Charm
October 7, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
You’ve probably heard of the Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show (DMEMS). Since 1995, PCB design and manufacturing technologists have flocked to this seminal event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds near San Diego. Originally a regional show, Del Mar has grown yearly and attracts an outsized group of attendees and exhibitors. So, event founder Doug Bodenstab took his vision northward and launched the Anaheim Electronics & Manufacturing Show (AEMS).
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, AEMS kicked off its third year at the Anaheim Convention Center. The weather was perfect, and attendees were lined up early. Aisle traffic was steady for much of the two-day expo. AEMS manager Connor Good, Doug’s son-in-law, noted that attendance was even better than last year, and the numbers keep increasing. AEMS boasts free attendance and free parking—premium perks in a place like Anaheim. I imagine AEMS attracts some attendees from Los Angeles who don’t want to drive all the way to the Del Mar show.
AEMS exhibitors were mainly from the supply chain side; only a few PCB fabricators exhibited. I noted a number of parts and component companies and their distributors, many of them in the military and aerospace sectors. DigiKey was one of the main sponsors, and they provided pizza and beer for the party on Wednesday afternoon.
Conference sessions took place just off the show floor, including three classes led by our columnist John Watson, a professor at Palomar College. In two sessions, John and I-Connect007 columnist Matt Stevenson of ASC Sunstone discussed Matt’s book, The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Designing for Reality as well as another book from his company, The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to DFM Essentials. These informal sessions included a lot of back-and-forth chatting as the pair fielded various questions from PCB designers about designing for reality and DFM, in general.
In another session, John discussed his 32-week course that takes a student from zero knowledge to a trained PCB designer ready to start work. Some of his current and past students discussed how John’s class changed their lives. Jon Smith explained how he went from pipefitter to a working PCB designer in less than a year. Jon said pipefitting left him sore and tired every day. His mood has improved to the point that his mother even called John to thank him for making her son a happier person.
Everyone I met had a positive outlook about their business and the industry. Many people said their companies are hiring. One recent grad said he just started working in the industry and his boss said, “Go to this show and pay attention.” It’s great to see young people in this industry—we definitely need them.
Doug and Connor say they’re planning to grow AEMS each year and are eager for feedback from attendees and exhibitors alike. I get the feeling that they discuss Del Mar and AEMS at the dinner table—it really is a family affair.
Suggested Items
High Density Packaging User Group (HDP) Welcomes Lincstech as New Member
07/01/2025 | High Density Packaging User GroupHigh Density Packaging User Group (HDP) is pleased to announce that Lincstech Co., Ltd. (Lincstech) has become a member.
Zhen Ding's 2025 Lean & Digital Initiative Presentation Conference Concludes Successfully, Driving Group Transformation
07/01/2025 | Zhen DingTo advance its digital transformation strategy and embody the CA- PDCA continuous improvement philosophy, Zhen Ding Technology Group (Zhen Ding) successfully hosted the 2025 H1 Lean & Digital Initiative Presentation Conference.
EU Defence Electronics Ecosystem Highlighted in Brussels
07/01/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn this interview, Alison James, senior director of Global Electronics Association—Europe (formerly IPC), discusses the European Defence & Security Summit in Brussels, June 9–13, as well as the first IPC–ASD Europe Defense Electronics Summit, June 16, which brought together 70 leaders from across the electronics manufacturing supply chain. ASD is the Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe, and co-hosted both the larger and smaller events.
Smarter Machines Use AOI to Transform PCB Inspections
06/30/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineAs automated optical inspection (AOI) evolves from traditional end-of-process inspections to proactive, in-line solutions, the integration of AI and machine learning is revolutionizing defect reduction and enhancing yields, marking a pivotal shift in how quality is managed in manufacturing.
PCBA Market to Reach $147.5 Billion by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025
06/27/2025 | PRNewswireThe Printed Circuit Board Assembly market is projected to reach $147.5 billion by 2035, up from an estimated $90.91 billion in 2025, growing at a steady CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.