Global Citizenship: Redefining Connection and Responsibility in Digital Transformation
The Marketing Minute: Strategic Short-form Content Builds Brand Momentum
SMT Perspectives and Prospects: Artificial Intelligence, Part 5: Brain, Mind, Intelligence
PCB Carolina’s Formula: Industry Experts and Catered Food
November 18, 2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 1 minute
PCB Carolina organizers at the Better Boards design bureau seem to have found the perfect formula: Industry experts plus catered food equals a constantly expanding show. This one-day tabletop show has been growing for two decades, and that trendline continued with this year’s event on November 13.
Located in NC State’s McKimmon Conference and Training Center in Raleigh, North Carolina, PCB Carolina has gone from a small local show to a regional event that draws exhibitors and attendees from around the U.S.
The day started with breakfast and a keynote speech by Saugat Sen of Cadence Design Systems. The 16 technical sessions covered everything from PCB design and DFM techniques to assembly and product safety. The show squeezed quite a bit into a one-day event.
Once again, the show floor was sold out, with exhibitors setting up booths in the lobby and in several classrooms. Exhibitors represented the entire PCB supply chain, including EDA companies, fabricators, CEMs, component and laminate suppliers, distributors, and service providers.
Show manager Randy Faucette said the number of attendees was up 8% over last year. In addition to PCB designers and electrical engineers, I spoke with attendees from the semiconductor, packaging, fab, and assembly segments. Most attendees were from the RTP areas, but some drove five hours or more to the show.
Some repeat attendees joked that the catered food was enough to draw PCB technologists back year after year. After enjoying a lunch of barbecued brisket and a Mexican dinner with local craft beers, it’s hard to disagree. No one likes boxed lunches.
Over the years, I’ve met technologists who only attend PCB Carolina, because their companies don’t have the budget to send them to the bigger shows in our industry. Regional shows provide a real service, and PCB Carolina’s managers make sure that you won’t have to eat “conference chicken” while staying up to date with changes in technology.
Share on:
Suggested Items
AdvancedPCB Appoints Gary Stoffer as Chief Commercial Officer
04/18/2025 | PRNewswireAdvancedPCB is proud to announce the appointment of Gary Stoffer as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). In this role, Stoffer will lead all sales, marketing, and commercial strategy initiatives as the company continues its mission to deliver cutting-edge PCB solutions to industries worldwide.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Aster–Enhancing Design for Effective Testing Strategies
04/18/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOWill Webb, technical director at Aster, stresses the importance of testability in design, emphasizing early engagement to identify testing issues. This discussion covers the integration of testing with Industry 4.0, the need for good test coverage, and adherence to industry standards. Innovations like boundary scan testing and new tools for cluster testing are introduced, highlighting advancements in optimizing testing workflows and collaboration with other tools.
IPC Strengthens Electronics Industry Awareness with Appointment of Carrie Sessine as Global Communications Vice President
04/16/2025 | IPCIPC, the global electronics association, announces the strategic appointment of Carrie Sessine as vice president of global communications. This newly created executive position underscores the association’s commitment to championing the electronics industry's critical contributions to global innovation and economic growth.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Emerging Trends in Design and Technology
04/16/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOAndy Shaughnessy speaks with IPC design instructor Kris Moyer to discuss emerging design trends. They cover UHDI technology, 3D printing, and optical data transmission, emphasizing the importance of a skilled workforce. The role of AI in design is highlighted, along with the need for understanding physics and mechanics as designs become more complex. The conversation concludes with a focus on enhancing math skills for better signal integrity.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: EPOCH Expands With Automation
04/17/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOWith a 35-year history, EPOCH is expanding its operations in Bangalore, India, focusing on automation and customer collaboration. Phil Marcoux leads a task force for AI in PCB design, working with various companies to enhance collaboration, and cites that, historically, data sharing has provided the greatest challenge for AI development. Luckily, he says, that is changing. EPOCH combines AI and traditional methods in manufacturing, especially in product design.