Global Sourcing Spotlight: The Best Products to Buy Offshore Through Global Sourcing
Nolan's Notes: The Rise (and Risk) of Data
Global Citizenship: Comparing and Contrasting the U.S. and China PCB Industries
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
PCB007 Magazine: November 2024—Engineering Economics
11/18/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe real cost to manufacture a PCB encompasses everything that goes into making the product: the materials and other value-added supplies, machine and personnel costs, and most importantly, your quality. A hard look at real costs seems wholly appropriate.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
11/15/2024 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007We have quite a mix in this week’s must-reads. The November issue of Design007 Magazine was published, and you don’t want to miss Andy Shaughnessy’s column. This week, we also have a discussion of long-flex PCBs with CEE PCB’s Jerome Larez, and we revisit my forward-looking interview with Dr. Evelyne Parmentier of Dyconex. Jim Will gives us an update on the many things that have transpired in his first five months as executive director at USPAE. Finally, Happy Holden’s next installment of Happy’s Tech Talk looks into the weaknesses of CAD drawings by using a famous Escher print as an example. Happy is definitely one of a kind.
Pluritec Expands Service Network in the USA with New Hire in Chicago
11/18/2024 | PluritecPluritec a leading supplier of machines for printed circuit boards, is excited to announce the expansion of its service network in the United States through the hiring new service engineer, Ernesto Raygoza, based in Chicago. This strategic move is designed to enhance Pluritec’s commitment to providing exceptional customer support and to better serve its growing client base throughout the region.
Occam Strengthens Leadership Team with Addition of PCB Expert Dana Korf
11/14/2024 | The Occam GroupThe Occam Group, developers of an innovative advanced electronics manufacturing methodology announced the addition of Dana Korf (Korf Consultancy) to its leadership team. Korf, a seasoned PCB professional, will play a pivotal role in driving innovation and expanding Occam’s capabilities for the electronics industry.
NetVia Group Invests in KLA's Frontline InCAM Pro Software
11/14/2024 | EpecNetVia Group, a leading provider of advanced printed circuit boards (PCBs) and solutions for high-reliability industries, proudly announces its investment in and implementation of Frontline InCAM® Pro software.