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Looking Forward to APEX EXPO 2026
I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, covering everything from the show floor to the technical conference. For PCB designers, we move past the dreaded auto-router and spotlight AI design tools that actually matter.
From Silos to Systems: 2026 and Beyond
Welcome to the debut issue of I-Connect007 Magazine. This publication brings all of the pieces together from PCB design and fabrication for a closer alignment and a more integrated electronics manufacturing landscape.
Designing Proper Work-Life Balance
In this issue, we hear from designers, marketers, and business owners on how they apply their professional skills to their personal lives to build a healthier work-life balance.
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Marcy LaRont Named I-Connect007 Executive Director
January 8, 2025 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Marcy LaRont, a printed circuit board (PCB) industry veteran who has been working as the managing editor for PCB007 Magazine this past year, has been named executive director of the I-Connect007 group of publications, which was purchased by IPC in 2022. She succeeds Barry Matties, publisher and original founder of the I-Connect007 publications, who will continue on in an advisor capacity.
As executive director, LaRont will oversee the operations of all I-Connect007 publications and events.
LaRont began her career in PCB fabrication in the 1990s shortly upon graduating from college, learning the business organically from working in small and mid-sized manufacturing companies and plants. She previously worked for the I-Connect007 team as part of the sales group from 2007-2011.
LaRont describes coming back to the team and the industry as coming home. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead this group and am excited about the future. As is true with the electronics manufacturing industry, media has also undergone continuous change over the past several years. Barry’s insight and vision have always allowed I-Connect007 to adapt and thrive with those changes. I look forward to continuing in that tradition as we examine all that our media and marketing outlets must be for our industry and our customers.”
Adds Brian Knier, IPC vice president of marketing and member success, “This is truly the end of an era. With the I-Connect007 group of publications, and CircuiTree magazine before that, Barry Matties succeeded in creating the go-to, best media source for news and information related to the electronics manufacturing supply chain worldwide. But with the end of every era, comes a new one. Marcy’s expertise in electronics manufacturing, communication, marketing and management enable her to be a strong voice for global electronics manufacturing. IPC is thrilled to welcome her to the role of executive director.”
LaRont can be reached at MarcyLaRont@ipc.org or Marcy@iconnect007.com.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
AI Is Changing the Rules: Are Your PCB Materials Ready?
03/05/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 announces the release of the second episode in its new six-part podcast series, PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics. In “5G, AI & Beyond—Designing for High-Speed Performance,” we explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the rules of electronics design, demanding unprecedented speed, power, and high-frequency performance that push beyond the limits of traditional materials. As AI applications scale rapidly, are yesterday’s materials becoming obsolete?
I-Connect007 Launches Six-Part Podcast Series Highlighting the Critical Role of PCB Materials
02/24/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007, the leading media source for the electronics manufacturing industry, today announced the release of the first episode in a new six-part podcast series, “PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics.”
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
02/20/2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Frankly, there were so many worthy news items this week, it quite a bit of whittling to get it down to my five must-reads. For example, this week we showcased Schweitzer Engineering Labs’ new manufacturing facility in Moscow, Idaho. Marcy LaRont launched an On the Line With… podcast on materials, and the February issue of I-Connect007 Magazine features the annual APEX EXPO preview.
I-Connect007 Launches Six-Part Podcast Series Highlighting the Critical Role of PCB Materials
02/23/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007, the leading media source for the electronics manufacturing industry, today announced the release of the first episode in a new six-part podcast series, “PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics.” Titled “Material Selection—The Key to Manufacturing Success,” the debut episode examines the critical role PCB base materials play in product reliability, manufacturability, and long-term performance. The discussion features Sean Mirshafiei, president of Isola, who shares his perspective from the PCB laminate materials sector.
Marcy’s Musings: Looking Forward—APEX EXPO 2026 (and AI Design Tools Too)
02/18/2026 | Marcy LaRont -- Column: Marcy's MusingsThis month, I-Connect007 Magazine previews APEX EXPO 2026, from exhibitors and special events on the show floor to new insights from the technical conference, details on keynotes, and advancements in critical industry standards. The show also has an international flavor, so we’ve included links to articles from Mexico, East Asia, and India. For PCB designers, we focused on AI in design tools, which turns out to be much more than the dreaded auto-router. We've got articles from Zuken, Siemens, and AllSpice.io.