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Beyond the Rulebook
What happens when the rule book is no longer useful, or worse, was never written in the first place? In today’s fast-moving electronics landscape, we’re increasingly asked to design and build what has no precedent, no proven path, and no tidy checklist to follow. This is where “Design for Invention” begins.
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From the growing role of AI in design tools to the challenge of managing cumulative tolerances, these articles in this issue examine the technical details, design choices, and manufacturing considerations that determine whether a board works as intended.
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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.
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Brent Laufenberg Appointed CIO of the Global Electronics Association, Advancing Technology and Member Services
July 31, 2025 | Global Electronics AssociationEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
The Global Electronics Association (formerly IPC International Inc.) announces the appointment of Brent Laufenberg as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO).
As CIO, Laufenberg will serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team, overseeing the implementation of a modern IT infrastructure and advancing the Association’s vision to become a data-informed and AI-accelerated global organization.
“Brent brings a rare combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and deep understanding of how to use technology as a driver of business value,” said John W. Mitchell, Global Electronics Association president and CEO. “His leadership will be instrumental as we enter a new chapter focused on leveraging AI, data, and digital tools to serve our members in smarter, more personalized, and more impactful ways.”
Laufenberg’s priorities will include:
- Technology Strategy & Execution: Crafting and implementing a business-aligned technology roadmap that supports growth and delivers a competitive advantage for members.
- AI & Data Innovation: Championing AI adoption and building a data-driven culture to enhance decision-making, productivity, and insight.
- Member Experience Transformation: Leading the development of intuitive, personalized digital platforms that elevate member engagement and satisfaction.
- Organizational Enablement: Inspiring cross-functional collaboration and embedding technology as a strategic accelerator across the association.
- Security & Risk Management: Ensuring a secure, compliant, and resilient technology environment.
- Operational Efficiency: Managing IT investments and partnerships to deliver measurable value and performance.
“As the global electronics industry and supply chain continues to evolve, we have a responsibility to match that transformation in how we support our members,” Laufenberg said. “Every member experience—whether it’s training and certification, seamlessly leveraging our standards, gaining deeper industry insights, or creating new technology solutions to accelerate innovation—should be intuitive, personalized, and undeniably valuable. I’m excited to join the Global Electronics Association at such a pivotal time and look forward to helping expand the impact we can make through smart, strategic use of technology.”
Laufenberg joins the Association with more than two decades of technology leadership experience in complex, global organizations, most recently serving as chief technology officer at Rise, an omnichannel media agency. “Brent’s proven ability to lead digital transformation and his passion for innovation will be instrumental as the association continues to evolve to meet the needs of the global electronics industry,” added Mitchell.
Laufenberg works from the headquarters office in Bannockburn, Ill., and can be reached at BrentLaufenberg@electronics.org.
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