Nolan’s Notes: Our Spotlight on Europe
One World, One Industry: Attending APEX EXPO 2026 Critical for Electronics Manufacturing Leaders
Standard of Excellence: Building the Board of the Future—Materials, Methods, and Mindset
I-Connect007 Magazine: APEX EXPO 2026 Preview Plus AI Tools Designers Are Watching
February 17, 2026 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
The Global Electronics Association’s APEX EXPO returns March 14–20 in Anaheim, bringing together the largest electronics manufacturing audience in the United States.
This month, I-Connect007 Magazine takes you inside the show to spotlight exhibitors and special events on the show floor, fresh insights from the technical conference, updates on apprenticeships and keynotes, and meaningful progress in critical standards development. With strong international participation, including leaders from Mexico, East Asia, and India, APEX EXPO 2026 reflects the truly global nature of today’s electronics ecosystem.
For PCB designers, we focused on AI in design tools that go beyond the dreaded auto-routing. Zuken and AllSpice.io highlight which specific tools offer what in AI, and Siemens provides a thoughtful discussion of the legitimate reasons PCB designers have been skeptical of AI tools in the past and how these must be adequately addressed in all AI tool solutions to be of any real value. We will continue this discussion in March with EDA tool disruptor, Quilter.
Featuring insights from Global Electronics Association contributors and I-Connect007’s trusted columnists, this issue delivers practical content you can put to work right away.
Share on:
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
IMI Reports FY 2025 Results, Delivering Strong Margin Expansion and a Return to Profitability
03/06/2026 | IMIIntegrated Micro‑Electronics, Inc. (IMI), a global leader in electronics manufacturing services, announced its full‑year 2025 financial results. The company delivered increased margins, stronger cash generation, and a return to profitability following two years of strategic restructuring.
APEX EXPO 2026 Show Floor Sells Out – 416 Exhibitors – Largest Manufacturer Lineup in Six Years
03/06/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationThe APEX EXPO 2026 show floor has officially sold out, with 416 exhibitors occupying the Anaheim Convention Center.
Kurtz Ersa Goes Semiconductor: Expanding Competence in Microelectronics & Advanced Packaging
03/06/2026 | Kurtz Ersa Corp.Kurtz Ersa Inc. is strengthening its position in microelectronics and semiconductor technology. Effective September 1, 2025, ATV Technologie GmbH officially became part of the Kurtz Ersa Group and will operate under the new name Kurtz Ersa Semicon GmbH.
STMicroelectronics Boosts Entry-Level MCU Performance with STM32C5
03/06/2026 | STMicroelectronicsSTMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, has announced a new generation of entry-level microcontrollers (MCUs) to boost the performance of billions of tiny smart devices throughout factories, homes, cities, and infrastructures while meeting extreme cost, size, and power limitations.
SCHMID Group Closes Second Tranche of $30M Convertible Notes
03/06/2026 | SCHMID GroupSCHMID Group N.V. , a global leader in providing solutions to the high-tech electronics, photovoltaics, glass, and energy systems industries, announced that it has issued the second $15.0 million tranche of its previously announced $30.0 million convertible notes financing under the investment agreement dated January 18, 2026 with an institutional investor.