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I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
March 13, 2026 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Cue up “The Final Countdown, the monster ’80s hit song by Swedish band Europe, because it’s almost APEX EXPO week. Side note: When it comes to rock anthems, I’m more of an “Eye of the Tiger” man, myself.
Some folks are already arriving in Anaheim, as standards development committee work starts as early as tomorrow, and APEX EXPO continues through Thursday, March 19. To keep yourself mentally sharp on your flight, I recommend downloading the companion guide to "On the Line With…American Standard Circuits: Ultra High Density Interconnect (UHDI)," which explores how UHDI is reshaping PCB design and manufacturing. Learn more about it here.
In this week’s picks, I’m talking about the sold-out EXPO floor, Brittany Martin’s marketing column on long sales cycles, a report from NCAB on emerging supply chain disruptions we can anticipate due to conflicts in the Middle East, SMTA's announcement of the award-winning papers from SMTA International 2025, and on the design side, Zuken's announcement of its new wire harness design tool.
Hope to see you in Anaheim!
APEX EXPO 2026 Show Floor Sells Out – 416 Exhibitors – Largest Manufacturer Lineup in Six Years
Published March 6
I’ve been attending this show for several years now, and I can tell you that a full house of exhibitors is an achievement. Walking the show floor is one of my favorite things to do there (when I can find the time away from our busy booth, of course). I’m also especially interested in how the technical conference has evolved to include an advanced packaging component this year. It will be a full and educational week for us all. As a bonus, catch up on highlights from the show each Friday, starting March 27, as our special five-week series of Show & Tell APEX EXPO takes over the Friday newsletter. You’ll find interesting articles, video interviews (some by yours truly), photo galleries, and more. Learn more here.
The Marketing Minute: Your Marketing Funnel Has a Memory Problem
Published March 11
Back when I was a CAD tool technical marketing person, we estimated the typical software sales cycle was nine months; I think we can all agree that’s pretty long. But what can you do about it? In her column, Brittany Martin challenges us to rethink how we nurture prospects over time, so they don’t lose attention—or opportunities—during those extended buying cycles.
NCAB Reports Logistics Disruptions from Middle East Conflict
Published March 10
With a strong European presence, NCAB maintains a sharp focus on potential near-Asia supply chain disruptions. Middle East conflicts are affecting key shipping routes, potentially increasing transit times and costs for PCB shipments moving through global logistics networks. The situation demonstrates how geopolitical instability can quickly ripple through electronics manufacturing logistics. NCAB’s insights will help the industry understand what to watch out for in the coming weeks.
SMTA International 2025 Conference Awards Announced
Published March 9
SMTA International is one of the most prolific conferences for EMS providers, and the 2025 technical conference awards were just announced. I always look forward to reviewing the topics presented in these papers because I can see exactly where the industry is headed. You get awards like “Best of Proceedings” and “Best Practical and Applications-Based Knowledge.” Check out the winners to see which research and practical insights are getting the most attention this year.
Zuken Releases Harness Builder for E3.series 2026 for Wire Harness Manufacturing
Published March 11
Industries such as EVs, aerospace, rail, and advanced electronics are adding more electrical systems, leading to larger, more complex wiring harnesses. Manufacturers are also dealing with higher volumes and tighter schedules. We talked to Zuken’s Harness Builder team for the March issue of SMT007 Magazine, and the April issue will highlight the latest momentum in modernizing wire harness manufacturing and what it means for EMS providers, in particular.
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