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APEX EXPO 2026 featured many legacy treasures, but it was the inaugural year for the Technology Pavilion, which featured 10 speakers over two days. It was just one feature on the show floor that specifically highlighted technical learning and innovation.
Topics presented at the Technology Pavilion included copper nanoparticle inkjet printing on rigid PCBs, how AI and collaboration can level up an electronics supply chain, accelerating the design-to-manufacturing flow, and automated spatial micro-sectioning.
Speakers came from businesses around the globe, including representation from SCAN Laboratories, Altium, and Siemens. Included within the Pavilion was a Design Town Hall, led by Matt Kelly, CTO and VP Standards & Technology, with a closing panel discussion moderated by Susan Kayesar, product manager, PCBFlow, Siemens.
“As soon as we knew we wanted to realign APEX EXPO’s design conference with our global strategy representing silicon to systems, inclusive of advanced electronic packaging (AEP), we knew we needed to bring it to life on the show floor,” said Peter Tranitz, senior director of Technology Solutions at the Global Electronics Association. “Having the Technology Pavilion is valuable to the industry because APEX EXPO is one of the largest electronics manufacturing shows in North America, bringing together a high density of SMEs and decision-makers together in one location.”
Kristin Moyer, an instructor for the Association, said, “The Technology Pavilion was created to highlight trends and advancements in the technology of the PCB industry. It is a place to explore where we think the industry is headed and what that roadmap may look like.”
It was often standing-room only during the tech presentations. Tranitz said he’s proud of what was accomplished in this first year, and plans to expand into additional sectors of the ecosystem for 2027.
“We would like to be attractive for all parts of the electronics ecosystem, ranging from OEMs to designers and developers, to manufacturers, and finally to equipment and materials suppliers,” he said. “We will continue to represent our industry from silicon to systems, appealing to our target subgroups through offering the entire ecosystem on the show floor. We look forward to seeing what new ideas the Technology Pavilion will bring in 2027.”
Powerful Poster Presentations
Another area to highlight technology was the engaging Poster Presentations, also located on the show floor. This year, 18 technical posters generated significant interaction and discussion among authors and conference attendees.
Posters are judged during one of the show floor receptions, and winners are announced on the spot. “Posters were judged against visual appearance, technical content, the presenter’s presentation, and knowledge of the topic, as well as potential impact to the industry,” said Udo Welzel, co-chair of the Technical Advisory Committee.
Best Poster went to Dr. Carlos Moreno and Sebastian Fischmeister of Paltronica, titled, “Thermal Compensation in RF Measurement Electronics Attestation Systems.” Their work on thermal compensation in RF-based electronics attestation demonstrates strong technical innovation and practical impact.
“This work is highly relevant to industry as applied research advancing practical electronics attestation and reliability under real-world conditions,” said Stan Ran, co-chair of the Technical Advisory Committee.
Best Student Poster was awarded to Harshil Goyal of Auburn University, with a paper titled, “Reliability Assessment of Electronic Packages Under 10K-400K Thermal Cycling Using a Custom Cryostat.”
“The poster stood out as an important contribution on electronic assembly and solder joint reliability at cryogenic temperatures,” said Rak. “This groundwork is important for reliability in quantum computing and space applications.”
“The posters are a great way for technologists to present their research in a relaxed, open setting, which provides visibility to their work beyond the walls of the technical conference session rooms,” said Chris Jorgensen, senior director, next-generation standards.
Welzel agreed, saying that the posters provide a platform for direct interactions and discussions between attendees and presenters, “even more interactive than in Q&A after oral presentations. They are an important pillar of the technical conference, and complement the oral presentations.”
The Buzz of the Learning Lounge
Also going strong this year was the second annual Learning Lounge, which delivered another standout year with steady crowds.
“It proved once again why it has become a go-to destination for practical, real-time industry insight,” said Kelly Allen, Learning Lounge organizer. “The space buzzed from open to close, with functional seating for working or networking, and lounge seating for informal conversations between speakers and attendees.”
Global Electronics Association President John W. Mitchell opened the sessions by moderating a panel titled, “Moving the Needle: Real Talk of Sustainability Progress.” The 14 sessions ranged from technical topics on AI in electronics manufacturing and achieving conformal coating excellence, to effective workforce development and training, the science of team performance and collaboration, and emerging opportunities like building in Mexico and the Illinois Quantum Tech Hub.
“The expanded agenda paid off,” said Allen, who manages the Association’s online instructor-led training. “Presenters from across the industry lined up for speaking slots, creating three days of programming that kept the energy high and the conversations flowing.”
Allen feels the Learning Lounge delivered on its promise to blend technical insights with real-world strategy, and discuss best practices in the electronics industry.
“The Learning Lounge elevated the overall show experience and reinforced the event’s role as a hub for learning, collaboration, and industry growth,” she said. Due to the overwhelming response, several of the workshops will be offered as part of ElectronicsU.org in short- or long-form live, online courses, allowing for the same dynamic engagement with show speakers.
Kimberly Kutnick is senior director of channel management for the Global Electronics Association. Michelle Te contributed to this article.
