SMTAI Conference Program Finalized; Registration Now Open

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The program for SMTA International is now available online, and registration is now open. Taking place September 25-29, 2016 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, the conference features 20 workshops, 130 technical papers, and numerous complimentary offerings.

Technical tracks will cover Advanced Packaging Technology; Manufacturing Excellence - process and assembly; substrate (PCB) issues; flux, solder and adhesives; and Inspection Technologies. Engineers from major manufacturing companies like Celestica, Flex, IBM, Intel, Lockheed Martin, Sanmina Corporation, and several universities will present their latest research on critical process improvements, new materials and technologies. One session on Monday afternoon comprised of all women presenters will be followed by a panel discussion on the technical achievements of women, mentoring, and STEM initiatives.  Three focused symposia rounding out the technical conference are the Evolving Technologies Summit, Harsh Environments Symposium, and Lead-Free Soldering Technology Symposium. 

Twenty half-day educational workshops are offered Sunday and Monday from expert instructors, including eight new courses on DfX, Cleaning, PoP Reliability, Inspection, Surface Finishes, and Process Troubleshooting.

Daniel Kuhl, Vice President of Engineering at Seagate Technology, will keynote the conference with a presentation Tuesday morning on the memory storage explosion and factors influencing global design and architecture, technology progression and infrastructure for manufacturing and validation. Daniel will share current technologies, technology enablers of the future and speak to the memory consumption rate of today and what is anticipated for the future.  

IPC Fall Standards Development Committee Meetings are co-located with the conference. The full schedule for IPC committee meetings are on the IPC website. Registration is required.

Over 180 exhibiting companies will display equipment, materials, and services at the Electronics Exhibition, which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, September 27 - 28. Attendees are invited to join Tech Tours to get an inside look at the latest in placement equipment and inspection technology.  Free lunch will also be provided both days on the show floor.

The latest sensing technology and products will be on display at the co-located Sensors Midwest. The two-day expo will feature education, networking, and 65+ exhibitors. 

Several events at SMTA International are free to all attendees including Spotlight Sessions with presentations on Solderability Testing Protocols and Component Re-Tinning Methods for the 21st Century, Roadmap Previews, Stencil Printing’s New Tools and Technologies, and more. Other complimentary events available to all attendees are the Women’s Networking, the “SMART” Zone Wearables Feature Area, Fun Run, Beer Tasting, Tech Tours, Spotlight Sessions, and Students and Young Professionals Night Out

The Tuesday night party at Joe’s Live (formerly Toby Keith’s) will have a Woodstock theme this year and costumes are encouraged. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The 9^th Annual SMTA International Golf Tournament will kick-off with a shotgun start at 8:30am on Thursday, September 29. Over 60 golfers are expected to participate in the tournament at the Maple Meadows Golf Club.

First-time attendees can take an extra 10% off conference registration. The early registration deadline is August 26, 2016.

For full details and to register for SMTA International, click here or contact SMTA Executive Administrator Tanya Martin: 952-920-7682 or tanya@smta.org.

About SMTA

The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.