-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- smt007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueCertifications
Certifications have historically been seen as a cost of doing business, but how do we turn them into a positive ROI and a value to both customer and vendor?
The Butterfly Effect
The basis of chaos theory is a key concept known as the “butterfly effect.” It’s the idea that a small event in one place creates a cascading set of events elsewhere. So, how is the EMS landscape changing? We’re tracking the concerns and dynamics of this landscape, and there’s a lot to learn.
Coming to Terms With AI
In this issue, we examine the profound effect artificial intelligence and machine learning are having on manufacturing and business processes. We follow technology, innovation, and money as automation becomes the new key indicator of growth in our industry.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - smt007 Magazine
IPC APEX EXPO 2023: Face-to-Face Not Mask-to-Mask
January 25, 2023 | Pete Starkey, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/4216/3125/6526/pete-starkey-300.jpg)
It was a bright, sunny California day as IPC APEX EXPO officially opened its doors on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the San Diego Convention Center. The Technical Conference began on the same day, while the program of standards meetings and professional development courses had been in progress since Saturday, Jan. 21.
During the hustle and bustle of the show build-up over the weekend, it was clear to see that so many exhibitors had the confidence to bring so much major equipment and to invest in such spectacular booths to display it.
And probably most significant, this was going to be a true live event: Face-to-face instead of mask-to-mask as it had been last year.
“Advance in a new era” was the headline theme, and the opening keynote came from the acclaimed science communicator Emily Calandrelli, who delivered an inspirational presentation on the subject of the sustainability, economics and advocacy of space exploration, as well as examining ways of getting and keeping more women in STEM.
Calandrelli also spoke to a group of more than 100 gathered for an evening Women in Electronics reception, where she highlighted her efforts to effect policy change, sometimes simply because she was experiencing discrimination herself.
After her keynote address, a large crowd gathered to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony before the doors were opened and a flood of enthusiastic visitors filled the aisles of the immaculately presented exhibit hall. Lots to see, lots of people to meet, lots to talk about and definitely lots of business to be done!
Representing North America’s largest gathering of electronics manufacturing professionals, IPC’s APEX EXPO 2023 promises to be a brilliant event.
As part of the EMS Leadership Forum, IPC’s Chris Mitchell offered the following report on Monday’s gathering:
- Monday’s EMS Leadership Forum at APEX EXPO boasted many first-time attendees and a compelling agenda that touched on the most pressing issues facing electronics assembly.
- The day started with an advocacy update that signaled promising developments in Washington as the industry leverages increased interest in electronics manufacturing to persuade policymakers to support a rebuilding of the domestic industry.
IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac gave his outlook for the year ahead:
- There are headwinds and tailwinds impacting electronics manufacturers
- Expect flat to modest growth in the U.S. and flat to down growth in Europe
- The forecast in Asia is shrouded in uncertainty but looking better now with China’s decision to relax its Zero Covid policy
Another highlight of the EMS Leadership Summit was a supply chain panel featuring some of the industry’s leading voices, including Summit’s John Vaughn and SMTC’s Ed Smith. The panel highlighted a global supply chain that is seeing reduced lead times and costs but poses ongoing challenges to EMS companies.
After a show floor reception on Tuesday at the close of the business day, most exhibitors wrapped up their machines and the crowd headed home. But the show continues Wednesday, when IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell will deliver a keynote address, and the lively two-day STEM event gets underway.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/26/2024 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007This week, I’ve been attending Thailand Electronic Circuits Asia 2024. This is the inaugural event, hosted by Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA). Thailand has supported a PCB industry for some time—mostly automotive applications—but the China Plus One dynamic has definitely taken root here.
Hirose Electric Adds Master Electronics as Authorized Distributor
07/25/2024 | HiroseHirose, a leader in the design and manufacturing of innovative connector solutions, has strategically expanded its Americas distribution network to better support its growing customer base. Master Electronics will support the full Hirose line of connector solutions across the Americas.
MKS’ Atotech and ESI Participate in Electronics Circuit Asia in Thailand
07/25/2024 | AtotechMKS Instruments announces its participation at the Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 in Thailand, July 24-26, highlighting its leading brands Atotech® and ESI® and related advances in advanced packaging, package substrate, and printed circuit board manufacturing.
Strip Etch Strip: Episode 9 of On the Line With... Designing for Reality Podcast Now Available
07/25/2024 | I-Connect007Don't miss the latest episode of "On the Line With... Designing for Reality," where we walk through the PCB manufacturing process. At this stage, we have a panel made up of all the internal layers laminated together, through-holes drilled, and the outer layer copper features covered with a protective layer of tin.
Enhance Your Electronics Expertise Through IPC Courses in August
07/25/2024 | Corey Lynn, IPCAs the global leader in standards, training, and certification for the electronics industry, IPC is pleased to announce an array of upcoming online instructor-led courses this August. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the latest skills and knowledge required to excel in the ever-evolving field of electronics manufacturing and design. Whether you want to deepen your expertise in PCB design and manufacturing, understand the intricacies of intermetallic compounds, or learn about counterfeit part mitigation, IPC has a course tailored for you.