IPC APEX EXPO Wrap-up
January 30, 2023 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
IPC APEX EXPO 2023 is over, and I think it was a successful show no matter how you slice it.
There was barely a break in traffic on the show floor on Tuesday and Wednesday, and even on Thursday I saw people sprinting to close one more deal. Some committee meetings had nearly 200 participants; the meetings I sat in on were anything but boring. These people are passionate about their work, and they voted for changes in standards by waving green cards, like a crazy auction.
Almost everyone I spoke with was upbeat; the tech layoffs and inflation were barely mentioned during the show. Many companies are having a fantastic year. And we all enjoyed being able to talk face-to-face without N95 masks this year.
The Professional Development and Technical Conference classes were well attended. I spoke with a few dozen class attendees, and I was surprised at how much of the fabrication and assembly content focused partially on the PCB designer’s needs. Process engineers were there to learn how they could better help designers, who would in turn make their lives easier. Gone are the days when you could focus mainly on what happens downstream from you.
If I went to trade shows every week, I’d probably have strong leg muscles but still be overweight. During the show, I averaged 16,000 steps each day, but I also tore through a lot of fat and carbs, along with a generous portion of caffeine, hops and barley. I couldn’t find the gym in my hotel, but I didn’t look very hard either.
One of my favorite parts of the show was getting to play guitar almost every day with my cohorts Managing Editor Nolan Johnson, Technical Editor Dan Feinberg, and columnist Kelly Dack. We only play together once a year, but we’ve found about 10 songs, AKA “The Hits,” that work well for us. You can’t go wrong with singalong tunes like “Mustang Sally,” “Can’t You See” and “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.”
It’s always nice to see old friends at trade shows, especially now that so many of us work remotely. I only see my co-workers in person once or twice a year now, so we try to make the most our time together. The Irish pub The Fields was full of APEX attendees every night; it’s become the industry hangout in San Diego.
Next year, the show rolls up to the Anaheim Convention Center the week of April 9-11, 2024. Now, back to work!
Suggested Items
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: A Conversation with IPC's CEO: New Venue, Sustainability, and More
04/23/2024 | Real Time with...IPCBarry Matties hosts Dr. John W. Mitchell, CEO of IPC, on the final day of IPC APEX EXPO 2024. They discuss the new venue in Anaheim and broach a range of topics, from traffic and booth experiences to workforce development, sustainability, and the CHIPS Act. And they offer advice for newcomers as IPC looks forward to an even better show experience next year.
Boeing's Janene Stinson Earns IPC Excellence in Education Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/22/2024 | IPCThe IPC Excellence in Education award was presented to Janene Stinson, Boeing, at IPC APEX EXPO 2024 in Anaheim, California, in recognition of her significant contributions to workforce development and leadership.
What’s Next Becomes Now at IPC APEX EXPO 2024
04/22/2024 | IPCFrom revolutionary advancements in artificial intelligence, augmented reality and the latest innovations in capital equipment on the show floor to a heightened learner experience through the 16th Electronic Circuits World Convention (ECWC16) technical conference, IPC APEX EXPO 2024 provided education, professional development and numerous networking opportunities, for 3,723 attendees from 57 countries.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Looking Back, Looking Forward With IEC
04/19/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOIEC came to the RTW booth and discussed both the legacy of IEC's past and the vision for its future. Industry veteran Bruno Ferri highlighted his quarter-century tenure in the industry and with IEC since its founding. He still exhibits boundless enthusiasm for the industry. Brando Stone, a young professional and a future face of IEC, talked about IEC's plans going forward and his experience at this year's IPC APEX EXPO.
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
04/19/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineFor my must-read picks of the week, I’m highlighting Parker Capers, a young professional seeking employment, solid counsel from Dan Beaulieu on what your post-show plan should look like, more information and insight on “chiplets” and the need for secure data transfer standards from columnist Preeya Kuray, as well as Matt Stevenson’s design for reality wisdom. It’s a reminder to download one of our newest books (there are several) you don't want to miss if you are an assembler.