NORWALK, Conn. -- FIBEROPTIC Automation Expo (FAE) makes its debut as the only exhibition and conference dedicated to providing the fiber-optic component-manufacturing industry with access to the automation solutions and assembly techniques needed to increase production and keep in step with industry demand. FIBEROPTIC Automation Expo will be co-located with Assembly Technology Expo (ATExpo) from October 2-4, 2001, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Ill.

Jeff D. Montgomery, chairman and founder of ElectroniCast, will present a keynote address on October 3. Montgomery's presentation on the "Next Decade of Fiber-Optic Component Automated Assembly, Packaging and Testing" will discuss how global communication transport will grow over the next decade. A major factor in this surge will be the rapidly decreasing cost of fiber-optic components enabled by the automation of assembly, packaging and testing, supported by the major quantity expansion and by designing for automation.

FAE will offer a technical conference program that focuses on the newest innovations and technologies in automating fiber-optic component manufacturing. The FIBEROPTIC Automation Expo conference sessions are part of the more than 50 sessions scheduled during Assembly Technology Expo, and include the following: Automatic Fiber-Optics Dispensing, Mike Fornes, Nordson; Adhesives for Fiber-Optic Assembly, Sean McGrath, Loctite; and Joining Methods for Fiber Optics, Kevin Ely, Edison Welding Institute.

Complete conference descriptions and registration information are available by visiting the FAE Web site at www.fiberopitcautomationexpo.com.