IPC APEX EXPO 2021 is being held virtually on March 8-12, 2021. “Given ongoing COVID-19 health and safety concerns and continued restrictions for large gatherings and events in California, it was not feasible to safely convene the nearly 9,000 expected participants at IPC APEX EXPO 2021,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “The event will now take place in a safe, all-virtual format.”

While the event is virtual, organizers report that IPC APEX EXPO will still be the place to connect, collaborate, and learn. The event’s virtual platform will allow attendees, exhibitors, and speakers to easily navigate more than 100 technical conference sessions, professional development courses, and product demonstrations, as well as schedule one-on-one meetings with exhibitors. Technical conference sessions will be available to registered attendees for replay, providing the opportunity to take advantage of education for 90 days after the event.

Keynotes

Each year, IPC APEX EXPO features dynamic, innovative minds to deliver keynote presentations that are both educational and entertaining. On March 10, Travis Hessman, IndustryWeek editor-in-chief, will present “The Great Digital Transformation.”

Hessman will educate participants on the processes undertaken by some of today’s most successful companies, discussing what they are doing to transform a dizzying array of technologies such as connected machine-to-machine systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence into actionable, effective digital strategies. In addition, he will cover how they achieved greater operational efficiency and launched new products faster while improving product quality across their businesses.

Guided by Hessman, participants will navigate a roadmap to digital transformation that can help move their companies from the sidelines to the heart of the factory of the future—the Industry 4.0 revolution. As chief editor of IndustryWeek, Hessman is in daily contact with some of the world’s most successful and innovative manufacturers. These companies are immersed in real-life implementation, application, and strategies for digital transformation success. His presentation will mix these perspectives with his background as a teacher, mentor, and writer to create a powerful storytelling experience that crafts a distinct narrative to help drive real progress for the industry.

Later in the afternoon, Hessman will conduct a live, 1-hr Q&A session with attendees, who will have the opportunity to pose their own questions on digital transformation. In addition to Hessman’s keynote, John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, will deliver keynotes on March 8 and 11, respectively.
 

Learning Opportunities

With more than 100 educational offerings, IPC APEX EXPO offers many options for attendees to gain knowledge and enhance their careers. The Technical Conference will give attendees the opportunity to access the latest electronics manufacturing industry technical content and insights, with the ability to choose from three hot-topic tracks:

• Factory of the Future—sessions to help modernize facilities; topics include data analytics, connected factory, cybersecurity, and digital twin
• PCB Fabrication and Materials—sessions on microvia reliability, PCB design, reliability, and advancements
• Quality, Reliability, Assembly, Test, and Inspection—covers automotive electronics, electronics materials, assembly, coating, and printed circuit board assembly design

In addition, Professional Development courses will feature live instructors who will provide unique interactive instruction on an easy-to-use platform. These courses will cover:

• Assembly Process
• Circuit Design and Component Technologies
• Meeting Extreme Environments
• PCB Fabrication and Materials
• Quality, Reliability, Test, and Inspection

Additional Features

Attendees will also be able to experience industry innovation during daily New Product Demonstrations. These 30-min presentations will provide access new equipment, products, and services from a variety of exhibitors. In addition, the virtual platform makes it easy to connect with exhibitors and request one-on-one meetings. Rounding out the immersive experience, attendees can attend a “meet and greet” with IPC Hall of Famers and Emerging Engineers and participate in a virtual trivia event, among other activities.

“Be it in person or via an online platform, it is IPC’s goal to maintain IPC APEX EXPO’s position as the premier event for the electronics manufacturing industry, providing practical applications for learning—knowledge that attendees can immediately apply to their work and as well as far-reaching insights that can be applied toward implementing future technologies,” said Mitchell. “Wherever in the world you may be located, IPC APEX EXPO 2021 is the place to be.”
 

To find additional details and to register, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org.