From innovations displayed on the show floor to expert insights conveyed in technical conference sessions, professional development courses, and standards development committee meetings, organizers of IPC APEX EXPO 2022 report that the event provided the education and networking connections that helped 3,647 visitors address today’s business challenges and prepare for their factories of the future. In keeping with the event’s theme, “Lead, Drive, Achieve Digital Transcendence,” the technical conference featured 104 technical papers detailing original research and innovations from global industry experts. For 2022, IPC’s Technical Program Committee expanded the conference to four tracks of content from 18 countries, focusing on: factory of the future implementation; PCB fab and materials; quality, reliability, test, and inspection; and assembly materials and environment.

Nearly 100 standards development committees made progress on new and revised documents, including IPC-J-STD-001, IPC-A-610, IPC-7711/21, IPC/WHMA-A-620, IPC-2551, IPC-2591, and dozens more. “At the joint IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 task group meeting, more than 90 volunteers contributed their expertise to revising the standards,” said Teresa Rowe, IPC senior director for assembly and standards technology. “At times, discussions were spirited, but great headway was made on the ‘J’ revisions.”

Many attendees achieved their business objectives at the event. “Attending IPC APEX EXPO is the most efficient way to learn about new equipment and processes that can help make my job easier,” said Randy Bremner of Northrop Grumman. “All the experts are there; we were able to meet in person this year and I got all of my questions answered in one place. It’s truly one-stop learning in classrooms and shopping on the show floor.”

The APEX EXPO 2022 experience was also reportedly positive for the 282 exhibitors that showcased their products and services on 108,300 sq ft of show floor space. “Our team feels this was the best IPC APEX EXPO we have participated in,” said Insulectro’s John Lee. “Yes, due to COVID, attendance was a little light, but we had top quality opportunities to meet with customers, prospects, and suppliers. We were all blown away with how effective and productive APEX EXPO was for us.”

According to John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO, “The January omicron surge provoked more than a few questions about what to expect at this year’s IPC APEX EXPO. As I traversed the San Diego convention center last week, the answer was clear, a lot of smiles. Yes, they were hidden behind masks but more than evident in the eyes of everyone with whom I interacted. Attendees were thrilled to back together in-person—sharing ideas as freely as elbow bumps. IPC is a community and IPC APEX EXPO is the place we build it. It was great to be back!”

IPC APEX EXPO will return to the San Diego Convention Center January 21-26, 2023. For more information, visit www.ipcapexexpo.org.