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Testimonials
Learn what past attendees have to say about IPC APEX EXPO™
“The professional development courses not only allow us to hear from industry experts, they allow us to share real-world concerns and issues between peers. This helps to elevate the entire group's knowledge base.”
—James Adams, Supplier Engineering, Boston Scientific Corp., Cardiac Rhythm Management Division
“For me, it was a great networking opportunity. I was able to connect with various companies and people from different areas of the assembly process. I have several projects now underway because of APEX.”
—Ricky Bennett, President/CEO, Assembly Process Technologies
“As we are trying to decide if populating PCBs is a venture we would like to tackle in house, your expo helps us greatly. We were looking to minimize the time for production and also have control over our quality so this was helpful. Thank you for the number of opportunities we had in our journey to decision.”
—Jack Beukema, Director of Engineering and Product Development, Light Corporation
“By attending the IPC Standards Development Committee meetings, I was able to better understand my company's position on standards relative to other industry leaders.”
—Christine Blair, Corporate Packaging & Automation Engineer, STMicroelectronics, Inc, Semiconductors
“Each year I find a certain machine, software or tool that is not on my planned agenda but is related to a problem or issue our company is experiencing. This year it was a software package that should help automate our inventory processes and take our company to the next level.”
—Barry Borwege, Manufacturing Engineer, SPX Service Solutions, test and measurement automotive diagnostic tools
“We made plans to attend 24 hours prior to the show. It was good that we attended because we are making decisions based on information and demonstrations that we could have only received at the show. It was money well spent.”
—Christopher Brewer, Quality Manager, Delta Group Electronics, Inc
“I always enjoy the standard meetings. This is the most important purpose for me going to APEX. It is a way of keeping up with some of the changes happening in electronics. Changes are hitting us constantly.”
—Nancy Chism, Training Supervisor, MIT, Flextronics International
“APEX EXPO was a convenient venue to gather information and generate ideas used in updating our strategic plan. This year, we were able to identify and evaluate two new pieces of equipment that could improve responsiveness to customers developing new products, and reduce our costs. The networking events we attended provided a perfect opportunity to exchange ideas about business trends and possible approaches to taking advantage of them. Overall, it was a great 'one-stop-shop.'”
—Phil Clay, Consultant, Allendale Electronics
“The IPC show has limitless opportunities for all individuals who attend. We submitted an academic poster board presentation on PWB delamination. This was an outstanding opportunity to collaborate with one another to discuss accomplishments and issues that are having a direct impact on fabricating and assembling high reliability printed wiring boards. IPC APEX EXPO does an exceptional job of making sure this very thing happens every year — job well done!”
—Frank L. Collins, Process Engineer, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
“I met several suppliers and I was impressed on how they approached different problems and situations.”
—Miguel Colomer, Sr. Process Engineer, PCS Group
“Attending IPC APEX EXPO provided insight at a detailed level as to what equipment advances exist today as well as what technological advances are in development. I know what equipment is available to make improvements to our processes and continue to stay on the cutting edge of technology advances in the manufacturing of printed circuit board assemblies.”
—Jeffrey Cox, President, Quality Manufacturing Services, Longwood Florida
“This show groups technical key elements in one location in a timeframe that makes networking and connections very easy. The organization and publicity is well-directed to those in my industry. This is a great one-stop sourcing event!”
—Ruth Delker, CID, Sr. PCB Designer & Quality Manager, Cipher Systems
“This is the first APEX show I have attended as I’m new to the industry. I was very impressed with the amount of product at the show which made it very easy for us to see the functions and different options of equipment. The show was very well organized. The opportunity to see several pieces of equipment all in 3 days was very beneficial to our decision making.”
—Doug Dirkes, Operations Manager, HACH, water quality products
“I was totally unaware of the development of the new Condenso Reflow Condensation soldering machines. I was interested in the technology because of the assembly solution it provides for massive assemblies; I was aware of the shortcomings of VP machines of the previous generation and what I found was a real revelation.”
—Werner Engelmaier, President, Engelmaier Associates, LC
“Since this is the largest show in the US, I would suggest that if you have to pick one US show to attend, IPC APEX EXPO would be it.”
—Bill Horner, President, The Test Connection, Inc
“It's the only show where I can meet all of my suppliers and equipment manufacturers under one roof.”
—Paul Jaussi, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Biamp Systems, commercial audio equipment
“We are planning on upgrading our SMT line and this show was great for me because I could see several manufacturers' equipment in operation and talk to the salesmen to get my questions answered.”
—Steve Kahn, Technical Operations Manager, Wireless Technology Inc
“Key goal was accelerated progress on technical document generation, which was met in spite of the economic downturn.”
—W.G. Kenyon, President, Global Centre Consulting, cleaning process consulting for electronics assembly
“Speaking to manufacturers on the floor who have years of specialized expertise taught me much more than I would have learned sitting in a class.”
—Daniel Krach, Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Alcon Labs, ophthalmic medical devices
“The ability to see and compare several solutions by walking a few feet is infinitely better than flipping web pages. This has helped me avoid misunderstanding a vendor’s presentation and better fit a point solution into the overall industry system.”
—David M. Kubista, President, Helimeds, aerospace products
“This is the best gathering of technical people in the world. Networking with these individuals is priceless and you will always leave with more information and new contacts to help you achieve your goals and objectives.”
—Leo Lambert, Vice President/Technical Director, EPTAC Corp
“Between the technical conference and the show exhibits, I was able to get a clear picture of the path our company needs to take to meet the future high tech demands of our industry.”
—Jim Layer, Director of Engineering, Vermont Circuits, Inc
“I found a new supplier for printing glass in the U.S. instead of overseas. We are now one week away from purchasing a new AOI. If it wasn't for the show, I don't know when everyone would have got together. I saw some new technology I will be looking at five years from now. I thought it was a good show. I was able to do a lot in a short time. The only thing I will do differently is schedule myself for 3 days at the show instead of 2!”
—Mark Lynaugh, Purchasing Manager, Multicircuits
“An excellent show which allowed me to see some of the new technologies available in test and measurement. Well worth the travel from New Zealand.”
—Stuart Macpherson, Manufacturing Engineering Manager, Navico, marine electronics
“The networking opportunities were great. It allowed me to pick up business opportunities as well as keep up on industry needs and direction, while contributing at the same time. The ability to give and get back from the industry is an IPC APEX EXPO tradition!”
—Duane Mahnke, President of DBMahnke Consulting
“A great way to meet many sources all in one day! I completed several days work much faster and quicker — meeting the vendors directly. Web is nice but does not substitute for direct contact with a person who knows the subject.”
—Jeffrey McGinley, National Training Center for Microelectronics, electronics manufacturing
“We were able to meet face to face with a vendor that we normally only talk to via email or via the phone. This was extremely helpful.”
—Michael McGreevy, President, Agility Manufacturing, Inc
“Great networking opportunity to meet and learn with the best and the brightest in the electronics industry, and to somewhat climb up, and look outward, on the cutting edge of what will be. At IPC APEX EXPO, we gain some sense of cutting edge technology's direction and also a better understanding of how to best get down that path with your colleagues of producing a quality, state-of-the-art electronic product.”
—Mark Mitzen, Quality Assurance Engineer, Sierra Nevada Corporation
“I really enjoyed the APEX show this year. This was my first time attending a show and I'm looking forward to going again next year. I met several new potential suppliers, met a lot of great people and had a lot of great networking opportunities. If you've never been, it's worth the trip.”
—Chris Montgomery, Process Engineer, Simclar Interconnect Technologies - PCB Assembly Contract Manufacturer
“I attended 2 PD classes which were really helpful for me. I also learned a lot of interesting details of already known processes (i.e. PCB drilling) and new technologies (embedded). The overall quality of the technical sessions was great.”
—Michael Mueller, General Manager, Polytron-Print GmbH, Germany
“Even though attendance was down, the quality of the visitors appeared to be more serious in making deals happen. It was also a great opportunity to spend quality time with the suppliers.”
—Deon Nungaray, Mfg. Process Engineer, General Monitors
“Helpfulness of the exhibitors was refreshing. There was a lot of information for a first timer like myself. Not so much pressure to buy but to educate on the best process for your company size and needs. When I arrived back to my office, I was greeted with many emails thanking me for visiting them at the show. The first timers breakfast was great and informative. The speaker was right when he said, “there are no schools for SMT expertise it is hands on”. I have already met with a vendor for purchasing SMT assembly line equipment. I was able to ask the right question mainly due to the IPC show and the suppliers I met. My boss made the right decision to send a company representative to the IPC APEX EXPO to bring great ideas and solutions back to the Midwest so we can be competitive in our market.”
—Michael E. Pawelek, Process Engineer, Se-Kure Controls, Inc
“We are a test repair/rework division in the company and are in the market for equipment to handle BGAs, LGAs, and other packaging technologies not workable with conventional soldering equipment. Aside from looking at specs and performance thru the Internet, APEX allowed us the opportunity to observe the equipment in operation and talk with the exhibitors/experts about performance and pricing. It was very informative and beneficial to resolving which systems would best fit our application economically. Hope to revisit in the future.”
—Les Pearson, Systems Analyst III, BAE Systems
“Thank you IPC. I attended APEX EXPO '09 for the CID+ workshop and exam. I was able to stay for Designers Day and to see the exhibits. I attended excellent presentations given by leaders in the industry, I was able to meet some of my current suppliers and have made many new contacts through fellow designers. I have a renewed enthusiasm for our profession and this industry. This was my first chance to attend, and next year I hope to bring some of my colleagues.”
—Mark Radley, CID+, Design Engineer, RPA Electronic Solutions
“I'm relatively new to the world of PCBs. Prior to attending this conference, I was not aware of all the complexities that go into manufacturing circuit boards. It was really an eye opener for me. I not only learned a great deal through the seminars of the technical conference but also learned a lot just by walking up to vendors and asking them to tell me more about what they do. Even though they knew I wasn't interested in purchasing their products, they were still very eager to speak with me and tell me about their company and products.”
—Sharon Ranck, Electronics Engineer, BSH Home Appliances Corp
“After spending time talking face to face with a materials supplier, I learned we could use solder preforms. This will save our company on new equipment.”
—Jared Robertson, Manufacturing/Process Engineer, L-3 Communications
“Learned of new equipment available in the assembly area. Improved my technical knowledge.”
—Steve Russell, PWB applications engineer, Harris Corp., Government Communications Systems
“This conference gave me great insight into the technological developments and difficulties of our customers in general (electronics assemblers OEM, CEMs). This will aid me and my team in supplying world-class comprehensive support to these customers.”
—Christopher Ryder, Global Customer Quality Manager, Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG
“If you manufacture electronics, this is where you need to be once a year. A superb showcase of equipment, material and ideas!”
—Jack Schreiner, Manufacturing Manager, American Panel Corporation
“It saved lots of time for research of any equipment purchase. We can compare different equipment from different manufacturers and ask the questions regarding their benefits and features. At the same time, we also get to know about special promotions from the exhibitors, which expedite our purchasing process.”
—Ashish Sheladiya, General Manager, Finepitch Electronic Assembly, LLC., assembly/electronics manufacturing services
“IPC APEX EXPO provides additional visibility on technology and business trends and allows us to keep our roadmaps aligned with cutting edge industry direction.”
—Peter Tortorici, Ph.D., Manager, Process Development Medtronic Microelectronics Center
“2009 APEX was a great event - the networking was GREAT as I met several very valuable future contacts as well as keeping up to date with old friends. Tech Conference and Professional Development classes were also very much worth the trip. ”
—Doug Vaught, PCB Design/Projects, QuEST LLC
“I attended to learn about technology, and found it to be incredibly useful. It provided a chance to ask questions to experts in given fields, and hear their knowledge concerning some issues.”
—Timothy Winn, Sr. Electrical Engineer, Boston Scientific, medical devices
“I've been out of the electronics industry for several years and most of my former contacts are gone. I appreciated the opportunity to meet so many vendors, new companies and equipment and run into several colleagues from other businesses.”
—Helen M. Zeisloft, Grp. Mfg. Mgr, Beckman Coulter
“After the IPC show, I met some PCB laminate suppliers and learned more about them.”
—Steven Zeng, General Manager, Welldone Electronics Ltd
“Attending the show provided an opportunity to network with colleagues on IPC requirements that we can use immediately and will save us effort in creating similar requirements on our own.”
—Anonymous
“IPC APEX EXPO provides additional visibility on technology and business trends and allows us to keep our roadmaps aligned with cutting edge industry direction.”
—Anonymous
“The women's morning breakfast with Karen McConnell was inspirational — brief but encouraging. She is definitely a pioneer in this industry and an encouragement that if she can successfully juggle family and professional life so can any determined woman.”
—Anonymous