EMS Leadership Summit at IPC APEX EXPO 2025

EMS Leaders of Today and Tomorrow Helping Each Other and the Industry to Prosper
Monday | March 17 | 8:00 am-5:00 pm | 6:00 pm Networking Dinner

Whether navigating technology implementation, improving automation, navigating the market, or improving growth strategy, there is something for every EMS leader at the EMS Leadership Summit. Join your peers in engaging roundtable discussions. Challenge expert panels. Hear from peers and experts on EMS practices and opportunities that matter to your business. Bring your emerging leaders and leverage this opportunity to build leadership talent in your organization. New this year, we'll be conducting live market research - participate and get immediate feedback.

Come early and chat over coffee and breakfast, keep the conversation flowing over lunch, and continue making connections at the EMS Networking Dinner – all included with your summit registration.

Register now

Member | $695
Nonmember | $850
Includes Monday summit, Monday lunch, and EMS Networking Dinner. Register for any IPC APEX EXPO package and then add the EMS Leadership Summit as an additional item. Attendance Requirement: Manager and above of an EMS company

Attend the IPC EMS Leadership Summit and save on workforce training to grow and attract talent.

Choose to receive $500 off a Certified Electronics Program Manager (CEPM)* course or 20% off a Workforce Training subscription.

Satisfaction guaranteed. Offer valid for training purchased by June 30, 2025.
*CEPM program options: April 1-May 8, 2025, 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET/5:00 pm CET
September 23-October 30, 2025, 2:30 pm PT/5:30 pm ET
The CEPM program is suited to training program managers as well as building understanding of the EMS business for management level positions.

EMS Leadership Summit Agenda

7:00 am | Pre-event Networking and Breakfast

Start the day by connecting with peers and industry professionals while enjoying a light breakfast. A great opportunity to foster relationships before the event kicks off.

8:00 am | Welcome and Introductions

The EMS Steering Committee Chair will share key objectives of the summit and what participants can expect throughout the day, setting the stage for insightful discussions. Get to know who is in the room.

Allison Budvarson, Out of the Box Manufacturing  

8:15 am | Keynote: Growing Your Company by Aligning Growth, Strategy, and Talent

A thought-provoking keynote addressing how businesses can drive sustainable growth by aligning their strategic vision with the right talent and leadership.

Audrey McGuckin, McGuckin Group

8:45 am | Roundtable: Aligning Growth, Strategy, and Talent

A collaborative discussion where leaders share insights on how to successfully integrate business growth strategies with the talent needed to achieve them.

9:45 am | Emerging Trends and the Effect on the EMS M&A Market

An exploration of the latest trends shaping the EMS mergers and acquisitions market, and how these trends are influencing the future of the industry.

Jack Calderon, Chaim Lubin, and Frank Crocker, Lincoln International

10:30 am | Panel: Digitalization and AI

Industry experts discuss how digital transformation and AI are revolutionizing EMS, from automation to data analytics, and the implications for future competitiveness.

Panelists to be announced

11:45 am | Roundtable: New Technology Implementation

A hands-on session where participants discuss the practical challenges and best practices for successfully implementing emerging technologies in their businesses.

12:30 pm | Networking Lunch

An opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, share insights from the morning's sessions, and discuss potential collaborations. A buffet lunch will be served in the Summit room.

1:15 pm | EMS Research – Live Edition

IPC will share updates on most recent research and current opportunities before carrying out a on-the-spot EMS research, providing real-time data on key industry trends and their implications for business strategy.

Speakers: Mark Wolfe, IPC & Joe O’Neil, OAA Ventures

2:15 pm | Power Change: How Washington will Impact your Business in 2025

More than any time before, Washington’s policy focus will have direct impact on the electronics industry. IPC is on the offensive in the Nation’s Capital as Congress and the new administration tackle tax reform, trade policy, regulatory reform, and defense production act investments. Learn how these government actions can impact your business, where IPC is seeking to score wins and mitigate risks, and how you can help shape the outcome.

Richard Cappetto, North American Government Relations, IPC

3:00 pm | Panel: Leveling Up – Lessons Learned from People Who’ve Been There

Experienced leaders share valuable lessons from their own journeys, offering advice and strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving growth in the EMS industry.

Panelists to be announced

4:00 pm | Roundtable: One Good Idea

A collaborative, idea-sharing session where participants exchange innovative solutions and practical strategies to address current challenges in the EMS sector. Choose a specific topic like quoting processes or change management or keep the discussion open and share from all areas of the business. You drive the discussion.  

4:45 pm | Closing Remarks & Adjourn

IPC EMS Steering Committee Chair provided some parting thoughts. Take a minute to process new ideas or takeaways before heading to dinner.

Allison Budvarson, Out of the Box Manufacturing

6:00 pm | EMS Leader Networking Dinner

Unwind and continue building relationships in a relaxed, informal setting over a delicious dinner. This is an excellent opportunity to network in a more personal environment.

Location to be announced

Attendance Requirement: Manager and above of an EMS company