Apex 2021: place to learn, connect and collaborate

IPC Apex Expo 2021, which went all virtual this year, exemplified how the electronics industry has responded to the Covid-19 global pandemic: with resiliency, agility, and an unwavering commitment to build electronics better.

As part of that change, the tradeshow offered new ways for attendees to get the most out of their virtual experience, including a three-track technical program, professional development courses for every engineering role and experience level, and most importantly, on demand access to content until June 13. For the first time, all professional development courses offered both live and on demand are applicable toward continuing education points for IPC MIT (Master IPC Trainer) recertification.

This year’s technical conference covered big issues like cybersecurity, data analytics, traceability, assembly materials and design, but the interest generated by those sessions focused on reliability. The high attendance in these sessions spoke volumes; the industry is facing rising expectations about the reliability of electronics products and services. High-reliability systems often involve miniaturized commercial electronics that function 24/7 in harsh-use environments. And they must meet these requirements even as the industry moves away from the use of lead, introduces new laminate materials, and leverages innovative manufacturing technologies to support smaller vias on higher density designs. Participants also took advantage of the factory of the future programming, which helped to lead, assist and guide the electronics manufacturing industry by solving real business challenges.

“I am very pleased with the 90 days of on-demand viewing. This allows me to absorb the content on my time frame and at my pace,” said Todd Brassard, ice president/COO, Calumet Electronics Corporation. “I’ve been viewing the introduction to RF/Microwave PCB design this week and will most likely have to watch it several times to fully process all the data and info. Since Calumet Electronics is making a large commitment in the RF and high-speed digital space, this content is highly valuable in helping me better understand this complex topic. I plan to work through much of this year’s content over the next few months.”

Attendees have a continuing opportunity to enjoy and learn from the educational content Apex Expo generated. All technical conference sessions and professional development courses were recorded and are available to the registered and not-yet-registered until June 13.

“Apex Expo is usually one of the busiest weeks of the year for IPC…this year, that was true as well. It was just a different kind of busy,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “We are truly grateful to the dedicated attendees, speakers and exhibitors for sharing their time, their expertise, and their ability to pivot and adjust to a complete change in venue to help us make the first virtual IPC Apex Expo a success. Frankly, I can’t wait until next year – I really miss my interactions with everyone live!”

In 2022, the tradeshow will return to the San Diego Convention Center, January 22–28. Industry researchers, engineers and academics are invited to submit an abstract for consideration in next year’s technical conference or professional development courses in the online Call for Participation.

Travis Hessman will give keynote presentation at Apex Expo 2021