Finally, forecasters say the fog may be lifting. The recovery is here. For the companies and individuals depending on the industry's fortunes, the challenge is moving from surviving to thriving. As the investment in training and technology has shrunk over the last three years, companies must be ready with a prepared and technically up-to-date workforce. Positioned at the beginning of 2004, APEX will bring the technology, equipment and expertise that will move the industry forward.
As one of the world's top electronics manufacturing exhibitions, APEX has been tested in the difficult economic environment. Challenged to increase the ROI for exhibitors and attendees, the event has been strengthened in all areas. Now co-located with IPC Printed Circuits Expo and the IPC Designers Summit, the trade show and conference will offer attendees unparalleled access to many facets of the supply chain. With a focus on bare boards at Expo and PCB design issues at the Summit, those involved in electronics assembly will have even more opportunities to learn about process improvements and new capabilities.
The APEX technical conference will be the world's most comprehensive electronics manufacturing technical program. Over 120 original papers will cover advanced technologies, embedded passives, lead free, assembly processes, supply chain issues, quality/reliability/test, materials, design, and PCB fabrication. Demonstrating the event's global reach, sixteen papers will be presented by international authors. Companies working in high and low volume environments will find support in looking at future innovations.
Experts in electronics manufacturing will share their expertise and help industry members understand issues of profitability and tighter manufacturing. By focusing on both the immediate concerns and future needs of engineers and managers, the conference will help attendees understand and integrate those technologies and trends that will redefine the industry.
Along with the superb technical conference, experts are teaching 66 full- and half-day courses and several free sessions. There will be ample networking opportunities and an extensive offering of standards development meetings.
Three Free Outstanding Keynote Sessions and an Industry Panel Discussion
A true highlight of the event will be the daily free keynote sessions. Michael R. Cannon, Solectron Corporation's president, chief executive officer and board member, will kick off the first day of the exhibition on Tuesday, Feb. 24, from 8 to 9:15 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time). In his address, Cannon will share the direction of Solectron and the current environment for the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry.
After Mr. Cannon's presentation, the industry will hear The Perfect Connection � Across the Board, a supply chain panel. Experience shows that the communication and actions involved in moving a project to the next phase, particularly when advancing from partner to partner along the supply chain are where many inefficiencies occur. These transition points need more emphasis. Now is the time to review promising solutions with distinguished leaders from the entire electronics manufacturing supply chain. Analyze the product realization process-from conception and development to introduction and implementation. The entire electronics manufacturing supply chain will be represented.
Panelists will include: Jim Fuller, Vice President - Engineering/Technology, Endicott Interconnect Technologies; Ron Huston, President, Advanced Circuits; Sammy Yi, Vice President - Assembly Technology Development, Flextronics; Mark Wolfe, Vice President - Manufacturing, Phoenix International; Steve Frisch, Vice President - Raleigh Design Center, Plexus; Nancy Jaster, Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff, Lucent Supply Chain Networks and Alan Rae, Vice President - Technology, Cookson Electronics (Session Moderator)
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 to 10 a.m., renowned electronics industry forecaster Walt Custer, Custer Consulting Group, will present "Business Outlook: Global Electronics Industry." Custer will discuss industry data that point to an industry recovery, analyze the impact of "low cost" offshore production and examine the outlook for the printed circuit board and EMS industries.
Finally, on Thursday, Feb. 26, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., Bill Nye-The Science Guy-will close the three-day exhibition with a discussion on the value and importance of science.
A scientist, comedian, teacher and author, Nye's mission is to teach people the wonders of science. He earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University and later worked as an engineer at The Boeing Company. After years of serving as an engineer by day and a stand-up comic by night, Nye eventually segued into "Bill Nye-The Science Guy" by performing and writing on a late night comedy show.
Specifics: The APEX conference and exhibition take place February 24-26, 2004, in Anaheim, California, at the Anaheim Convention Center. Visit www.GoAPEX.org for more information.
