Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1267313
72 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2020 Security is paramount, but, at times, it comes with its own set of issues. However, we con- tinue to do what we do best; we do what it takes to get the job done! Again, this new way of living is taking its toll on us. We eagerly look forward to the day we can get back to those days of old before this virus hit the world. Businesses have started slowly to re-open, even though the world is seeing spikes of the virus in certain locations. It's scary! Many people have seemed to let their guard down, though, and have relaxed social distancing requirements, as well as not wearing face masks in public. I've heard and read that some people have even felt that this virus is not real and is more of a political con- spiracy attack. Everyone has their right to their own beliefs—this is America—but I can tell you from a very personal and recent experi- ence that this virus is real; it's no joke. It's amazing how one's perspective changes when the virus hits close to home, and some- one close to you dies from COVID-19. This happened to me on June 7. My extremely close and dear friend Alvin was as healthy as any- one I knew; I grew up with him over these past 43 years, and he was like a brother to me. He lost his battle with COVID-19. From the time he contracted this virus to the time he passed, it was less than 30 days. As we continue to work remotely in isola- tion, my personal belief is it's necessary for all of our safety. We need to continue doing our part, maintain social distancing, sanitize, and wear face masks when we are in public until the world gets a handle on this virus, and a vaccine is developed. I continue to wish every- one and their families to be healthy and safe. Professional Development and Events It has been our custom to highlight all up- and-coming industry events to watch for in 2020. We will continue to do this; however, with the challenges brought on our industry by the COVID-19 outbreak, we can only remain hopeful that these events will not be affected. If you are interested in any of these events, please search and contact the event coordina- tors directly for the latest event status. • July 14, 2020 (11:00 a.m. PDT): The PCEA's Grand Opening Webinar—Virtual • August 11–13, 2020: CadenceLIVE Americas 2020—Virtual • September 7–10, 2020: PCB West (Santa Clara, California)—Virtual • September 16–17, 2020: Del Mar Electronics & Manufacturing Show (San Diego, California)—TBD • September 28 –October 23, 2020: SMTA International —Virtual • October 6–8, 2020: AltiumLive 2020 Virtual Summit—Virtual • January 23–28, 2021: IPC APEX EXPO (San Diego, California) • January 26–28, 2021: DesignCon (Santa Clara, California) • May 11–13, 2021: IPC High-Reliability Forum 2021 (Baltimore, Maryland) • November 10, 2021: PCB Carolina (Raleigh, North Carolina) Spread the word. If you have a significant electronics industry event that you would like to announce, please send me the details at kelly.dack.pcea@gmail.com, and we will con- sider adding it to the list. Conclusion We have many choices with which to occupy our time during this COVID-19 era. From wher- ever you work—whether that's at home or in an office—it's a good time to gain knowledge and take it seriously. Use that knowledge to become part of the solution and avoid becom- ing part of the problem. DESIGN007 Kelly Dack, CIT, CID+, is the com- munication officer for the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA). To read past columns or contact Dack, click here.