Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1355791
REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2021 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 37 this year's future-thinking call for abstracts, technical conference sessions held Wednesday through Friday focused on new advancements within conventional technologies. Many excel- lent sessions were held including automotive electronics development and advances, elec- tronic thermal interface materials, e-textiles, and failure analysis case studies to name a few. To conclude, what I learned most at this year's event was that strong demand contin- ues for knowledge sharing focused on solving today's toughest technology challenges, pri- marily led by miniaturization, increased func- tionality, and reliability of electronic systems. I learned that balancing conventional technolo- gies and new disruptive technologies is criti- cal to ensure the greatest value to attendees who need to solve today's problems/issues, while at the same time begin implementing new modern solutions within their business. Finally, I learned that while today's challenges oen take priority, it is more important than ever to be future focused to ensure that you are not le behind as the electronics manufactur- ing industry continues its digital transforma- tion—as we officially have entered this fourth industrial revolution. I want to thank our industry partners MTC, PSMA, AIAG, HDP, iNEMI, AFFOA and the Defense Industrial Base for their contributions, expertise, and ongoing support of IPC APEX EXPO. In addition, I extend my gratitude to all our speakers, instructors, session moderators, IPC Technical Planning Committee members, and IPC staff; without your tireless efforts, this conference would not have been possible. If you would like to access on-demand con- ference content, click here, available until June 13, 2021. If you have ideas or suggestions on new technical content you would like to see added for the 2022 conference, or how we can make next year's event even better, feel free to contact me at MattKelly@ipc.org. Your input is welcomed and important. S&T Matt Kelly is IPC Chief Technologist. I-Connect007 Video: A Salute to the Industry