Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1454922
REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2022 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 15 tech machinery showcas- ing the latest in flying probe testing, conformal coating application, fume extraction systems, photoimaging, and much more. IPC's trade- show committee shared that buyers did not come to this year's APEX EXPO to just "kick tires" and that sellers were back, ready to do busi- ness. John Lee with Insulec- tro told me, "Our team feels this was one of the best IPC APEX EXPOs we have par- ticipated in. Sure, it seemed attendance was a little light, but we had top- quality opportunities to meet with customers, prospects, and suppliers. We were all blown away with the effectiveness of the week for us." IPC APEX EXPO continues to be a forum for new ideas, and new ways for generations to connect, something that is so important as we look to the future of our industry. Just seeing all the faces of our new Emerging Engi- neers, along with the high school students who attended our STEM event, was something I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to learn from Emerging Engineers about their career plans, as well as to learn what their mentors planned to teach them. To see engineers from every age group building a stronger industry right in front of me was exciting and encouraging. Attending our Newcomers Reception, I was able to watch our subject matter experts and long-time vol- unteers share their knowledge with a new crop of eager engineers who will succeed them as subject matter experts with time. e IPC Education Foundation (IPCEF) hosted its annual STEM event, welcoming 80 local high school students for a hands-on expe- rience allowing them to see, feel, and touch what the electronics industry has to offer. Stu- dents participated in educational tracks with a focus on soldering, PCB design, and building circuits. Students learned hand soldering from IPC trainers, talked to exhibitors on the show floor about the varied opportunities a career in electronics would provide them, and partici- pated in a career panel discussion. e STEM event was supported by IPC members and partners such as TTM Technologies, CAES, DigiKey, Google, Mycronic, Nano Dimension, Novagard, Omron, Zestron, KYZEN, Chem- cut and I-Connect007, all instrumental in pull- ing it together either through donations of equipment, participation of trainers and exhibitors, and generous sponsorships. It's a rewarding outreach event for all of us and we eagerly anticipate the reaction the students