Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1493016
130 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2023 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE Show Review by Kelly Dack As my plane lifted off into the sunny San Diego skies, leading me back home to a much colder and snowier landscape, I couldn't help but feel I had experienced so much suc- cess at IPC APEX EXPO 2023 this year. I often describe this as a show at which we can eat, sleep, and breathe all things printed circuits. I've attended IPC APEX EXPO for several years, and one of my first rituals is to quickly traverse every lane of the show floor after I arrive. This allows me to get an overview of the exhibiting technology companies and a glimpse of the interesting folks I'll want to spend more time with over the next few days. Every visit to this show leaves me feeling revi- talized for several reasons, but particularly because I love to meet new people and hear their stories, as well as reconnect with my seasoned colleagues. This year's show, how- ever, struck me as one of the best yet; I found expanded opportunities to experience the products, processing materials, and equip- ment of the future. During the week of IPC APEX EXPO 2023: • I connected with members of several standards committees. • I was inspired by the excellent keynote speakers. • I connected with new PCB industry stakeholders who were attending for the first time. • I was awestruck during the PCBeTheChange Design Competition finals, sponsored by EPTAC and Altium, by the participants' ability to hold up under pressure. New Connections and Optimism