Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1506834
70 SMT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2023 research, the chance to ask questions directly of the authors, and to see the technological innovations on display throughout the expo hall. I want to thank all the participants who make this possible, from our committee mem- bers and exhibitors to the speakers and session chairs. I'm also thankful for the support from corporate members who value our mission of knowledge sharing, skill building, and devel- oping solutions in the electronics manufactur- ing industry. As a professor at a research institute and a member of the technical committee for the conference, I'm always excited to see the final- ized conference program and this year has been no exception. An entire session has been dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) and how it can be applied in a manufacturing envi- ronment, which is of great interest to many of us aer the surprising breakthroughs that technology made in headlines earlier this year. at session is titled "INS1: AI and Machine Learning: Current Electronics Manufacturing Inspection Applications," and is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 11. I'm also very proud of the Women's Lead- ership Program. Not only does it support an important cause—diversity in engineer- ing fields—but it is free to attend and open to everyone. e theme is "e Power of Per- sonal Branding" and it features several presen- tations from women leaders sure to inspire you both professionally and personally. Of course, there is plenty of other important work being presented each day and it is worth spending time to review the entire program yourself. With more than 70 exhibitors in the SMTAI exposition, and hundreds more in the hall as part of MD&M Minneapolis, the show floor is equally as exciting as the technical conference. Every year, I have an opportunity to catch up on the latest equipment, technology, and mate- rials innovations our industry has to offer. is is an incredible occasion to connect with the service providers that can answer questions on challenges in manufacturing and test. We even have a great pro- gram called "Passport to the World of SMT" for those who are new to the industry and want to get acquainted with various assembly pro- cesses and solutions providers. You can sign up for free when you register, and you will have a chance to win some great prizes in addition to picking up the helpful guide to electronics assembly. is coming year is my last one as president, and I know it will be a year of growth and suc- cess for the association and the industry at large. For that reason, I look forward to see- ing everyone in Minneapolis and hearing your thoughts about the future of SMTA. Please stop me and say hello if you see me walking the exhibit hall or in a conference session. SMT007 Martin Anselm, president of SMTA