Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1515990
FEBRUARY 2024 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 9 Marcy LaRont is the editor of PCB007 Magazine. Marcy started her career in PCBs in 1993 and brings a wide array of business experience and perspective to I-Connect007. To contact Marcy, click here. ensuring visitors can still bask in the sunny skies and moderate temperatures of Southern California. e Anaheim Convention Center is a well- established and appointed venue conveniently located in the center of the greater Los Ange- les area, near two large airports—LAX and John Wayne (Anaheim)—which makes it eas- ier if you're traveling long distances. It's also strategically located across the street from Disneyland and Downtown Disney, which definitely adds appeal. In fact, IPC exhibitors can get discounted tickets to the overpriced Magic Kingdom with their registration pack- ets. So, if you like to make the most of oppor- tunities, a day in Walt's Wonderland might be just right for some epic team-building or memorable moments with customers. is year, IPC will host Electronic Circuit World Convention (ECWC16), a global gath- ering of the World Electronic Circuits Coun- cil that happens every three years. Signifi- cantly, because of this year's confluence with ECWC, the Technical Conference promises to deliver higher-level content, in addition to robust Professional Development Courses for PCB designers, fabricators, and EMS profes- sionals. Of course, a massive exposition with more than 4,700 exhibitors will be there on the show floor as well. For this issue, we conducted an expert panel interview with IPC staff and chairs of the Technical Conference Committee, who talked about the technical prowess of the 2024 show from every angle: technical conference, special sessions, professional development, and stan- dards. Make no mistake, technical topics for PCB fabricators have factored heavily into the paper presentations. e experts want PCB fabricators to get the most from their time and investment in attending this important indus- try event. I've also included previews of other activ- ities and networking opportunities at IPC APEX EXPO, from the Women in Electron- ics reception to the special technical sessions. Columnists John Mitchell, Hannah Grace, and Don Ball provide a welcome and their own tips on making the most of the show. And just for fun, we have some history of both IPC APEX EXPO and ECWC. In addition to technical topics from our other columnists, I want to mention an important interview highlighting IPC's efforts to improve workforce development through an accred- ited apprenticeship model. ese programs have recognition from the U.S. Department of Labor and are now gaining acceptance within individual state programs that will directly boost your hiring and training programs. As I prepared for this month's issue, I was continually reminded of what impresses me most about IPC APEX EXPO: An unparal- leled networking opportunity, communing with friends and colleagues (some of whom we only see one time each year), a ripe environ- ment for impromptu technical discussions and business meetings, and deepening of the cus- tomer/supplier relationship. Whether you are considering attending IPC APEX EXPO 2024 for the technical program, professional development, or to check out new equipment and technology toward improving your throughput, quality, or sustainability, it's most definitely worth your time and invest- ment. If you or your management team is still on the fence about your attending, please visit IPC's Justification Toolkit, which will help you better communicate the value of this invest- ment for you and your company. It will be my first time back at IPC APEX EXPO aer returning to the industry. I look forward to seeing you all in April. PCB007