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40 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MARCH 2024 the future. Efficiency and optimized work- force management were on everyone's minds. Both large and small EMS companies face a commonality with the retirement of experi- enced staff/workers, skilled labor shortages, and decisions on how to be ready to hire a new and inexperienced workforce. Mark Evans of Green Circuits asked, "How do we make the EMS industry sexy again?" In other words, what will bring the new and younger genera- tion into this industry? The great unknown: What does the EMS future bring? Digital innovation—robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI)—promises to transform the industry in years to come, stretching all the way from development to design to fabrication to assembly. Electronics manufacturing is experiencing rapid expan- sion, new cutting-edge technology, and mov- ing in great strides with innovative processes and design. e priority will be to gather, understand, and implement this data effec- tively across this industry. Concerns were voiced about how new dig- ital innovations will change the way manu- facturers operate, the profitability of the new innovations, the effects of smart manufactur- ing on the workforce, and the resiliency of the supply chain. ERP: Is there one that really works? Reach out and let us know your thoughts. Future regional gathering dates and registra- tion information can be found here. Join us and continue the conversation at the EMS Leadership Summit at IPC APEX EXPO 2024. e EMS Leadership Summit brings together current and future EMS industry leaders to focus on high-level topics that drive business growth and financial success. Lead- ers gather insights from experts and discuss their own and potential new best practices during panel discussions and roundtables. is meeting of minds inspires action and builds resources for participants, future leaders, and the greater EMS industry. Relax and continue making connections at the EMS Networking Dinner aer the summit adjourns. Dinner is included with your summit registration. SMT007 For additional information, contact Mark Wolfe at MarkWolfe@ipc.org or Glenna Carrell, GlennaCarrell@ipc.org.