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158 I-CONNECT007 I REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2024 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE Reflections on Anaheim I n the heart of Anaheim, California, industry leaders, innovators, and enthu- siasts met for the highly anticipated IPC APEX EXPO 2024 conference and show. The backdrop of palm trees and technologi- cal marvels was a great combination. The event served as a beacon of excellence, illuminating the path forward for electronics design and the manufacturing and assembly sectors. IPC APEX 2024 is not just another confer- ence. I describe it as a "working confer- ence," with various committees conducting IPC business or discussion groups on IPC standards and guidelines. As you walk the hallways, you can hear broad discussions on every topic imaginable. That is the heart of IPC APEX EXPO; it was a convergence of minds, a melting pot of ideas, and a celebra- tion of progress. The keynote speeches were from Paul Bai- ley, former principal concept technical director for Walt Disney Imagineering; Dr. John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO; and Shawn Dubravac, IPC chief economist. Each of these industry luminaries ignited an enthusiasm for innovation as they shared their visions. From the transformative poten- tial of artificial intelligence in manufacturing to the imperative of sustainability in product design, each session offered a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead for the PCB design industry. One of the defining features of IPC APEX EXPO 2024 was its emphasis on collabo- ration. The exhibition floor was a sensory overload as attendees engaged with cutting-edge technologies and connected with fellow professionals. From interactive demonstrations of advanced robotics to discussions on supply chain resilience, every interaction seemed to fuel a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. The workshops and technical sessions pro- vided a deep dive into the latest develop- ments shaping the industry. Topics ranged from materials science to quality manage- ment. These were by far the best sessions I have ever attended. The basic foundation of continuous improvement permeated every session, reinforcing the commitment to excellence that defined the conference. Show Review by John Watson