Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1520492
REAL TIME WITH... IPC APEX EXPO 2024 SHOW & TELL MAGAZINE I I-CONNECT007 159 As the final day drew to a close, reflections on this year's IPC APEX EXPO 2024 event could be heard throughout the convention center. The consensus was clear: IPC APEX EXPO was back in full force from the bygone years when COVID, social distancing, and masks dominated our lives. This conference exceeded expectations, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended. Even as I write this days later, the experience, insights, con- nections, and inspiration still reverberate. It also had special meaning for me, as it was my first year sitting on the IPC Leadership Council. I had the unique opportunity to help shape the resources used by future PCB designers. Participating in an organization such as IPC, which has molded the elec- tronic industry for decades, is exciting. It is the highlight of my career. I believe that in the annals of IPC APEX EXPO history, Anaheim 2024 will be remembered as a milestone and a turning point in our industry. As attendees dispersed with the show's conclusion, I believe they carried lessons learned and cherished memories, all with a renewed sense of purpose. In the crucible of collaboration and camaraderie, excellence had been elevated, setting the stage for the next chapter of innovation in electronics manufacturing and assembly. Let us reconvene next year. Mark your calen- dar for March 15–20, 2025. We're staying in Anaheim for a few years, so I look forward to seeing you there. S&T John Watson is a professor at Palomar College, San Marcos, California, and an I-Connect007 columnist. To read his column, click here. Craig Hutcher is Senior Account Manager for Tritek Circuit Products. This is your first show. What are your impressions? The PCBA side is quite impressive, and there's a lot of business to be done on the PCB side. We had some great traffic, and we met a lot of people from all around the world, including from Europe and Australia. How does this compare to other shows you've been to? I've been doing trade shows for 35 years, and this is similar. It's nice to meet people in your industry that you haven't met before. I've seen people from previous jobs who are on the other side of the hall. I got a text from a friend of mine who I haven't seen since 2007, and we had a chance to sit outside and catch up. It was very nice. Interview by Marcy LaRont Craig Hutcher FROM THE