IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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IPC COMMUNITY 57 WINTER 2025 Since 2020, the IPC technical and training staff liaisons have celebrated the achievements of the A-Team members who provide input for IPC standards and t raining programs at the annual Golden Gnomes event. The event, named in honor of Clumpy and Kloumpios, the gnome mascots for the A-Teams, started as a luncheon with missing award statues. It has become a much-anticipated formal dinner complete with a carefully selected theme, one-of-a-kind stat- ues with a nod to the theme, and a red carpet. Last year's Golden Gnomes occurred during IPC Builds 2024, Oct. 5–10, in Raleigh, North Car- olina. The "Oktoberfest" theme was kept a secret until the event started when attendees were treated to a rousing rendition of "Ein Prosit," led by A-Team mem- ber Udo Welzel. We didn't tell Udo he would be leading the song until the music started playing and the staff looked to Udo for the lead. "Ein Prosit" is a song made famous by The Polka Broth- ers and is a well-known cheerful chant at Oktoberfest-style events. Udo later said he was suspicious because in the days leading up to the dinner, each member of the technical staff would ask him a question that ultimately led to the answer, "Ein Prosit," (meaning "to cheer and good times") although he didn't completely connect the dots. We couldn't have asked for a better outcome than when he stepped up on stage and took his place behind the microphone. How It All Comes Together The Golden Gnomes are written, directed, and produced by the IPC technical staff. Each year, an internal A-Team called The Golden Gnomies selects a theme, which is heavily debated. Once the topic has been determined, the team selects a gnome statue design— another conversation with much input. Just like production of the most sophisticated electronics hardware, we see some proto- types, send them back for design revisions, and practice rigorous quality assurance checks. Then, the statues head to production. Now, it's time to work on the formal dinner. The group mem- bers discuss the dinner menu and select the linens, decorations, and swag. As we get closer to the event, our scriptwriters swoop into action. This year, John Perry deftly handled his new respon- sibilities. In the days before the event, we discuss final logistics and create the seating charts. The best part is when the tech- nical staff and A-Team members see it all come together. We see the smiles on the faces of those attending and hear our volunteers being thanked for creating this special night. It makes all the hard work worth it. a one-of-a-kind standards awards night at IPC Take a peek inside... By Teresa Rowe, Senior Director, Assembly and Standards Technology, IPC