Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1532533
24 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2025 e technical topics are divided into 11 categories: • Advanced packaging components • Assembly and test • Design • Electronic assembly materials • Emerging technologies • Factory of the Future • HDI, UHDI, and substrates • PCB fabrication and materials • Power electronics • Quality and reliability • Sustainability for electronics e professional development courses are coordinated with these tracks either as a main or subsidiary topic, and the Special Sessions are focused on advanced packaging for high computing and AI data center applications and for electric vehicles (EV). On first view, the PCB fabricator may feel a little le out. But fear not, as never have the technical lines been more blurred than they are today. I promise that PCB fabricators will find relevant information in many of these presen- tations. is is the exciting stuff; it's the what and the how of electronics manufacturing today and in the future. Do yourself a favor and take some time to see what's here for you and your organization and plan accordingly. Keynote Speakers e keynote speaker presentations are avail- able to all attendees. Make sure to take advan- tage of this benefit and get some inspiration and encouragement during your trade show expe- rience. ere are three keynote speakers this year. e event kicks off with Kevin Surace, a futurist, visionary, and inventor of disruptive innovation and generative AI. His presenta- tion is titled, "AI, Automation, and the Digi- tal Transformation." is will be followed up on Wednesday with Dr. Ahmad Bahai, senior VP and CTO of Texas Instruments, and a lun- cheon presentation by IPC CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell. I highly recommend. You won't be disappointed. Turn to page 76 for an overview of the keynote presentations. Networking Opportunities Meeting other professionals is part of ever y good trade show experience. I want to high- light two specific events: the Newcomers Welcome Reception and the Women in Elec- tronics Reception. While the Newcomers Welcome Reception is specifically for first- timers, the Women in Electronics Reception is for all attendees. The keynote speaker is Jody Urquhart. In addition, there are several show floor events, including a ribbon cutting, show floor reception, networking with poster presenters, and an ice cream social. Standards Development Committee Meetings Last but definitely not least, IPC's amazing work on industry manufacturing standards drives innovation and progress. As technol- ogy becomes more challenging to build, stan- dards become even more essential to industry success. Volunteer work on committees allows you to give back to the industry in an impact- ful way. ere is nothing like the camaraderie and sense of accomplishment from committee work. is is your opportunity to visit a stan- dards committee meeting to see if it might be the right opportunity for you. All are welcome to visit and there is no obligation other than to observe. We highly recommend it. PCB007