Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1534385
66 PCB007 MAGAZINE I APRIL 2025 more trouble leaving their booth this year to walk the floor—a sign that important business was being conducted. I heard that one exhibi- tor sold three machines while at the show. Special Events and Receptions I started my show on Saturday aernoon checking on the progress of our booth, peek- ing into the standards committee meetings, and attending the Emerging Engineer Recep- tion that evening (a personal favorite). e third-floor balcony terrace is a lovely spot, and by the time these Emerging Engineers (and their mentors and colleagues) strolled into the space, it was clear that aer a busy day in meet- ings, the refreshment and relaxation of the reception was most welcome. I sat at a table with six Emerging Engineers and one of their mentors and was both inter- ested and inspired by their experiences. ey were unified in their exultation that being involved with standards was tremendously valuable for their professional development and their long-term careers. at was good to hear. ere is a great need for mentors for this valuable program, and engineers with at least seven years of experience are urged to get involved. Mentoring young engineers con- tributes to the future of our industry and the development of these young engi- neering professionals. It may also be one of the most rewarding things you do. (Contact TeresaRowe@ipc.org). Bravo for IPC's Technical Program On Tuesday, the technical tracks got underway. ough I rarely get the oppor- tunity to stay for a complete session, jumping in and out of several has its advantages. Attendance ranged from light to all-seats-filled, dependent upon topics and competing agendas. As hard as IPC works to create as few conflicts as possi- ble in the show agenda, it is impossible to attend everything. is year's advanced packaging special sessions were inten- tionally expanded into two rather than one ses- sion based on early feedback. IPC is hopeful that this topic area will be well represented in next year's technical paper submissions. e Technical Conference was very strong. ere had been some questions as to how 2025 would stack up, given the gravitas added to the 2024 event when IPC hosted ECWC16. But it was a huge win for the Technical Committee, led by Udo Welzel of Bosch and Stanton (Stan) Rak of SF Rak Company, and nearly 15 other committee members. A big change this year was the opportunity for attendees to download proceedings at the conference. e increased engagement was evident as people looked at the presentations on their own computers and phones, made notes, and asked questions accordingly. Keynotes Keynote speakers draw large audiences. As their topics must resonate with everyone, it made sense that there was a clear focus on AI as a primary force pushing the electronics man- ufacturing industry and the world forward. On Tuesday morning, Kevin Surace's open- ing keynote was inspirational and thoughtful, with images across time and questions for us