IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1542698
30 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2026 enterprises, and emerging start-ups. This structure is designed to encourage direct engagement, giving OEMs and designers the opportunity for meaningful one-on-one conversations with solution providers. In addition to exhibitors, the Design Village will include a Technology Pavilion, which will host live product pitches showcasing new technologies and approaches. Attendees can also participate in panel discussions and a Design Town Hall meeting, all of which take place within the village itself. "The idea is to make interaction easy and natu- ral," Tranitz says. "Our OEM and design commu- nities can connect directly with solution providers and explore what's next in design technology with- out leaving the show floor." Elevating the Designer Experience For PCB designers and design engineers, the Design Village represents a significant step for- ward in how APEX EXPO serves the design com- munity. "The Design Village and Technology Pavil- ion are a first step in elevating the experience of PCB designers and design engineers at APEX EXPO," Tranitz says. The new initiative complements the many design committee meetings already held during the week, while offering a more targeted and hands-on envi- ronment for technical exchange. Designers will gain access to the latest tools and workflows, while OEMs defining system-level requirements can explore solutions from silicon to systems. These changes are part of a broader transfor- mation underway at APEX EXPO. Beginning in 2026, the long-running APEX EXPO Technical Conference will be rebuilt and rebranded as the Advanced Electronic Packaging Technical Confer- ence, aligning the program more closely with the evolving needs of the industry. "Together, these changes reflect a transforma- tion of the show," Tranitz says, "and they will bring increasing value to the design community." Looking Ahead to APEX EXPO 2026 With the introduction of the Design Village in addi- tion to a full range of PCB design courses and tech- nical sessions that remain an important part of this event, the Global Electronics Association is signal- ing a clear commitment to the design community— one that recognizes the growing complexity of elec- tronics design and the need for closer collaboration across the digital and manufacturing value chain. For PCB designers, design engineers, and OEMs alike, APEX EXPO 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal event. DESIGN007 WATCH FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON COURSES AND CONFERENCE OFFERINGS AS THE EVENT DRAWS NEAR AT WWW.APEXEXPO.ORG.