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FEBRUARY 2026 I I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE 13 APEX EXPO is also about people and partner- ships. In an era of constant digital communication, in-person conversations still matter, especially when evaluating new equipment, discussing process chal- lenges, or exploring long-term, six-figure purchases. APEX EXPO creates the space for these conversa- tions to take place, bringing engineers, executives, and decision-makers together under one roof. Technical Content That Delivers The APEX EXPO Advanced Electronic Packag- ing Conference delivers deep technical content, grounded in real-world manufacturing experience that you can use right away. Industry experts cover advanced materials, process control, AI applica- tions, and reliability. Through our Evolve initiative, we look to strengthen the electronics ecosystem by promoting innovation, circularity, and sustainability. You'll see sustainability on the floor and learn more through professional development courses and the techni- cal conference. Community What truly sets APEX EXPO apart is its sense of community. It is a place where relationships are renewed, new partnerships are formed, and emerg- ing leaders connect with industry veterans and find opportunities to engage and contribute. In an indus- try defined by constant change, that community is invaluable. It will be a week of learning, collaboration, and discovery. Click here to learn more, and I look forward to welcoming you to APEX EXPO 2026. I-CONNECT007 John W. Mitchell is president and CEO of the Global Elec- tronics Association. O N E WO R L D, O N E I N D U ST RY When APEX EXPO returns to Anaheim this March, PCB designers and design engineers will discover an exciting new destination on the show floor: the Design Village. Part of the Global Electronics Association booth, this dedicated exhibition area is designed to elevate the designer experience and spark deeper collabora- tion across the electronics ecosystem. It is a dynamic hub where OEMs, designers, and solution providers connect face-to-face. "The Design Village enables OEMs and the design community to interact with both established EDA lead- ers and start-ups developing disruptive AI solutions," says Peter Tranitz, the Association's senior director of technology solutions. The focus extends well beyond EDA. The Design Village highlights what Tranitz calls "the digital back- bone of the electronics ecosystem," including digital twins, simulation, supply chain management, and digi- tal manufacturing. The goal: bring system-level thinking and real-world design execution together in one cohe- sive space. Designed for interaction, the Village features a Tech- nology Pavilion with live product pitches, along with panel discussions and a Design Town Hall—all taking place right on the show floor. This makes it easy for attendees to explore new tools, workflows, and ideas without missing a beat in their tradeshow experience. For designers, the Design Village represents a major step forward in how APEX EXPO serves the design community, complementing existing design commit- tee meetings with a more hands-on, immersive envi- ronment. These enhancements are part of a broader evolution of the event, including the upcoming transfor- mation of the technical conference into the Advanced Electronic Packaging Technical Conference. Learn more at www.apexexpo.org BY THE I-CONNECT007 EDITORIAL TEAM Design Village Bringing the Design Community Front and Center