IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1546580
BY M A RCY L A RO N T, I - C O N N ECT 0 07 F O C U S O N E U RO P E 72 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2026 Marcy LaRont: Christoph and Erika, before we get into the Design Awards, please tell us briefly about your roles with FED. Christoph Bornhorn: I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the association and for ensuring that FED remains a leading platform for the electronics community. My responsibility is to continuously expand the association's reach and membership, ensure we provide excellent ser- vice to our members and customers, and organize training sessions, events, and conferences. P C B designers often work behind the scenes, but their decisions can determine whether an electronic product succeeds in manufac- turing. At the FED Annual Conference in Germany on Sept. 23, the PCB Design Award 2026 will put that work in the spotlight. Marcy LaRont interviewed FED Managing Director Christoph Bornhorn and board member Erika Reel about what makes a win- ning design, and how the profession is changing as AI, automation, and other technologies reshape electronics development. PCB Design Takes Center Stage at FED's Design Awards