Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/609948
28 SMT Magazine • December 2015 held on March 13–17, 2016 in Las Vegas, Ne- vada IPC APEX EXPO is the industry's pre- mier technical con- ference and the larg- est exhibition for the electronics manu- facturing industry in North America. On top of that, we provide regular techni- cal webinars for prod- ucts, standards, and regulatory issues. We host numerous educational events and offer technical training. This isn't just in the United States. IPC events are global, taking place across Europe and Asia. You can see all of our events at www.ipc.org/events. Q: how do you best serve your membership? A: As mentioned through our mission statement, our goal is to serve our membership by enhanc- ing their financial success. We do this by focus- ing on offering the best standards, providing quality education, advocating for policy change, and creating solutions for industry problems. We work to unify the voice of the electronics industry, and oftentimes act as an advocate for change. Our standards committees are a great place where members can share their technical knowledge and help shape the future of the in - dustry. At IPC, we serve our membership in a num- ber of different ways. Our key role is to facilitate exchange of dialogue and collaboration within the industry, and the typical vehicles we use in- clude: committee meetings for standards devel- opment, technical conferences, trade shows, net- working events, regulatory and legislative policy workshops and supply chain council gatherings. Q: how much does membership cost and what is included for members? A: We have a number of different membership packages, each created to fit the needs of indi - viduals and organizations. Basic site member- ship costs $1,150, and IPC strives to put together competitive membership rates while providing maximum value and opportunity for all indus- try companies to join IPC.As the industry grows, many manufacturers or organizations will find that their needs have changed. IPC is prepared to meet the ongoing needs of our members through our membership packages. With a growing portfolio of member ben- efits, IPC provides membership options that de- liver savings on key products and services. This includes significant discounts on IPC standards, publications, and training materials. Members also receive discounts at all IPC events, including IPC APEX EXPO, as well as reduced registration rates on IPC conferences and other educational events. Being a member truly provides the mate - rials, education, and means to succeed. Q: many i-connect007 readers feel that standards should be free to members. What is your answer to that? A: Today, IPC member companies receive a sub - stantial discount on standards. If standards were free, membership fees would increase to repre- sent the cost difference. In comparison, some associations provide standards to their members for free, but the association fee is significantly higher than other associations that charge their members a nominal fee for standards. With that being said, each IPC member site is offered one free download of a new standard, or revised stan - dard within 90 days of the publication date. This is over and above the nominal discounted fee. John Mitchell, iPC president and CEo. FeATure inTerview IPc: connecTInG eLecTronIcS InDUSTrIeS