Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/921680
80 SMT007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2018 Goldman: That's good. How about the size this year? How's that shaping up comparatively? Balonek: We're expecting about 450 exhibitors in about 150,000 net square feet of space, and right now, the needle is pointing into the direction of selling out the show. We still have a lot to do, but that is our goal. As far as attendance-wise, we'll have total visitors of about 9,000, which encom - passes about 4,600 attendees and about 4,400 booth personnel. Shaughnessy: That's a lot of people. You do a good job just herding the cats and putting it all together. Balonek: It's fun. We work so hard planning all year long, and, when I see it come together, I cry at every ribbon-cutting. I'm just so happy that all our plans went off without a hitch, although there are sometimes little bumps in the road. It's very fulfilling to me. Goldman: I bet. Your baby gets born. Balonek: Exactly. Shaughnessy: I liked having the guitar players during the ribbon-cutting in Vegas. That was nice. Balonek: Yeah, they were fun. My husband and I were on a trip in Vegas and we were at the Irish bar in Mandalay Bay, and that's how I found them. They were a lot of fun. Goldman: Is that how you come up with your ideas, hmm? Balonek: It's just amazing where you come up with ideas and what you're doing when you come up with those ideas. I also want to mention the First-Timers' Welcome Recep- tion. We normally have a breakfast on Tuesday morning for them, but this year we're having a reception on Monday evening for the first- timers. Goldman: You expect that to be a better time slot? Balonek: I think it's a better time. Nobody really wants to get up for a 7:00 am breakfast meeting. And we will be holding the Women in Electron - ics reception on Wednesday evening. Goldman: You have something every evening. Are those considered part of the show? Or are those separate? Balonek: Yes. Those are free networking events and included in the exhibit hall only registration option. Goldman: Well, we are looking forward to it. Espe- cially after winter, we're always looking forward to San Diego. Thanks for talking with us today, Alicia. Balonek: Thank you. SMT007 IPC APEX EXPO 2018 PRE-SHOW SPECIAL COVERAGE