Each year IPC APEX EXPO provides NAWCWD with the opportunity to interact and exchange with global electronics industry subject matter experts. The result is state of the art technology, superior quality and more reliable products and services for our men and women in uniform serving around the world. There is no greater goal to achieve!

—Kirk Armstrong, Head of Quality Assurance, NAVAIR Airborne Instrumentation Systems Division

I saved myself a week's worth of e-mails to find the right PCB supplier with a specific solder mask. I was able to meet with the PCB supplier and the solder mask supplier together all within 30 minutes.

—Brian Madsen, Continental AG

By interacting with the experts and fellow contributors in IPC standards committee meetings, I was able to get answers to all three of the critical questions I came to the show needing to answer.

—Todd MacFadden, Component & Reliability Engineer, List as "consumer electronics OEM"

At IPC APEX EXPO I get a feel for industry trends in technology and I learn about what's available to build the next generation of assemblies. The show enables me to build the best possible quality product and puts me one step ahead of the competition.

—Stuart Krever, Sr. Process Engineer, Qual-Pro

Both the technical conference and exhibition gave me a lot of information on current design practices as well as assembly, rework and repair of BTCs and flex circuits technologies. I was able to get a lot of information to address our challenges and to drive positive results. The week was time well spent!

—Larry Davis, Production Engineer, Hach

I typically come away from this show with at least a couple of valuable nuggets that, once applied to my job, will save our company enough money to pay for the trip and then some. This year, it was process improvements tips!

—Wayne Sortwell, Sr. PCB Designer, BittWare Inc.

The professional development courses were great and I left the conference excited to take new information back to my company. More than that, the show helped reaffirm the need for constant learning and finding new ways to approach challenges.

—Eric Anderson, Electrical Engineer, Beijer Electronics Inc

IPC APEX EXPO was a great event! I give it a big thumbs-up for diversity of companies, products and technologies presented. I will definitely come back and recommend it to my colleagues.

—Jason Pham, Sr. Mfg. Engineer, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

IPC APEX EXPO simply gets things in motion. Year after year, I experience long-term benefits that grow from the face-to-face encounters I make at the conference.

—Christopher Ryder, Global Head - Customer Quality, AT&S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik AG

I learned more and more about flex from the technical sessions and design forums. It really made a difference for me as I headed back to tackle all my flex designs.

—Filbert Arzola, Principal Electrical Engineer, Raytheon

A great show! It was convenient for me to meet with so many vendors and compare one to the next. I narrowed my search for a new rework system down from a possible seven to the one I am going to purchase.

—Bob Heston, Group Leader Manufacturing Support, L-3 Communications

It was great to visit with the companies, to see the technologies they had to offer, and to interact with fellow associates and suppliers all during one show and in just a few days. I just wish I had more time.

—Gregory A. Bodziak, Sr. Manufacturing Engineer, Orbital Sciences Corporation

The show gave me the ability to evaluate multiple vendors at the same time and to balance pros and cons on the spot.

—Andrew Trowbridge, IPT Leader - Aftermarket, BAE Systems Platform Solutions

I was impressed to see all of the available options rather than just those currently used. I learned about industry best practices and gained an understanding of common industry issues related to PCBs.

—Lewis Ellis III, Lead Global Supplier Development Engineer-Electronics Controls, Whirlpool Corporation

IPC APEX EXPO is a great place to network and learn about upcoming technologies so we can prepare for the future.

—Alisha Groop, Engineer, Lockheed Martin

I discovered new technologies and alternative solutions to existing problems.

—Jeff Thompson, Electronics Plant Manager, Hunter Engineering Co.

I was extremely impressed with IPC APEX EXPO. Not only did I obtain information on new technology, but I also forged new relationships with potential suppliers and industry experts.

—Jason Pippin, Process Design Engineer, Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc.

I saved myself a week's worth of e-mails to find the right PCB supplier with a specific solder mask. I was able to meet with the PCB supplier and the solder mask supplier together all within 30 minutes.

—Brian Madsen, Engineer, Continental Automotive Systems

IPC APEX EXPO is the very best venue for seeing all of the latest PCB assembly equipment. I was able to view many vendors and see many new models of equipment in a short timeframe

—Steven Sheets, Advanced Specialist, Denso Manufacturing Tennessee Inc.

One week after the show we are issuing a P.O. for a new selective soldering machine based on the evaluation and information received at the show.

—Steven Vaughan, VP-Operations, DICA Electronics

The show allowed me to visit all the major equipment suppliers so that I could evaluate their products and select the best for our new SMT production line operation.

—Leonard Lachmann, Vice President, Protech Global Solutions, LP

The IPC APEX EXPO professional development courses provided me with a toolbox of ideas that I was able to bring back to my company and implement with measurable results.

—James A. Leske, Purchasing Manager, Mettrix Technology Corporation

As a procurement professional, I consider this show invaluable in helping me to research and evaluate products to make sensible, money-saving decisions on purchases for my company.

—Steve Draws, Global Procurement Commodity Specialist/Capital Equipment, Plexus Corp.

As a first-time attendee, I learned a lot. The BUZZ sessions were very informative and I found new technology for our facility. It was great to visit with new exhibitors and meet face-to-face with existing ones.

—John Morris, AutomationTechnician, Link2 Manufacturing

I met new suppliers and explored new markets & technologies. It will definitely help my company evaluate these which could help eliminate waste, think green, and save time & money in the long run.

—Steiner Chen, Process Engineer, Accu-Sembly, Inc

The professional development courses & technical sessions were excellent & highly informative. I learned about new processes dealing with the leading edge of packaging that will help my company.

—Salim Merchant, Supervisor, Process Engineering, Plexus Electronics Asscembly.

I always consider IPC APEX EXPO as a valuable resource for our company. As usual, the show this year allowed us to meet with and discuss great new products from vendors, gathering ideas and discovering technologies that help to seed work that is going on "back home."

—Greg Vorhis, Director, Restorative Sciences, Coastal Technical Services

I love IPC APEX EXPO. It's great to meet all my suppliers in the same place.

—Harold Wright, Owner, Wright Consulting

It was a great opportunity to get two suppliers together to help solve an issue my company had struggled with all year. It's a win-win-win situation.

—Victor Salazar, Manufacturing Process Engineer, Universal Avionics Systems Corp.

The show was great with exceptional opportunity for learning new things. The professional development courses and technical sessions were very impressive and I value having all the main players on site at one time for any electronics assembly solution I might be looking for.

—Bill Kasprzak, Senior Manufacturing Product Engineer, Moog Inc

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IPC APEX EXPO gives me insight into the latest technological challenges while providing viable solutions helping me exceed customer expectations and future needs.

—Keith Peterson, Missile Defense Agency

It was like having a vision of the future and understanding how the technology will evolve.

—Isaias Navarrete, Engineer, Acuity Brands Lighting

The show allowed me to confirm OEM and PCB technical requirements and to modify our strategy for entering into high-end markets.

—Han, Beom Jae, Senior Research Engineer, Doosan

A professional development course and technical poster highlighted a new way to use an existing technology that I can bring back to my company to enhance the products we offer.

—David L. Wyants, Sr., Process Engineer, Taconic Advanced Dielectric Division

I addressed a number of pressing technological needs and conducted a lot of business in a most efficient manner. You can't put too big of a price on being able to contact supplier and customer colleagues in one single location over three days.

—Robert Boguski, President/Owner, Datest Corp.

I found possible candidates for equipment my company is looking to purchase soon. I was able to compare suppliers and to go back to ask questions as new ones arose.

—Roger Briere, Senior Manufacturing / Process Engineer, Wavestream Corporation

I found great new ways to attack some of my problem areas, saving me from having to reinvent the wheel. Well worth the trip!

—Martin Baker, Production Manager, Ludlum Measurements

Along the lines of what you don't know CAN hurt you, the show solved problems for me that I wasn't even aware I had before attending!

—Stephen B Yonkowski, President/Owner, Globalwide Circuits & Associates

There is no better place to meet and mingle with the people who influence the printed circuit board industry than at IPC APEX EXPO.

—Gregg Elliott, President, CEO, Seacole-CRC

IPC APEX EXPO was a great opportunity to get our company designers from multiple locations together for training, collaboration, meeting with existing vendors and finding new suppliers.

—Dave Babson, Engineer, Welch Allyn

As a young engineer I was able to build a great base for my network. I met with numerous industry professionals who were all very helpful in sharing the wealth of knowledge that they possess.

—Kevin Kusiak, PWB Producibility Engineer, Raytheon

Valuable insights from the technical paper presentations helped in my own planning in areas of reliability testing and compound contributory factor evaluation.

—Phillip Anslow, Technical Expert, Electronic Packaging and Technology, MBDA UK Ltd.

The show and conference enabled me to meet new suppliers, network with my fellow colleagues to explore new ideas, and consult with industry experts. I see it as One Stop Shopping!

—Randy Cherry, Principal Engineer, Tellabs, Inc.

Looking for our first post solder AOI machine, my company was able to evaluate two different AOI technologies and four different companies right on the spot to get a true assessment of their capabilities. By seeing them all under one roof, we saved time and money.

—Rodney Doss, Board Processing Technician, Samtec, Inc.

I was very impressed with the level of professionalism in the committee meetings and the focus of the participants.

—Mike Szuch, Process Engineer, Nordson Asymtek

The IPC APEX show provided a great opportunity for my company to meet with potential business partners in the U.S. and initiate business engagements to establish a win-win business relationship.

—Tsipi Landen, Fineline USA Liaison, Aviv PCB/Fineline Group

Attending the show allowed us to evaluate many possible suppliers in one place, in one day. It saved us time and expense.

—Lee A. Blake, CEO, T4mation

Being able to talk to vendors and see the variety of products available provides much more value than any Internet search can provide.

—Frank Porter, Project Manager, Coastal Technical Services

Fantastic show! There is no other event that can compare in giving all the info you need for both design and manufacture of PCBs & electronic assemblies.

—Kathy Palumbo, CEO, PA&LS, LLC

I learned about new technologies and made valuable business contacts. The show was well worth the time and money.

—John Manos, Owner, Hawco Enterprises

I've attended the Committee meetings for many years. I believe being a part of the development of the specifications will have the longest lasting impact on the industry.

—Leo Lambert, Vice President, EPTAC Corp

The availability of vendors all in one location along with their equipment and information on their products provides a good opportunity to learn about and evaluate equipment without having to visit multiple locations that are widely dispersed geographically.

—Timothy McNish, Engineer, Alcon Laboratories

IPC APEX EXPO is a great mix of education, new technology and exhibits.

—Jörgen Åkesson, Quality Manager, Stoneridge Electronics

The show is a great escape to meet new suppliers and gather information.

—Sandra Dery, Mfg. Tech Analyst, Vicor Corporation

Through the technical conference, I found several solutions to existing problems we're facing and I was able to find the right people to consult with in the future on similar issues.

—Phillip Bavaro, Staff Engineer, L-3 Communications, Telemetry West

The courses helped fill some knowledge gaps on processes new to my company. Hearing about the implementation experiences of both presenters and attendees will go a long way toward helping us successfully integrate those new processes and shorten the learning curve.

—Kevin Liechty, SMT Manager/ Process Engineer, Servatron Inc.

FREE! Keynote Sessions

Opening Keynote: Captain’s Log — Boldly going where no man
has gone before

Wednesday Keynote:
Gazing into the Crystal Ball

On the Show Floor

NEW! IPC APEX EXPO Hand Soldering Competition and IPC GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP

NEW! New Products Zone

FREE! NPL Process Defect
Database Clinic

FREE! Show Floor Reception

IPC Bookstore

FREE! Internet Lounge

Inspired Networking Opportunities

FREE! International Reception

FREE! First-Timers’ Welcome Reception

FREE! Women in Electronics
Networking Breakfast

FREE! Show Floor Reception

NEW! Meet & Eat

IPC Event Luncheons

FREE! Government Relations
Open Forum

IPC & CCA Golf
Tournament & Reception

Special Events & Resources

FREE! Keynote Sessions

FREE! Opening Keynote: Captain’s Log — Boldly going where no man has gone before...
Tuesday, February 28 • 8:30 am–9:30 am

William Shatner

One of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures, William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning more than 50 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, horseman and a major philanthropist. Perhaps best recognized for his role as Captain James T. Kirk, Shatner’s accomplishments in television, film, and stage are numerous, including Emmys, Golden Globes and SAG award nods. Ironically enough, his true mission has had him exploring “strange new worlds” and seeking out “new life.”

There are many sides to Bill beyond his portrayals of Captain Kirk, Denny Crane (The Practice and Boston Legal) and Priceline’s infamous negotiator. Even at the tender age of 80, he, like his horses, does not like to stand still.

Off the screen and broadcast waves, Shatner has authored nearly 30 best-sellers in both the fiction and nonfiction genres. His autobiography, Up Till Now, was a New York Times best-seller. Shatner’s newest book, Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large, was released in October 2011. While he admits that many of the rules are tongue-in-cheek, he stands by the fact that, “in their amusement, there is a truth.”

Join your colleagues for an intimate visit with this illustrious American icon and learn what inspires him to keep boldly going …

William Shatner Book Signing
Tuesday, February 28 • 10:00 am
Sails Pavilion (upper level exhibit hall)

Beam on up to the Sails Pavilion and meet William Shatner in person. He’ll be signing copies of his latest book, Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large.Copies will be available for purchase on-site.

FREE! Wednesday Keynote: Gazing into the Crystal Ball
Wednesday, February 29 • 8:00 am–9:30 am

Panelists: Phil Plonski, Managing Partner, Prismark Partners; Cary Wood, President and CEO, Sparton; Mikel Williams, President & CEO, DDi Corp.; Jan Vardaman, President, TechSearch International Inc. and Bolaji Ojo, Editor-in-chief, EBN

We are shaking up the Wednesday morning keynote. What will the game changers be for the printed circuit board and electronics assembly industries?

Is it printed electronics, nanotechnology, environmental regulations or new quality and reliability drivers? Our panel of industry experts will look into the future and predict the shocks to our industry … and opportunities.

The presentations will be short — 15 minutes at the most — allowing plenty of time for questions and answers. There will be no Powerpoint presentations — no proceedings — we’re relying on the ancient method of speech to communicate these exciting new trends … just the power of the word. So get your coffee buzz going — you won’t want to miss a word!

On the Show Floor

NEW! First Annual IPC APEX EXPO Hand Soldering Competition
The IPC HAND SOLDERING GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP
Who's the Best-of-the-Best?
February 28–29 and March 1

Do you think you have what it takes to win at soldering?  Does your company brag about how many IPC Certified Specialists it has on staff?  Inquiring minds want to know who is the best-of-the-best at hand soldering. If you think you have what it takes to be the Top Gun of soldering, BRING IT at the first IPC APEX EXPO hand soldering competition. See the details.

NEW! New Product Zone

View cutting-edge products and services in the new New Product Zone located in the Sails Pavilion. Get a sneak preview of the equipment, materials and services that are breaking new ground in our industry. While we're waiting for them to be revealed, take a look at all of the new products exhibitors are showing in the online exhibit hall.

FREE! NPL Defect Database Clinic Live

Sails Pavilion

Get your toughest challenges resolved! Take advantage of the Defect Database Clinic on the show floor in the Sails Pavilion and get free, unbiased help from international consultant and IPC course instructor Bob Willis on all of your process-related issues. Bring board assemblies for examination or process problems for discussion. Inspection equipment will assist in understanding the process problem and suggested solutions.

NEW THIS YEAR! Mini seminars will take place in the booth each day

Tuesday
11:00 am	How to conduct dye & pry on area array packages
1:00 pm	How to test circuit boards for outgassing for free
3:00 pm	How to test component solderability for a few dollars
Wednesday
11:00 am	How to monitor PCB solderability FREE in production
1:00 pm	How to conduct dye & pry on area array packages
3:00 pm	How to test circuit boards for outgassing for free
Thursday
11:00 am	How to test component solderability for a few dollars
1:00 pm	How to monitor PCB solderability FREE in production

The clinic is organized by IPC & National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and sponsored by Global SMT & Packaging.

Bob Willis will conduct a FREE webinar on Soldering and Assembly Defects - Causes and Cures on January 12, 2012. Please check back for registration information or send an e-mail to processdefectclinic@ipc.org to get notified.

FREE! Show Floor Reception
Wednesday, February 29 • 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

Kick back with your colleagues at IPC’s very own happy hour. Walk the exhibition, scope out all the new exhibitor offerings, and catch up with colleagues.

IPC Bookstore

Informational resources to enhance the work you do, help train your staff and support your company’s strategic planning efforts are waiting for you in the IPC bookstore on the show floor.

• Browse industry standards on design, board fabrication and assembly.
• Check out IPC training and certification programs.
• Pick up an IPC catalog of multimedia training resources, including DVDs, interactive CD- ROMs, online video resources, training and reference guides, wall posters and image archives.
• Learn about IPC’s management programs, market research reports and technology roadmaps.
  Member prices will be extended to all attendees on-site, even if you aren’t one! While you’re at the bookstore, pick up a new IPC publications catalog and a free standards development CD.

FREE Connection Zone

Take a quick minute to catch up with the office so you can focus on the new products on the show floor. FREE access to computers will be available within the Sails Pavilion (upper level exhibit hall). Also, get "charged up" with the FREE phone charging stations located within the Connection Zone.

Inspired Networking Opportunities

FREE! International Reception
Monday, February 27 • 5:30 pm–6:30 pm

Our international friends are invited to relax, have a bite to eat and meet their colleagues from around the world at this festive gathering.

FREE! First-Timers’ Welcome Breakfast
Tuesday, February 28 • 7:30 am–8:30 am

Maximize your time at IPC APEX EXPO with some advice from a few insiders. Enjoy a continental breakfast while your colleagues share the ins and outs of this event. Learn how to put IPC’s resources to use for you and your company and find out how to take advantage of everything this event has to offer. Even if you’re not a first-timer, join us for a refresher course on IPC programs and activities.

FREE! Women in Electronics Networking Meeting
Wednesday, February 29
Breakfast 7:30 am • Meeting 7:45 am–8:30 am

Women continue to make great strides in all areas of the electronic interconnect industry. Join your colleagues from across the supply chain to share your ideas and experiences as a woman and build your industry network. Please RSVP for this free meeting through the online registration process. For more information, contact MariaLabriola@ipc.org.

FREE! Show Floor Reception
Wednesday, February 29 • 4:00 pm–6:00 pm

Kick back with your colleagues at IPC’s very own happy hour. Walk the exhibition, scope out all the new exhibitor offerings, and catch up with colleagues.

Meet & Eat

Need dinner plans? Join other IPC APEX EXPO participants for some good food and good conversation at one of the selected unique dining venues within walking distance of the convention center and event hotels. Dinner reservations will be available  at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, February 28 and Wednesday, February 29. Find more information and sign up online or sign-up at the Restaurant Information Center in the convention center.

IPC Event Luncheons
(registration required)

• Awards Luncheons
  Monday, February 27 • 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
  Wednesday, February 29 • 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
• Event Luncheon and IPC Annual Meeting
  Tuesday, February 28 • 12:00 pm–1:30 pm

Government Relations Open Forum
Tuesday, February 28  •  11:00 am–12:00 pm
Mikel Williams, DDi Corp.

What are your international, national, and regional concerns regarding government regulations and laws impacting your company’s ability to compete globally?  How can IPC help you make your business more profitable? Join your colleagues and IPC Government Relations Committee members for an hour focused on key issues that impact your company’s bottom line.

IPC Government Relations Committee members will provide an overview of their efforts to support the prosperity of the global electronic interconnect industry, including advocacy efforts on export controls reform and the conflict minerals regulation.  After the overview, there will be open discussion regarding future issues for the committee to address.  In short, the IPC Government Relations Committee wants to know what it can do for you.

IPC APEX EXPO Golf Tournament & Reception
Coronado Municipal Golf Course, Coronado, Calif.
Sunday February 26

Registration Begins: 10:00 am
Shot-Gun Start: 11:00 am

Networking on a golf course just doesn’t get any better than this. Coronado Municipal Golf Course boasts immaculately manicured greens, wide inviting fairways, with dramatic views of the Coronado Bay Bridge, the famous Hotel Del Coronado, the San Diego Bay and the stunning San Diego skyline. View details. Please register for golf through IPC APEX EXPO attendee registration.