I’ve spent my week recovering from a busy and interesting week in Anaheim for the 25th IPC APEX EXPO. I think back to my first APEX EXPO, and the changes since then are too numerous to count. I first attended in 2004, also in Anaheim, back when there was almost no design content in the conference or expo portions of the show. It was just a few years after the downturn, and attendees and exhibitors alike were skittish, almost afraid to show confidence in our industry. A few unemployed design friends handed out copies of their resumes. Travel budgets were still down, and the aisles weren’t exactly packed with traffic.

In this interview, Jason Spera of Aegis Software discusses the impact of AI on data models and operational capabilities. He highlights customer feedback on MES systems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reporting. Aegis has a new inventory auditing system that supports incremental audits, ensuring productivity.

In this interview, Marcy LaRont speaks with Kuldip Johal, CTO, MKS’ Atotech. Based in Boston, MKS operates in vacuum solutions, photonics, and specifically for the Atotech division, material solutions.  MKS significantly impacts the semiconductor industry, supplying components for up to 85% of global semiconductor tools and covers processes and materials for 70% of PCB manufacturing steps.

As I celebrate my 25th work anniversary with IPC, I can’t help but reflect on my incredible journey. From its inception in 2000, IPC APEX EXPO has evolved into one of the most anticipated and dynamic events in the electronics industry, and I’m proud to have been a part of its growth every step of the way.