Like many other professionals in the electronics interconnect industry, Zenaida receives countless catalogues from equipment/tool suppliers. But only looking at the pictures and reading the information is not much of a help to her. “Having the equipment and tools available to try on, was very valuable. I could see the operational capability of the units in real time and on concrete applications.”

Perhaps the greatest benefit of attending the IPC shows for Zenaida is networking, “Meeting people from the industry and being able to discuss topics of interest, share ideas, address questions and keep up with the latest developments, “ is invaluable to her.

For the work she does, attending relevant committee meeting is very important, “… I can discuss the training curriculum and what changes/improvements we can make in order to keep up with industry trends.”

Education and training are critical elements for the success of her organization, “… particularly in such fundamental skills as electronics assembly, hand soldering, and inspection. Participation in IPC programs has been crucial to provide standardized, industry-accepted skills in as fast and efficient a way as possible.”

“The only way to be informed at all times about the changes in the industry, and the new methods and tools that are available, is by getting involved in the game — actively participating to conferences, workshops, shows.”

Zenaida’s Advice to New Attendees --- If you want your company to be profitable, the IPC shows are the only events where you can learn from the industry professionals, come across ultimate technology, find people and resources that can help you do your job better. Close

Every year that I attend the IPC Presidents meetings, I come away with ideas to improve our process, solutions to address specific problems and a better understanding of what to expect from our customer and suppliers." But that is just part of the equation, according to Smart, "Then, to see all the different suppliers and manufacturers at the same time, at the same place, not only saves us a great deal of time and money, but it also begins to solidify our options. We can better evaluate what is the best fit for us, and do it in a fraction of the time otherwise required."

"The IPC Shows have guided our long-term planning and short-term investments. We have watched technologies develop, change, succeed and fail from one year to the next, and this has helped us identify those that would benefit us and our customers. To be aware of what your customer will ask for, and to be ready with a solution is the key element of servicing them, and succeeding in business."

"When we share the successes and failures of different experiences, we are better equipped to meet the challenges of the future. Finding out what didn’t work for others is as important as what did work. We have stayed away from some technologies based upon discussions we’ve had with colleagues at the IPC meetings."

"From a board manufacturing perspective, the IPC show is unique in that it brings us together with our suppliers, competitors and customers in one venue. When we see what challenges are facing our customers, we can better position ourselves to offer solutions. As we see the new tools and technologies being offered to them, we can ensure we can continue to meet their needs."

When it comes to size, Smart says that it doesn’t matter how large or small the company is, "I am always surprised to find that many of the same issues challenging us, also affects companies much bigger and smaller than ours — and there is a great deal to be learned from how both deal with them."

David says he will definitely be back to the Shows in 2008 — that’s smart thinking! Close

Bill’s role is to develop the processes, procedures and work instructions to build electronic hardware for the systems that Moog sells. ”Unlike other events, the IPC Shows offer a huge plus in that you have the ability to attend standards development meetings and attend an equipment show at the same time. Bill’s advice to new attendees: “While some might dismiss attending a show as a ‘couple of days off from work’, you need to develop an approach to the show to get something out of it. If you do that, the show is a tremendous resource for information and developing contacts. I know we were exhausted after just two days at the show.”