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Special Events
Keynote Sessions
Rodney Brooks on Artificial Intelligence
Rodney Brooks, Ph.D., Director of M.I.T.’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory
Tuesday, April 1, 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Fun is never far away when Rodney Brooks explains his passion for invention and discovery. A technology visionary, ground-breaking scientist, creative entrepreneur, and according to Time Magazine, “a voluble Australian … famous for finding radical, counterintuitive approaches to intractable problems,” Brooks is arguably the world’s most important figure in robotics. If there is a leading edge in the world of technology, his spectacular career has certainly been spent exploring it. More...
Brooks has played a major role in some of the most exciting, state-of-the-art inventions in a field bursting with ingenuity. The company he founded, iRobot, deftly combines the latest artificial intelligence technology with easy-to-use interfaces, to develop robots for government, industry, scientific research and kids who want to have fun.
Join IPC for this fascinating exploration, as Brooks skillfully addresses the Big Questions that have traditionally been the domain of fiction writers and fantasists:
- Can robots “think,” “feel” and be “alive”?
- When does artificial intelligence stop being artificial?
- What’s the distinction between conscious and unconscious?
Dr. Brooks received degrees in Pure Mathematics from Flinders University of South Australia and his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University. He is a Founding Fellow of the American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Close
2008: Global Business Outlook and IPC “Survey Says”
Walt Custer, President, Custer Consulting Group, and
Sharon Starr, Director of Market Research, IPC
Wednesday, April 2, 8:30 am – 9:45 am
What lies ahead for the domestic and global electronics industry food chain? Industry analyst Walt Custer will cover electronics equipment and component market sizes and scopes with forecasts by sector. Both world and regional data are included. Topics include the global economy, seasonality and cyclicality, electronic equipment production by geography and equipment type, semiconductors, printed circuits and other passive components, EMS & ODM markets, electronic materials & process equipment.
In addition, IPC’s Sharon Starr will discuss the scope of IPC’s current market research efforts and the state of the industry in North America and worldwide. Among other topics, the presentation will explain what the book-to-bill ratio really signifies, what current inventory trends indicate about the market, worldwide PCB production trends, EMS/ODM market potential, and industry growth across the electronic interconnect supply chain. More...
About Walt Custer
Walt Custer is an industry analyst focused on the global
electronics industry. Prior to forming his own company
he was vice president of marketing and sales for Morton
Electronic Materials, a global supplier of specialty
chemicals and process equipment for the PCB industry.
Custer has received both the IPC President’s and Raymond E. Pritchard IPC Hall of Fame Awards. He is a frequent industry speaker and authors regular “Market Outlook” columns for a number of industry magazines and Web sites.
He is a member of the board of directors of Coretec Inc. and the European Institute of Printed Circuits. He holds a B.A. in chemistry from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an M.S. in physical chemistry from Purdue University.
About Sharon Starr
Sharon Starr is director of market research at IPC, where
she is responsible for all IPC industry studies and statistical
programs. She also oversees the market studies and
conferences of IPC’s Executive Market & Technology Forum,
and is responsible for expanding and globalizing many of
these programs.
Before joining IPC in 2003, she worked at Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for 15 years in various management positions in marketing, strategic planning and business development. Starr has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. In 2000, she earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
Global Environmental Regulations — The Next Generation from Europe to China and Back
Tuesday, April 1, 2008, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
China RoHS
Huang Jianzhong, Senior Engineer/Director, Department of Economic System Reform & Economic Operation, PRC Ministry of Information Industry, Beijing
While the European regulation for the reduction of hazardous substance may have been the initial inspiration for China’s RoHS-type restrictions on hazardous substances in Electronics, China has taken its own and separate path forward. China RoHS, as it has become to be known, became effective March 1, 2007. Labeling requirements are already in effect and testing laboratories with trained staff are awaiting to conduct soon-to-be mandatory premarket certification. In 2008, China is expected to publish a catalogue of products subject to substance restrictions and mandatory testing. IPC is privileged to have a key China RoHS expert address attendees in Las Vegas. Mr. Jianzhong will address the current status and near-term future of China’s environmental directive. An explanation of the purpose and the function of the China RoHS testing laboratories will be given. He will also provide information on China’s lead free alloy — an option for use by the manufacturers building product in China. If you are building product in China, shipping it there from elsewhere or just want to hear the latest information on China’s RoHS, you should not miss this session.
EU REACH
Patrice Rollet, General Manager, Avantec, Vincennes, France
Some industry pundits have said if the EU RoHS was a wave, then EU REACH has the opportunity to become a Tsunami. The Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, REACH is a regulation in the European Union on chemical safety. Going far beyond the six chemicals in RoHS, REACH requires manufacturers of chemicals to investigate the potential hazards to human health and to the environment. While the regulatory effects will be the most significant for those manufacturing in the EU, this regulation will have far-reaching effects on the global electronics supply chain. Don’t be caught unprepared for the effects of this regulation.
Golf Outing
IPC CCA to hold Golf Outing at Top Nevada Course
Sunday, March 30, 2008
"The Paiute has an outstanding layout and the greens are challenging, but fair. Be sure to bring your camera because you will want to record this adventure!" —Win Wood, Vice President of Strategic Programs, Micro Dynamics |
IPC CCA will host the annual golf outing at the Snow Mountain course at the beautiful Paiute Golf Resort. With its spectacular views of the mountains and desert, PGA Magazine calls Paiute “One of the Top Courses in the West.” More...
The Snow Mountain course was sculpted by world class golf architect Pete Dye. Fairways flank the clubhouse with wide rye grass fairways and no parallel fairways; seven holes have water hazards. “What a difference 3,000 feet can make….With the resort nearly 1,000 feet higher than the famous Las Vegas Strip, enjoy cool summer golf.” Expect April temperatures to be in the mid 80s.
The $200 fee includes 18 holes of golf, GPS-equipped golf carts, lunch, reception and raffle. The course is located 10 miles north of Las Vegas.
Complete description of the golf outing and registration form (.pdf).
Put your name in front of customer executives. Find out more about golf sponsorships here. (.pdf)
"Paiute is a gorgeous course located in the middle of the desert. You are amazed there are 54 holes. You do not see many of the holes until you are standing on the tee box." —Michael Goeringer, vice president of operations, Arc-Tronics |
On the Show Floor
Innovative Technology Center
These cutting-edge products and services have
been selected by an expert technology panel.
Get a sneak preview of the equipment, materials
and services that will change the direction of our
industry.
IPC Bookstore
Need more detail on a certain PCB or electronics
assembly issue, but don’t know where to get
the information? Stop by IPC’s bookstore and
peruse industry standards and publications. If
you purchase anything on-site, you’re entitled
to member prices even if you aren’t one! All
attendees can pick up a free standards committee
CD at the bookstore during show hours.
FREE Internet Lounge
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 and
printers will be available in a convenient spot in
the hall.
Happy Hour Reception
The Greatest Show On Earth
Tuesday, April 1, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Prepare to be dazzled! Join your colleagues for a high-energy hour where we “up the ante” and the let the extraordinary come to life. We’ve got just the right variety of fun, fare and fantasy to whet your appetite for all things Las Vegas.
Your senses will come alive as you gaze upon astonishing displays of aerialism, enchanting stilt walkers and fascinating mimes. This whimsical and entertaining backdrop will set the perfect stage for an evening to catch up with friends and build new bonds on the exhibit floor. All the while, indulge in exciting flavors reminiscent of the big top, but with a grown-up flare only IPC can provide.
This incredible evening offers a full house of distractions to satisfy your hunger for food, fun and industry knowledge! Be amazed Las Vegas-style. This event is FREE for all registered attendees on the show floor.
Meet the People who Move an Industry
International Reception
Monday, March 31 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
All our international friends are invited to relax, have a bite to eat, and catch up with colleagues. We
are expecting representatives from more than 50 countries at this event. Give us a chance to show
you some “all-American” hospitality at this festive gathering.
FREE First-Timers Welcome Breakfast
Tuesday, April 1, 7:30 am – 8:30 am
Make sure you maximize your time at this action-packed event! First-timers are
invited for a continental breakfast and an update on how you can get involved and what this event has to offer.
Even if you are not a first-timer, join us for a refresher course on IPC programs and activities.
Luncheons (registration required)
- IPC Event Luncheon — Committee Awards
Monday, March 31, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm - Event Luncheon — IPC Annual Meeting
Tuesday, April 1, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm - IPC Event Luncheon — Committee Awards
Wednesday, April 2, 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
RealTime With … IPC
In the entrance to the exhibit hall, you’ll find the folks from iConnect007.com hosting a series of industry thought leader roundtables and interviews. Check the show home page during or after the show to see extensive video coverage and photos.
Women in Electronics Networking Meeting
Wednesday, April 2
Breakfast: 7:30 am; Meeting: 7:45 am - 8:30 am
From engineering to sales and marketing to executive management, women are making a greater impact in all areas of the electronic interconnection industry. Besides being the brains behind IPC’s elite and expanding market research programs, Sharon Starr, IPC director of market research, has successfully gained the trust and respect of powerful leaders of top companies around the world. Hear candid highlights of her experiences as a woman in the industry and the interesting challenges she’s faced. How has being a woman affected your career? Share your ideas and experiences with your peers and build your industry network for your future career success.
There is no charge to attend this meeting. Contact MaryMacKinnon@ipc.org to reserve your place.
Circuits Assembly’s Service Excellence and New Product Introduction (NPI) Awards
Monday, March 31, 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
The 2008 Service Excellence Awards (SEAs) for electronics manufacturing service providers and assembly equipment, material and software suppliers are the only awards honoring companies that demonstrate outstanding performance in customer satisfaction. Awards are presented to companies receiving the highest cumulative scores in five areas of service.
Circuits Assembly’s NPI Award recognizes the leading new equipment and materials products for electronics assembly during the past 12 months. Awards are selected by an independent panel of practicing industry engineers, and are judged on such aspects as creativity and innovation, compatibility with existing technology, cost-effectiveness and performance.
16th Annual SMT Vision Awards
Wednesday, April 2, 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
The SMT VISION Awards recognize the companies and products within the surface
mount industry that serve as benchmarks of excellence. SMT Magazine invites you to
join us as we honor this year’s winners. Be the first to congratulate the winners at this
event and see which products represent a VISION of the future through foresight, innovation and impeccable
quality.