Alumni Week at IPC APEX EXPO 2020

Reading time ( words)

When you see friends and colleagues just once a year, you would think there would be a lot of catching up to do. Will you recognize them, and vice versa? Maybe they have changed quite a bit. Are they still in electronics? Gosh, are you still friends?

That’s not the case at IPC APEX EXPO. Greeting friends and colleagues is always like picking up a conversation you had with them yesterday. Everyone looks the same, acts the same (we age well and lightly!), and we talk about the same things with just slight modification— like a daily conversation would evolve.

Why is that? Is it like Brigadoon, where the residents wake up for a single day every 100 years (okay, we’re not talking that long) and carry on as usual? Sometimes, it feels that way. We catch up on jobs, family, and the like. However, what I am talking about is fitting right into the group, conversation, and meetings.

Having said all that, it wasn’t the same old, same old meetings. There was more energy, as well as an upbeat feeling. People were animated and bustling about. The subcommittees and task groups were busy as members discussed the issues involved. Technical paper sessions were overflowing, as were some of the professional development classes (Vern Solberg’s was standing room only). The committee luncheons were full (usually a good indication of the level of work going on). Further evidence could be found at the luncheon awards, where IPC recognized roughly 300 (wow!) committee worker bees for completed documents and other achievements.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Volunteer and get involved! Working on the committee of your choice on a specification or standard that means something to you and your company is the best way ever to learn and make those ever-important networking contacts. Speak up, make your point, and then raise your hand and say, “I’ll do it.” You’ll have to do some work, but it will be well worth it. Plus, those contacts can be invaluable when you are back at your job and need advice, help, or anything else.

To read this entire article, which appeared in the 2020 issue of Real Time with... IPC Show & Tell Magazine, click here.

01/22/2021 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

This week’s news gave off every indicator that we’ve started a new calendar year. The news channels were busy with changes in leadership—both corporate and governmental—and changes in ownership. Changes in representation, too. Honestly, it was hard to sort out the news to just five top items. Be that as it may, here are five things we think you ought to read, even if you read nothing else about the electronics manufacturing industry this week: tradeshow coverage, strategic acquisitions, market discussion, and governmental advocacy.

01/19/2021 | Nolan Johnson, PCB007 Magazine

I recently spoke with Brendan Hogan about the upcoming new product releases from MivaTek. The conversation flows naturally from the new product’s market drivers to the X=Xc – 1 idea that is at the core of the market drivers.

01/08/2021 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007

It’s a new year, and time for new resolutions and new beginnings. “New year, new you” certainly is reflected in this past week’s news. We saw several announcements regarding mergers, acquisitions, and organizational changes, plus some government legislation to help kick off the new year. Based on viewing activity, readers were keen to keep up on the changes under way.