IPC registration figures show 3,702 attendees turned out for the event, with a total of 6,683 participating when you count both attedees and exhibitor personnel. In addition, participation in the educational offerings, including the technical conference, professional development courses and executive management meetings, increased 49% over 2009. What's more, 41 countries participated in IPC APEX EXPO, the largest event in North America dedicated to the electronic interconnection industry.
The increased attendance meant good news for the 333 exhibitors on the show floor. For vendors like Shana Bliss, vice president of sales & marketing for Bliss Industries, it provided a signal that the electronics industry has clearly turned the corner. “Our booth was packed with customers all three days of the show,” Bliss said. “Customers came to the show to find solutions, and we were ready with our line of carts, racks and Smart Handling Solutions.”
Michael Konrad, president, Aqueous Technologies Corp., shared Bliss’ assessment. “This year’s show hailed a visible end to the recession with crowded aisles and buying customers,” he said. “Historically, IPC APEX has been our strongest show in North America, and this year was particularly strong. We took four purchase orders for equipment on the show floor, and we received a sizable lead count.”
For attendees, the increased participation translated into more networking, more valued dialogue in technical sessions and, in standards development committee meetings—an element unique to IPC events and vital to the industry—more input and significant progress on many industry standards. In addition, the exhibition aims to open new opportunities and has a significant impact on attendees’ buying decisions.
“Being able to see multiple vendors and their equipment is invaluable to my decision to buy and/or upgrade my assembly line,” said Shawn Vike, vice president of operations, Pathway Connectivity, Inc. “It is great to see equipment in the range that I am looking for.” Vike is not alone. In a post-show survey, nearly 75% of respondents indicated that the exhibition influences their buying choices throughout the year.
IPC 2010 also proved an exceptional opportunity for Uyemura management and technical specialists, as they met with both existing and prospective customers. In particular, there was a lot of interest in Uyemura's CL-NC Alkaline Copper and other new technologies.
IPC APEX EXPO will return to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, April 12–14, 2011.
