The IPC Electronics Assembly Masters Competition, established in 2010, attracts participants from core sectors of the electronics manufacturing industry, including defense, aerospace, rail transportation, automotive electronics, communications, and consumer electronics.

The competition comprises the IPC Standards Knowledge Contest, Hand Soldering and Rework Competition, Cable and Wire Harness Assembly Competition, and BGA/BTC 
Component Rework Competition.

Introduced in France for the first time, the Cable & Wire Harness Competition (CWH) will take place during Global Industrie 2026 in Paris Nord Villepinte.

Participants will compete under timed conditions (60 minutes) using identical materials and tools, with results evaluated by certified IPC judges. Each competitor must produce a fully functional wire harness assembly within the time limit, in accordance with the provided drawings and standards.

Judging criteria include:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

• Crimp accuracy and quality of terminations
• Correct routing, labeling, and bundling
• Compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards
• Overall appearance and functionality
• Speed of completion

All tools and materials will be supplied. Participants should wear ESD-safe clothing or a company-branded coat (if any).

DOWNLOAD BILL OF MATERIALS

Prizes for Professionals

🏆 1st place: €300

🥈 2nd place: €200

🥉 3rd place: €100

Participation is free of charge. No IPC membership or prior certification is required. Registration is open to all professionals and apprentices working in cable and wire harness assembly.

⚠️ Places are limited — register early to secure your participation.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete. 

Contacts are:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

Join the France Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) at Global Industrie 2026 in Paris Nord Villepinte on 30 March – 2 April 2026.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will compete for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2026 National title, earn a cash prize, and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship, to take place at electronica in Munich in November 2026.

Competition for Professionals: Download Competition Rules

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MITs) on their ability to solder a complex printed circuit board within a maximum time of 60 minutes, adhering to IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria.

Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality, and the speed at which the assembly was produced. 

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials 

Prizes for Professionals

The professionals will receive cash prizes:

• 1st place – 300 €
• 2nd place – 200 €
• 3rd place – 100 €

🏆 IPC Hand Soldering World Championship:

The winner will be invited by the Global Electronics Association (all expenses covered by the Global Electronics Association) to compete in the HSC World Final in November 2026 at electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

🏢 Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award:

This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award.

For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of the 2 best competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration

Registration is free of charge. You do not need to be an IPC member to take part. You do not need to be IPC-certified to take part.

Register Now 

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

Venue Information

Global Industrie 2026

Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre

ZAC Paris Nord 2

93420 Villepinte

France

Tuesday and Thursday 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Define and create schematic symbols and PCB footprints that comply with applicable IPC Standards
• Create simple schematics for use in simulation and prototyping applications
• Implement industry best practices for:
  • Schematic capture
  • Hierarchical design implementation
  • Documentation
  • Parts list generation
• Recognize the trade-offs between the different schematic methodologies and when to use each type
• Assess different component types and attachment methods
  • Differentiate when to use each type of component
• Define standard schematic notes
  • Apply best practices in negotiating these terms with customers

Tuesday and Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Description:

• Define and create schematic symbols and PCB footprints that comply with applicable IPC Standards
• Create simple schematics for use in simulation and prototyping applications
• Implement industry best practices for:
  • Schematic capture
  • Hierarchical design implementation
  • Documentation
  • Parts list generation
• Recognize the trade-offs between the different schematic methodologies and when to use each type
• Assess different component types and attachment methods
  • Differentiate when to use each type of component
• Define standard schematic notes
  • Apply best practices in negotiating these terms with customers

The First CFX Demo Line in Korea, one of the association’s Solution, aims to help the engineers in Korea’s electronics industry easily understand smart manufacturing and to deliver immersive experience through equipment integration.

At this exhibition, the Global Electronics Association joins forces with key industry partners in wire harness manufacturing and soldering equipment technologies, integrating the internationally recognized IPC training and certification programs to create a cross-disciplinary joint showcase. 

In addition to presenting advanced process equipment and critical interconnection technologies, the pavilion features a live CFX (Connected Factory Exchange) smart manufacturing demonstration line, illustrating real-time machine connectivity, data exchange, and digitalized production management within electronics manufacturing environments. 

Through this joint exhibition, the Association aims to accelerate the convergence of industry standards, workforce development, and intelligent manufacturing, driving the electronics industry toward greater efficiency, traceability, and sustainable growth.

Join the Hungary Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) at InnoElectro 2026 in Budapest on 21–23 April 2026.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will compete for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2026 National title, earn a cash prize, and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship, to take place at electronica in Munich in November 2026.

Competition for Professionals:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MITs) on soldering a complex printed circuit board within 60 minutes, in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria.

Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality, and the speed at which the assembly was produced.

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials

Prizes for Professionals

The professionals will receive cash prizes:

• 1st place – 300 €
• 2nd place – 200 €
• 3rd place – 100 €

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship:

The winner will be invited by the Global Electronics Association (with all expenses covered) to compete in the HSC World Final in November 2026 at the electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award:

This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award.

For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of the 2 best competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is easy

There is no cost to register. You do not need to be a Global Electronics Association member or be IPC-Certified. Registration is simple. Just complete the registration form and book your competition slot.

Register Now

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

The Competition Location:

InnoElectro 2026

BOK Sport Hall

Dózsa György út 1.

1146 Budapest

Hungary

Introduced in Hungary for the first time, the Cable & Wire Harness Competition (CWH) will take place during InnoElectro 2026 in Budapest.

This competition invites skilled technicians and harness assembly specialists to demonstrate their expertise in wire preparation, crimping, splicing, and assembly — all under the exacting requirements of IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry standard for cable and wire harness assemblies.

Participants will compete under timed conditions (60 minutes) using identical materials and tools, with results evaluated by certified IPC judges.

Competition for Professionals

Each competitor must produce a fully functional wire harness assembly within the time limit, in accordance with the provided drawings and standards.

Judging criteria include:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

• Crimp accuracy and quality of terminations
• Correct routing, labeling, and bundling
• Compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards
• Overall appearance and functionality
• Speed of completion

All tools and materials will be supplied. Participants should wear ESD-safe clothing or a company-branded coat (if any).

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials

Prizes for Professionals

🏆 1st place: €300

🥈 2nd place: €200

🥉 3rd place: €100

Registration is easy. There is no cost to participate, no membership requirements, and registration is open to all who work with cable and wire assemblies. 

Register Now 

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

Competition Location:

InnoElectro 2026

BOK Sport Hall

Dózsa György út 1.

1146 Budapest

Hungary

Why Attend the Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo (EWPTE)?
Produced by WHMA/Global Electronics Association, the ONLY trade association exclusively representing the cable and wire harness manufacturing industry including manufacturers, their suppliers and customers, EWPTE is where the industry comes together with more than 3,000 attendees and nearly 200 exhibitors to find solutions to challenging wire problems through training and education and for the opportunity to network with industry leaders and subject matter experts.

Attendees at all career stages can expect to Harness the Future through:

• Education & Training
• Professional Development Courses with content designed to deliver new information, skills, and techniques related to the cable and wire harness industry.
• Technical Conference Sessions presented by engineers, researchers, academics, technical experts, and industry leaders who will share new technical data, significant results from experiments and case studies, emphasizing new techniques and discussing trends of interest with appropriate technical test results.
• Networking Opportunities by connecting with industry leaders and subject matter experts.
• Accessing New Technologies and finding new suppliers to find solutions to your challenging wire problems on the show floor from nearly 200 exhibitors.
  Who Should Attend?

Anyone who designs, specifies, purchases, installs, sells, maintains or manufactures electronic cable assemblies, cord sets, wiring harnesses and other related products for the following industries:

• Aerospace
• Automotive/Transportation (Automobiles, Rail, Buses. Trucks)
• Consumer Technology (Business Equipment and Appliances)
• Defense/Military
• Medical Instruments
• Off Highway (Constructions, Agriculture and Mining)
• Recreational (RV, Marine OPE & RTV)

Introduced in the United States for the first time, the Cable & Wire Harness Competition (CWH) will take place during the EWPTE – Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

This competition invites skilled technicians and harness assembly specialists to demonstrate their expertise in wire preparation, crimping, splicing, and assembly — all under the exacting requirements of IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry standard for cable and wire harness assemblies.

Participants will compete under timed conditions (60 minutes) using identical materials and tools, with results evaluated by certified IPC judges.

Competition for Professionals

Each competitor must produce a fully functional wire harness assembly within the time limit, following the provided drawings and standards.

Judging criteria includes:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

• Crimp accuracy and quality of terminations
• Correct routing, labeling, and bundling
• Compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards
• Overall appearance and functionality
• Speed of completion

All tools and materials will be supplied. Participants should wear ESD-safe clothing or a company-branded coat.

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials

Prizes for Professionals

🏆 1st place: $300 Gift Card

🥈 2nd place: $200 Gift Card

🥉 3rd place: $100 Gift Card

How to Register

There is no fee to register, all wire harness professionals are welcome and there is no Global Electronics Association membership required.

Places are limited — register early to secure your participation.

Register NOW

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

On Site:

Dave Bergman, Global Electronics Association, VP International Relations, davidbergman@electronics.org

Kelly Lawrence, Global Electronics Association, Account Manager, kellylawrence@electronics.org

This event will be located at: 

EWPTE – Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo 2026

Baird Center (Milwaukee Convention Center)

400 W Wisconsin Ave

Milwaukee, WI 53203

United States

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will compete for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2026 National title, earn a cash prize, and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship, to take place at electronica in Munich in November 2026.

Introduced in Italy for the first time, the Cable & Wire Harness Competition (CWH) will take place during Focus on PCB 2026 in Vicenza.

This competition invites skilled technicians and harness assembly specialists to demonstrate their expertise in wire preparation, crimping, splicing, and assembly — all under the exacting requirements of IPC/WHMA-A-620, the industry standard for cable and wire harness assemblies.

Participants will compete under timed conditions (60 minutes) using identical materials and tools, with results evaluated by certified IPC judges.

Competition for Professionals:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

Each competitor must produce a fully functional wire harness assembly within the time limit, in accordance with the provided drawings and standards.

Judging criteria include:

• Crimp accuracy and quality of terminations
• Correct routing, labeling, and bundling
• Compliance with IPC/WHMA-A-620 workmanship standards
• Overall appearance and functionality
• Speed of completion

All tools and materials will be supplied. Participants should wear ESD-safe clothing or a company-branded coat 

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials 

Prizes for Professionals

🏆 1st place: €300

🥈 2nd place: €200

🥉 3rd place: €100

Registration is easy

There is no cost to register. You do not need to be a Global Electronics Association member or be IPC-Certified. Registration is simple. Just complete the registration form and book your competition slot.

Places are limited — register early to secure your participation.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

Venue

Focus on PCB 2026

Vicenza Expo Centre (Fiera di Vicenza)

Viale della Oreficeria, 16

36100 Vicenza

Italy

Join the Italy Regional Qualification for the IPC Hand Soldering Competition (HSC) at Focus on PCB 2026 in Vicenza on 13–14 May 2026.

Skilled soldering experts (F/M) will compete for 60 minutes on a complex circuit board assembly to win the 2026 National title, earn a cash prize, and compete for a coveted spot at the IPC Hand Soldering World Championship, to take place at electronica in Munich in November 2026.

Competition for Professionals:  DOWNLOAD COMPETITION RULES

The professional competitors will be judged by IPC Master Instructors (MITs) on soldering a complex printed circuit board within 60 minutes, in accordance with IPC-A-610 Class 3 criteria.

Additional criteria will include the quality of the results achieved and of the assembly process, the overall electrical functionality, and the speed at which the assembly was produced.

DOWNLOAD Bill of Materials 

Prizes for Professionals

The professionals will receive cash prizes:

• 1st place – 300 €
• 2nd place – 200 €
• 3rd place – 100 €

IPC Hand Soldering World Championship:

The winner will be invited by the Global Electronics Association (with all expenses covered) to compete in the HSC World Final in November 2026 at the electronica tradeshow in Munich, Germany.

Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award:

This year again, nominate a team to win the Hand Soldering Best Company Team Award.

For any company enlisting 2 or 3 competitors, the highest combined scores of the 2 best competitors from the same company will determine which company will receive the HSC Best Company Team Award.

Registration is easy

There is no cost to register. You do not need to be a Global Electronics Association member or be IPC-Certified. Registration is simple. Just complete the registration form and book your competition slot.

REGISTER NOW

You will receive a confirmation email specifying your date and time to compete.

For more information, please get in touch with:

📧 Philippe Léonard, Global Electronics Association Europe Director – PhilippeLeonard@electronics.org

📧 Anatolii Kazmin, Europe Event Manager – anatoliikazmin@electronics.org

Venue Information

Focus on PCB 2026

Vicenza Expo Centre (Fiera di Vicenza)

Viale della Oreficeria, 16

36100 Vicenza

Italy

This demonstration line is jointly developed by the Global Electronics Association (GEA) together with Aurotek, Advantech AI, and Universal Robots, fully adopting the GEA/IPC CFX standard to enable plug-and-play connectivity, real-time data exchange, and end-to-end traceability.

The line integrates AI-driven inspection and safety monitoring with collaborative robot automation, while seamlessly connecting to MES, ERP, and cloud platforms to create a highly connected smart manufacturing environment.

Through this CFX showcase, the solution demonstrates a comprehensive digital management model spanning production, quality, and workforce safety—helping electronics manufacturers accelerate smart factory adoption, improve operational efficiency, and reduce overall risk.
 

To deepen industry engagement and expand global impact, the TPCA Show will collaborate with members of the Global Electronics Association (GEA) to promote sponsorship participation and technical outreach activities, including the organization of a Hand Soldering Competition.
Conducted in alignment with IPC international standards, the competition will evaluate participants’ practical skills in soldering quality, process control, and workmanship compliance. Beyond showcasing technical excellence in electronics manufacturing, the event also reinforces industry awareness of quality and standardization while supporting workforce development and skills transfer.

In parallel, the IMPACT Exhibition will focus on advanced packaging technologies, featuring dedicated symposium sessions jointly organized by the Taiwan Standards Committee and the Taiwan Technical Standards Committee.
These sessions will highlight liquid cooling technologies for semiconductor and electronic packaging, covering industry trends, critical materials, reliability validation, and system integration.

Through cross-disciplinary collaboration between standards bodies and industry experts, the initiative aims to build internationally aligned technical consensus and strengthen Taiwan’s competitive position in high-performance computing and next-generation electronic packaging.
 

An exclusive annual event in Korea, aims to promote Korean electronics industry development and global cooperation. The whole day is full of 6 topics of Seminar and the association’s Korea local activities, which attacks more than 150 engineers from the industry every year. 

NEPCON will be held in a region with a high concentration of the automotive industry. GEA will co‑exhibit a booth with JapanUnix and will promote IPC standards. We are also considering a presentation by a Key Opinion Leader from a global supplier with established relations with GEA.