history

 

As an association and an industry, we have many milestones and achievements to celebrate. In this section, you can read about the six printed circuit board manufacturers who came together to establish the Institute of Printed Circuits in 1957. Since that time, the Global Electronics Association has been committed to eliminating supply chain obstacles, creating industry standards, and supporting the advancement of the industry.

The Global Electronics Association was established in 1957 as the Institute for Printed Circuits. As more electronics assembly companies joined the association, the name was changed to the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits.

In 1999, the name was changed to IPC, based on research that indicated no one word or expression adequately describes IPC's constituency—OEMs, board manufacturers, electronics manufacturing services companies, and their suppliers. 

From 1999 to 2019, IPC's name was accompanied by an identity statement, "Association Connecting Electronics Industries."

In 2020, our Board selected "Build Electronics Better" as the tagline because it expressed IPC's mission of networking and technical exchange while emphasizing the manufacturing aspect of electronics.

In 2025, we changed our name to the Global Electronics Association to reflect our evolution as a company. This name better aligns with our mission, vision, and direction. 

 

 

 

Timeline

2017-Present Highlights

  • IPC celebrates 60th anniversary!
  • IPC Education Foundation was established to raise awareness of the careers available in the electronics manufacturing industry and provide students with access to knowledge, content, and connections.
  • IPC Asia Pacific’s new member benefit, the China Electronic Manufacturing Annual conference (CEMAC), was held for the first time and attracted 250 attendees.
  • Established a Japan team to grow IPC’s activities and business in Japan, better engage with local companies, industry peers, and the government.
  • Greater focus on Industry Intelligence with new monthly economic report and launch of the Global Sentiment Survey.
  • IPC changes its name to Global Electronics Association

2007-2016 Highlights

  • IPC celebrates golden anniversary, 50 years of service to industry
  • IPC launches IPCWorks Asia and IPC Midwest Conference & Exhibition.
  • IPC China office moves to new location in Shanghai, expanding access to more of IPC’s programs.
  • IPC establishes the IPC OEM Critical Components Council Steering Committee.

1997-2006 Highlights

  • Forms the World Electronics Circuits Council
  • Adopts IPC as official name with tag line – Association Connecting Electronics Industries
  • Merges with the Surface Mount Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMEMA)
  • Launches APEX
  • Co-sponsors the International Printed Circuit & Electronics Assembly Fair in China
  • Launches EMS program manager training and certification
  • Opens office in Shanghai

1987-1996 Highlights

  • Holds the first Capitol Hill Day
  • Coins the term Electronics Manufacturing Services Industry (EMSI)
  • Co-sponsors and launches Surface Mount International (SMI) Conference and Exhibition
  • Publishes first comprehensive Benchmarking Study 
    Forms the IPC Designers Council
  • Launches IPC Printed Circuits Expo
  • Creates the Assembly Marketing Research Council (AMRC)
  • Develops the first IPC worker certification program (based on IPC-A-610B)
  • Launches IPC website and e-mail forums
 

1977-1986 Highlights

  • Changes name to the Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits
  • Founds the IPC Hall of Fame
  • Sponsors the First Printed Circuit World Convention (PCWC)
  • 25th Anniversary Meeting attended by more than 1,040 attendees
  • Publishes the first IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Printed Circuit Assemblies
  • Completes the first major study of the market for (EMS) companies
  • Applies for ANSI accreditation
  • Opens membership to contract assembly companies
 

1967-1976 Highlights

  • IPC becomes active in the IEC
  • Opens membership to colleges and universities
  • Establishes Technical Activities Executive Committee (TAEC)
  • Forms Committee Chairmen Council (CCC)
  • Publishes first study of the US market for PWBs
  • Launches Technology Marketing Research Council (TMRC)
  • Sponsors the first IPC workshop
 

1957-1966 Highlights

  • IPC is founded. Ray Pritchard is hired as executive director.
  • First official IPC meeting takes place
  • Publishes How to Design and Specify Printed Circuits
  • Initiates the first round robin test program
  • Starts monthly statistical program for PWB manufacturers
  • Opens membership to OEMs and government agencies
  • Publishes IPC-A-600, Acceptability of Printed Wiring Boards
  • Establishes the President's Award
  • Membership opens to global companies
 
History Photo Gallery
Historical photos of Association events
History Book
From Vacuum Tubes to Nanotubes: An Amazing Half Century

Blast From the Past
Read about the emergence of electronic circuit technology and printed circuit boards.
Learn More