It was all business at IPC APEX EXPO 2018 as 9,169 electronics manufacturing professionals from 43 countries converged at the San Diego Convention Center. In addition to experiencing a 22 percent increase in first-day show floor attendance, IPC APEX EXPO hosted a sold-out exhibition: 479 exhibitors showcased cutting-edge products and services on 149,700 net square feet, making it the largest exhibition in a decade. And with more than 80 percent of the 4,574 attendees identifying themselves as key buyers or influencers, the exhibitors at North America's largest electronics assembly event enjoyed three days of qualified leads, business development and brisk sales.

In recognition of their ongoing leadership in developing and promoting IPC standards on a global basis, IPC bestowed an Dieter Bergman IPC Fellowship Award upon Linda Woody, LWC Consulting, and Stephen Tisdale, Tisdale Environmental Consulting LLC at IPC APEX EXPO® 2018.

In recognition of his significant contributions of time, talent and ongoing leadership in IPC and the electronics industry, long-time IPC volunteer, Robert Cooke, NASA Johnson Space Center, was presented with an IPC President’s Award at IPC APEX EXPO 2018.

IPC bestowed its highest corporate honors on two, member companies, Rockwell Collins and Northrop Grumman Corporation. During a luncheon at IPC APEX EXPO 2018, the Peter Sarmanian Corporate Recognition Award was presented to Northrop Grumman and the Stan Plzak Corporate Recognition Award was presented to Rockwell Collins.

The Nominating and Governance Committee of the IPC Board of Directors presented five candidates for election at the IPC Annual Meeting on February 27, held in conjunction with IPC APEX EXPO 2018 at the San Diego Convention Center. Three candidates were elected as Board officers and will serve two-year terms. Two were elected as new Board members and will serve a four-year term.

In recognition and acknowledgement of his extraordinary contributions to IPC and the electronics industry, Dave Hillman, Rockwell Collins, was presented with the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award at IPC APEX EXPO on Tuesday, February 27 at the San Diego Convention Center. IPC’s most prestigious award, the Hall of Fame is given to individuals who have provided exceptional service and advancement to IPC and the electronics industry.