Tackling the hot topics that have the electronics industry “buzzing,” seven free Buzz sessions will be offered at IPC APEX EXPO®, March 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The industry’s top technical experts will provide information and insight on subjects ranging from conformal coating and lead-free solder alloys to R&D funding and a market outlook for the global electronics supply chain.

Addressing conformal coatings, session moderator Doug Pauls, Rockwell Collins, will discuss challenges and issues around application and use of this material on March 15. Later that afternoon, Ken Schramko, IPC government regulations, will moderate discussion on the National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) and how it will leverage existing resources with industry, academia and government partners to nurture manufacturing innovation and accelerate commercialization.

On March 16, industry experts, Richard Coyle, Nokia; Karl Seelig, AIM Inc.; and Julie Silk, Keysight Technologies, will cover high reliability lead-free solder alloys and their life expectancies in assemblies. In the afternoon, IPC members are invited to attend a Town Hall Meeting to share their feedback on membership and get an update on IPC activities. Rounding out the afternoon, Randy Cherry, IPC, will provide an overview on IPC’s Validation Services and Standards Gap Analysis programs.

On March 17, Walter Custer, Custer Consulting Group, and Sharon Starr, IPC, will team up to share their latest data on global and regional market trends and provide an economic update and outlook for future growth. Rounding up the Buzz session lineup, Moderator Rick Bromm, Altex Engineered Electronic Solutions, will lead a panel of speakers as they discuss the soon-to-be-released Revision C of IPC/WHMA-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies. The panel will detail the importance of this standard and how wire harness process equipment companies are incorporating it into the function of their equipment.

Admission to Buzz sessions, access to exhibit hall and other networking events are free to those who register in advance, a savings of $35 on-site. In addition, attendees who register for the All-Access Package will receive a significant percentage off a la carte options. Details, including dates and times, are available at www.IPCAPEXEXPO.org.