Long Faces in Long Beach

摘要

The looks on the faces said it all. Despite several macro signs of an improving economy, the gut feel ― the least scientific, but most trusted measure ― conveyed a sense of ill over the state of the PCB industry. And that was the feeling many attendees left with after three days of relatively mild excitement during this year's IPC Printed Circuits Expo. But to the contrary, there were signs of life, starting with a handful of smart new machines, even if the news hasn't yet made the rounds. Exhibitor feedback, according to several members of the Trade Show subcommittee, a group of exhibitor representatives, centered on the timing (during Passover), the hospitality suites (or lack thereof), and - what else? - attendance (also lacking). Officially, 3,000 visitors attended the 250-exhibitor show; 76 companies pulled out of the show before it even opened. Some companies suggested holding the show every other year, or even moving it to Las Vegas (no need to worry about a lack of hospitality there). Others asserted that, given the industry's changes, 3,000 visitors might be a more appropriate goal. Few seemed to recall that the show's raison d'etre ― more bang for the trade show buck ― steered companies away from the all-out, all-night affairs. Indeed, when IPC Printed Circuits Expo made its debut, in 1994, the word was, "This is not your father's trade show." After 2002, many seemed to wish it were.