EPC '98, in Wiesbaden, an outstanding success

Citation

(1999), "EPC '98, in Wiesbaden, an outstanding success", Circuit World, Vol. 25 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.1999.21725aac.001

EPC '98, in Wiesbaden, an outstanding success

EPC '98, in Wiesbaden, an outstanding success

Keywords Conferences, Europe, Printed circuit boards

Nearly 5,000 people from the PCB industry gathered in Wiesbaden, Germany, 29 September to 1 October, to participate in the first European PCB Convention ­ EPC '98 (Plate 1).

Plate 1The Rhein-Main-Hallen in Wiesbaden ­ the venue for EPC '98

EPC (European PCB Convention) is an event run by the industry for the industry. It is a result of the combined efforts of four trade associations (CEMA, EIPC, PCIF and VdL) who believe that the European PCB industry deserves to have its own event. The numbers of people gathering in Wiesbaden clearly vindicated that view and the success enjoyed by the exhibitors ensures that EPC will form part of the future calendar of the PCB Industry.

More than 3,000 people visit the first EPC

The event had three component parts, all contributing to the overall success of the event. The three elements were ­ conference, workshops and exhibition. More than 3,000 people visited the exhibition while more than 500 registered for the conference and in excess of 120 people took part in workshops on a wide range of subjects critical to the industry.

The exhibition was well supported by the industry with more than 200 companies exhibiting products on more than 160 stands, covering well over 7,000 square metres (75,000 sq. ft). Exhibitors from all over the world showed their commitment to EPC, with the stand space selling out in the early part of this year. It was a particularly impressive display of commitment to see such elaborate stands with so many large and heavy machines on view.

Visitors seemed particularly impressed with this high level of commitment from the PCB industry. Many people said that they were pleased to be able to see everyone they needed to see at a single event and all within just a few halls. They were also delighted that all the disciplines of the industry were on show (Plates 2-9).

"Sold to" signs in use at first EPC

Exhibitors clearly had a good week, with a number of "Sold to" signs appearing on major pieces of equipment. Many exhibitors commented that customers of the highest quality visited them and they received a number of enquiries from serious potential customers. They were also pleased to be able to spend time with their clients rather than having to rush to see the next passer-by who may or may not have had any interest in the PCB industry.

The show management team was delighted by comments from those who were involved in the early days of IPC, who stated that EPC had put itself on the map and was already at a similar level in terms of exhibitors and visitors to that of year three. The event was always going to be benchmarked with IPC and it is a credit to the European industry that it has been so able to replicate the success of the foremost PCB event in the USA.

Another element to delight many was the significant number of visitors to the event from outside Europe, particularly the Far East. Visitors from China, Taiwan, Japan and Malaysia were able to see the very best of European PCB equipment, consumables and services. As well as visiting the show, the trade associations of these countries were again able to strengthen their links with EFIP, demonstrating that the industry can react globally as well as locally. The growing strength of the liaisons between the trade associations of Europe, the USA, Japan, China, India and many others is one of the most positive results of the EFIP's formation.

Plate 2 Electra used the Wiesbaden show to announce its launch into Europe

Plate 3 Randy Allinson, representing Probot's interests, on the Peter Jordan stand

Plate 4 Julian Coates (Valor Systeme) illustrates the primary features of ODB++

Plate 5 Orbotech provided one of the most innovative new launches at the show with the Inspire 9000

Plate 6Leslie Norris (Nelco) undergoes a temporary career change, as bartender

Plate 7 Morton International's stand was a hive of activity throughout the show

Plate 8 Chris Whitmarsh (Coates Electrographics) demonstrates the latest equipment to interested customers

Plate 9 Phil Britton and colleagues at Du Pont were kept busy throughout the show

The conference also delighted many of those who attended, with speakers from every discipline of the industry sharing information with a wide audience from all levels of PCB fabrication. From engineer to company owner, the conference had something for everyone. Particularly pertinent was the keynote speech from Gerald Nelson of Via Systems, who deputised for Robert Mills. This came just hours after the announcement of the closure of their plants in Selkirk and Galashiels in the Scottish borders. More than 500 people gathered in the auditorium to hear what Gerald had to say. Sessions on hot topics like Microvia and HDI were particularly well attended and many were impressed with the depth of knowledge shown on these complex issues.

The workshops enabled some of the burning issues affecting our industry to be laid bare and discussed in an open and friendly forum. This kind of interaction on such difficult topics as "Bare board test into the next millennium" can only serve to improve the effectiveness and competitiveness of the PCB industry.

Gala event, a night to remember

As well as exhibitors and dignitaries from all over the world, many visitors found the gala evening at EPC a night to remember. The evening was a sell-out, with more than 1,200 people attending in the Rhein-Main-Hallen, to enjoy an evening of good food and entertainment. Many were delighted by the attractive decoration of the hall, with four corners depicting four areas of Europe. For those wishing to sample European cuisine the same four corners had dishes from Italy, France, Germany and the UK. The entertainment was both interesting and exciting with music, art, magic and stunning performances from a trapeze act.

At the time of going to press, Circuit World was still awaiting confirmation of the date for the European Printed Circuit Convention.