Spending back-to-back weeks at two electronics assembly trade shows is a unique experience, to me.
First up was SMTAI in Orlando, FL where I helped present a paper on Solder Fortification® Preforms.
How does one "help" present a paper? Have you ever listened to a great paper and then, at the end, seen so many people rush around the speaker that no one can get a chance to make a further connection? My role was to be available as an additional resource for answering questions after the presentation.
The second show was IMAPS 2010 in Raleigh, NC. This is one of the best showcases for our Engineered Solder Materials.
There are many facets to the trade show experience.
- There is the booth, which has to have the right message and the right pictures to draw the right people in. Our message is "From One Engineer to Another". Most of our staff IS engineers. Our team is extremely knowledgeable about materials and assembly processes. We provide the best service when we are talking with Process or Design Engineers that need our soldering or bonding expertise.
- There are the technical presentations, as mentioned above.
- There is the networking with industry leaders. Being able to visit a variety of complimentary suppliers and discussing topics we have in common is tremendously valuable.
Even in the face of the myriad technology devices that keep us connected 24 hours a day, there is still nothing like that face-to-face experience. The IMAPS Global Business Council presented two speakers during the show: one from DuPont and one from Dow. One of them (I am sorry I can't remember which one) stated the overwhelming importance of getting their Application Engineering staff into the field to work face-to-face with customers.
So if you want to more about what we know, check out our blogs. When you see something you like or want to know more about, call us or email us. We are glad to work with you!
And if you want to hear another viewpoint on trade shows, check out Andy Mackie's blog.