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SPECIAL EVENTS
Forge influential relationships with top professionals and solution providers across various industries. Throughout SMTA International, you'll have access to networking functions, one on each day of the event, as well as numerous other opportunities to engage with thousands of participants.
AME Morning Keynote
WHEN & WHERE
Monday, October 20 | 9:00am-10:00am
Room 46/48 — Level 2 of the DES Convention Center
ABOUT
AME Morning Keynote: Electrochemical Additive Manufacturing: Advancing Scalable, High-Performance Electronics for Next-Generation Applications
Presenter: Michael Matthews, Fabric8Labs, Inc.
Women's Leadership Program
WHEN & WHERE
Monday, October 20 | 1:30pm-6:00pm
Room 45 — Level 2 of the DES Convention Center
ABOUT
Step under the DFX umbrella and get ready to soak up inspiration with the SMTA Women's Leadership Program! As possibilities pour down across the ever-evolving landscape of electronics manufacturing, we’re celebrating the incredible women who lead, innovate, and drive change. From the trailblazers who paved the way to the next generation of technology champions, join us as we dive into the opportunities raining down on our industry—and discover how we can shape the future, together.
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This popular and motivational program concludes with the Annual Connection Reception from 5:00pm-6:00pm.​
Workforce Development Special Session – Hosted by EMAC
WHEN & WHERE
Tuesday, October 21 | 10:00am-12:00pm
Room 50/51 — Level 2 of the DES Convention Center
ABOUT
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of electronics manufacturing talent at SMTA International. This interactive session will focus on defining and standardizing the skills and responsibilities for technician and engineering functions critical to our industry. Your input will help establish clear, consistent benchmarks to guide training programs and academic curriculum nationwide. Hosted by EMAC, the session will also showcase progress since last year’s SMTA International town hall—including new academic partnerships, training initiatives, and collaborative program development. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your voice and drive meaningful change for the next generation of electronics professionals.
7th Inning Social
WHEN & WHERE
Tuesday, October 21 | 4:00pm-7:00pm
SMTA Booth #2847
ABOUT
Step up to the plate at our 7th Inning Social! Join us Tuesday evening to kick-off the SMTA Exhibition!
Come to the SMTA booth for drinks, ballpark snacks, and music. It’s a fun, casual way to unwind and connect.
Passport Program
WHEN & WHERE
Kickoff: Wednesday, October 22 | 10:00am
Concluding Raffle: Thursday, October 23 | 11:00am
SMTA Booth #2847
ABOUT
Calling all young professionals and those new to the industry! Join us at SMTA International during our interactive in-expo networking event, Passport to the World of SMT!
Keynote Presentation
WHEN & WHERE
Wednesday, October 22 | 9:15am-10:00am
Room 1 — Level 1 of the DES Convention Center
ABOUT
In this keynote, Joanna Cooper, General Manager at Daimler Truck North America, shares firsthand insights into cultivating a sustainable and agile culture of innovation. From harnessing AI to stabilizing assembly operations, Joanna demonstrates how digital tools are not only revolutionizing products—but redefining how decisions are made, how teams are engaged, and how operations are run.
Bright Manufacturing Challenge
WHEN & WHERE
Wednesday, October 22
SMTA Booth #2847
ABOUT
The culminating event where student-designed and assembled robots compete in a real-world mission on a custom-built arena floor. This round evaluates the integration of electronics, firmware, mechanical design, and teamwork under pressure. It demonstrates how effectively teams turned their PCB design into a functional, mission-capable robot.
Tuesday, October 21: 4:00pm - 7:00pm Assembly Round
Wednesday, October 22: 8:30am - 12:45pm Team Practice Rounds
Wednesday, October 22: 2:00pm - 5:00pm Final Challenge and Winner Announcement
Next Gen 10 Program
WHEN & WHERE
Wednesday, October 22
Award Ceremony: Wednesday, October 22 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm
SMTA Booth #2847
ABOUT
SMTA will host the Next Gen 10 Program to recognize young leaders who have demonstrated outstanding success in their careers and contributions to the electronics manufacturing industry. This isn't just a program - it's a career accelerator! Know someone who stands out? You can help us choose our next class of 10 emerging leaders to build confidence, connections, and skills.
Officers Meeting and Social
WHEN & WHERE
Wednesday, October 22 | 4:00pm-6:00pm
Room 44 — Level 2 of the DES Convention Center
ABOUT
All current Chapter and Alliance Group officers are invited to join us for an engaging afternoon of networking and connection. Meet with fellow officers and members of the SMTA Board of Directors, get the latest organizational updates, and help us celebrate outstanding volunteer achievements.
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