SMTA International 2026

Welcome to the Electronics Manufacturing Explorer
Step into the world of electronics manufacturing through hands-on challenges, expert conversations, and practical problem-solving - all on the SMTA International expo floor. Enter for a chance to win a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones!

Can You Keep Production Moving?
You are the lead manufacturing engineer for a new electronics product. As production begins, challenges appear throughout the assembly process, and you are tasked with getting things back on track.

How It Works
-Read the scenario for each manufacturing process.
-Consider how the problem or challenge can be identified, prevented, or resolved.
-Locate an exhibiting company or piece of equipment that could help.
-Capture a photo with your solution as proof of your visit and upload it to the Explorer site.
-Complete the station to move to the next challenge.

The subject of your submission photos will depend on the solution to each challenge. Some might involve a short conversation, and others may be a specific piece of equipment. Be creative and ask questions - we're counting on you!

Information coming soon….

What is the Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge?
The Bright Electronics Manufacturing Challenge is an immersive, hands-on experience where student teams will design, fabricate, and test a custom printed circuit board to serve as the control center for a robot — simulating a real-world engineering product development cycle.

ROUND 3- The Final Challenge
$2,000 prize
The culminating event — teams bring their completed robots to life in a real-world competition on a physical arena floor. Round 3 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.

Timeline

• 10:30am-12:00pm: Speed Round Qualifying

• 1:30pm-2:00pm: Quarterfinals

• 2:05pm-2:25pm: Shake-out Runs

• 2:45pm-3:00pm: Semifinals

• 3:15pm-3:30pm: Final

• 3:45pm Award: Ceremony

SMTA Benefits & Max (AI) Demonstration Session

What Can SMTA Do for You? Stop by the SMTA booth for an overview of the benefits, resources, and opportunities available to you with a membership. See how Max, our AI research assistant, can be an asset in your job every day.

Explore cutting-edge research and technical innovations at the Interactive Presentations session. This interactive poster event allows attendees to connect directly with presenters, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the latest developments shaping the electronics manufacturing industry.

Posters/Presenters:

• Expanding Electronic Technician Workforce Opportunities – Introduction to PCB Layout, Grant Emmel, Madison Area Technical College
• Expanding Electronic Technician Workforce Opportunities – Introduction to PCB Assembly, Andy Kurth, Madison Area Technical College
• Reliability Assessment of Copper-Wire-Based Micro-Via BGA Pad Repair, George Isaac, Lockheed Martin
• Hybrid Parylene + ALD Al₂O₃ Conformal Coating for Hermetic Moisture Protection of Electronic Devices, George Isaac, Lockheed Martin

All current Chapter and Alliance Group officers are invited to attend the Annual Officer Meeting. This event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow officers and the SMTA Board of Directors, hear the latest organizational updates, and celebrate outstanding volunteer achievements. 

Information coming soon….