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Tuesday, October 27
 

8:30am CDT

Back 2 Basics Session 1: From Design to Fab
Tuesday October 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
Back to Basics
Whether you’re new to electronics manufacturing or strengthening your foundational knowledge, Back to Basics provides a practical introduction to the PCB ecosystem. This full-day track at SMTA International features ten sessions led by industry practitioners covering the processes, equipment, and decisions that drive quality on the manufacturing floor.

Session Presentations
"PCB Design:  Where It All Begins" - Shawn McCutcheon, Go Technology Corporation
"Behind the Scenes: PCB Fabrication" -  Kevin Dial, American Standard Circuits
"Bridging the Design-to-Fab Gap" - John Johnson, American Standard Circuits
Tuesday October 27, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am CDT
WFD

10:30am CDT

Back 2 Basics Session 2: SMT Assembly Essentials
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
Back to Basics
Whether you’re new to electronics manufacturing or strengthening your foundational knowledge, Back to Basics provides a practical introduction to the PCB ecosystem. This full-day track at SMTA International features ten sessions led by industry practitioners covering the processes, equipment, and decisions that drive quality on the manufacturing floor.

Session Presentations
"Mastering the First Step: Stencil Printing" - Adam Murling, Indium Corporation
"Component Placement: Right Part, Right Place" - Daniel Stanphill, Aurora Boardworks

Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm CDT
WFD

10:30am CDT

Workforce Development & Student Technical Session
Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm CDT
The Workforce Development and Student Technical Sessions are designed to engage both students and industry professionals through keynote presentations, interactive tables, and focused technical content on emerging technologies in electronics manufacturing.

Registration
Free and open to the public. RSVP for this session when registering for SMTA International.

Workforce Development Session
The session opens with a 30–45 minute keynote on emerging technologies intended to appeal to a broad audience — from students to experienced industry professionals. The keynote will incorporate real workforce data and statistics from recent SMTA events, including the Arizona session, and set the stage for the interactive table activities.

EMAC Update
Following the keynote, a 15–30 minute EMAC (Electronics Manufacturing Advisory Council) update will cover recent accomplishments, acknowledge academic and business partners, and preview upcoming initiatives. Back to Basics sessions will be incorporated into this segment.

Student Technical Sessions
The technical sessions run 90 minutes total, structured as three 30-minute presentations. Topics are focused on emerging technologies that connect directly to the keynote.

Topics:
•    AI in Electronics Manufacturing
•    3D Printing for Electronics Tooling
•    Emerging Nanotechnology


Tuesday October 27, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm CDT
EMAC

12:00pm CDT

Next Gen Connect: Pizza and Perspectives
Tuesday October 27, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
Next Gen Connect: Pizza and Perspectives brings students, young professionals, and experienced industry leaders together for an informal lunch focused on career guidance, shared knowledge, and meaningful connections.
Held over pizza at Slyce, this event is designed to help the next generation of electronics manufacturing professionals meet longtime SMTA members, chapter leaders, committee members, and industry veterans who can offer perspective from years in the field. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, hear practical advice, and build relationships that can extend beyond SMTA International.

Whether you are attending your first SMTAI or looking to grow your professional network, this lunch is an easy way to connect with people who have navigated the industry and want to help newer professionals find their path.

Why attend?
Meet experienced industry professionals, hear real-world career advice, learn how to get more involved in SMTA, and make connections that can support your next steps.
Who should attend?
Students, young professionals, first-time attendees, and anyone looking to build relationships with SMTA leaders and longtime industry members.
What to expect
Pizza, informal conversation, practical guidance, and a welcoming space to connect with peers and experienced professionals.
How to attend?
RSVP when registering for SMTA International by selecting the free add-on ticket, Pizza & Perspectives.

Tuesday October 27, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm CDT
SLYCE Restaurant @ Embassy Suites Rosemont 5500 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, United States

1:00pm CDT

Back 2 Basics Session 3: Solder, Repair & Protect
Tuesday October 27, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
Back to Basics
Whether you’re new to electronics manufacturing or strengthening your foundational knowledge, Back to Basics provides a practical introduction to the PCB ecosystem. This full-day track at SMTA International features ten sessions led by industry practitioners covering the processes, equipment, and decisions that drive quality on the manufacturing floor.

Session Presentations
"Reflow Soldering:  What Really Happens" -  Miles Moreau, KIC
"Wave & Selective: When and Why" - Gayle Towell, AIM Solder
"Rework Strategies That Work" - Nash Bell, BEST Inc. 

Tuesday October 27, 2026 1:00pm - 3:00pm CDT
WFD

3:30pm CDT

Back 2 Basics Session 4: Test & Verify + Guided Expo Walk
Tuesday October 27, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
Back to Basics
Whether you’re new to electronics manufacturing or strengthening your foundational knowledge, Back to Basics provides a practical introduction to the PCB ecosystem. This full-day track at SMTA International features ten sessions led by industry practitioners covering the processes, equipment, and decisions that drive quality on the manufacturing floor.

Session Presentations
"Cleaning and Coating:  Protect What You've Built" -  Elliott Fowler, Sandia National Laboratories
"Trust But Verify: Test and Inspection" - Brittany White, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)

Tuesday October 27, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm CDT
WFD

4:00pm CDT

Bright Manufacturing Challenge Round 2 (Team Robotics Challenge)
Tuesday October 27, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
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 2 - Assembly
$500 prize
Hands-on PCB assembly in a timed environment. During Round 2, the focus shifts to how well students assemble their PCBs, manage rework, and validate electrical functionality. Judging will emphasize soldering quality and workmanship.
Tuesday October 27, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
SMTA Booth #2851

4:00pm CDT

Tuesday Evening Reception: Pit Stop Party
Tuesday October 27, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
Refuel, Recharge & Connect.

Join us at the SMTA Booth for complimentary drinks and light bites! This is a great opportunity to network, connect with fellow attendees, and unwind in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Tuesday October 27, 2026 4:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
SMTA Booth #2851
 
Wednesday, October 28
 

10:00am CDT

Electronics Assembly Explorer Kickoff
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
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!
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am CDT
Room 13 - Level 1

10:00am CDT

SMTA International Keynote Presentation
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Information coming soon….
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Room 13 - Ground Floor

10:30am CDT

Bright Manufacturing Challenge Round 3 (Team Robotics Challenge)
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm CDT
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
Wednesday October 28, 2026 10:30am - 4:00pm CDT
SMTA Booth #2851

11:00am CDT

SMTA Benefits & Max (AI) Demonstration Session
Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
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.
Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm CDT
SMTA Booth #2851

11:00am CDT

Interactive Presentations (Posters) on the Show Floor
Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm CDT
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
Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm CDT
EXPO HALL B

1:00pm CDT

NextGen10 Award Ceremony
Wednesday October 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Next Gen 10 Awards Ceremony

Celebrate the emerging leaders shaping the future of the electronics manufacturing industry as SMTA recognizes this year’s Next Gen 10 honorees.

Wednesday October 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
SMTA Booth #2851

4:00pm CDT

SMTA Officer Meeting and Social
Wednesday October 28, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
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. 
Wednesday October 28, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
TBA

5:00pm CDT

Wednesday Reception: Halloween Bash
Wednesday October 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
Information coming soon….
Wednesday October 28, 2026 5:00pm - 7:30pm CDT
LOBBY
 
Thursday, October 29
 

11:00am CDT

Electronics Assembly Explorer Raffle
Thursday October 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT

Thursday October 29, 2026 11:00am - 11:30am CDT
SMTA Booth #2851
 
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