BANNOCKBURN, IL — IPC today announced attendance at its signature Apex Expo trade show totaled 8,516 attendees and exhibitor personnel from 61 countries.

The attendee count fell 20% year-over-year to 4,211.

Some 80% of those attendees identified themselves as key buyers or influencers.

The show had 477 exhibitors, up 8% from a year ago, occupying 149,900 net sq. ft., flat with a year ago.

“When I spoke with exhibitors and attendees at this year’s show, feedback was positive," said John Mitchell, president and CEO, IPC. "Attendees said that networking and educational events and activities helped them find new ways to solve challenges; the exhibition provided them the opportunity to meet suppliers that could help them save time and money, and foster new business opportunities."

In a statement, Larry Davis, production engineer, Hach, said, “At Apex Expo, I was able to evaluate all selective solder and placement machines in one place, with all of the relevant technical resources on hand to answer my questions. This was a great use of my time.”

Added Rodney Doss, ESD program manager, Samtec, “Networking at the committee meetings brought me together with individuals who share similar challenges at their facilities. This is a great way to learn how others throughout the world tackle manufacturing issues. I now have new resources to get expert opinions on ideas I may have in the future.”

Next year, the show will take place Jan. 23-28, at the San Diego Convention Center.