MySemiconDaily interviewed Karen Savala, President, SEMI Americas, and asked her about the upcoming SEMICON West 2011 exhibition. Here’s her perspective on the new and interesting features, activities, and events available to attendees.
MSD: “Karen, what’s new at SEMICON West 2011?”
KS: “SEMICON West is the industry’s one event that everyone wants to attend. SEMICON West is always interesting, but this year, we’ve got a truly great show for attendees.”
“The Keynotes and Executive Sessions are always big draws, because these are where the thought leaders of the industry share their sometimes-controversial and always-insightful perspectives. This year, we’re very pleased to have as keynote speakers Tien Wu, ASE; Rama K. Shukla, Intel; and Luc Van den hove, IMEC. The SEMICON West Executive Summit, which will be held this year on Wednesday, July 13, has industry CEOs with differing perspectives engaging in often intense dialogue about future growth and opportunities. And the Bulls and Bears investor conference closes out the week on Thursday, July 14, with a panel of industry and financial analysts.”
“Many people come to SEMICON West for the networking – to meet with friends and colleagues and to develop new contacts. We’ve expanded the networking opportunities this year, so we’ll have a VIP Reception on Monday, and then the first-ever SEMICON West Happy Hour will be held on Tuesday, July 12, from 3:30-5:00pm, with no-host bars located across North and South Halls and at sponsoring exhibitor booths.”
“But the core of every SEMICON West exhibition is the technology that drives innovation, and we’ve expanded the offerings for this year. The Advanced Technology Manufacturing TechZONE brings new companies to SEMICON West 2011, including Mentor Graphics, GLOBALFOUNDRIES, IBM, Samsung, Amkor, and ASE, as they reach out to new audiences from the design and fabless community.”
“And there are the Technology Sessions at the TechXPOTs. One of the most popular features of SEMICON West is the TechXPOTs, which this year highlight device architecture for logic and memory, 3D ICs, semiconductor test, high-brightness LEDs, MEMS, flexible electronics, power semiconductors, design, and productivity.”
MSD: “What’s happening at SEMICON West 2011 for the secondary equipment market companies?”
KS: “The secondary equipment market is becoming extremely important for equipment manufacturers, especially for 200mm equipment. There will be a ‘Secondary Equipment Stage’, and the SEMI Secondary Equipment Group has announced new market data for this segment. No one has really understood or articulated the value of the secondary market to date, because there wasn’t data. Now there is, and it will be at the show.”
MSD: “What activities are planned for the online community during and after the show?”
KS: “We will be streaming some of the keynote content for those who were unable to attend this year’s show in person. And we intend to extend the life and the value of SEMICON West 2011 through Webinar content, as there’s a critical industry need for the information discussed at the technology tracks. We’re considering holding monthly or bi-monthly Webinars after the exhibition so that attendees can keep up with what happens after the show – when companies take this information and integrate it into product and manufacturing plans.”
MSD: “Thank you, Karen Savala.”