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.
Women's Leadership Program
Monday, October 20 | 1:30pm-6:00pm
Room: 45 | Level 2 of the DES Convention Center
Promote Diversity & Inclusion in Engineering & Manufacturing Fields
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
For the past 15 years at SMTA International, the committee holds a half day program for all to join and enjoy conversations with their fellow attendees. These programs include technical presentations and round table discussions moderated by industry leaders.
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This popular and motivational program concludes with the Annual Connection Reception from 5:00pm-6:00pm.
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7th Inning Social
Tuesday, October 21 | 5:00pm-7:00pm
SMTA Booth
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
Step up to the plate at our 7th Inning Social! Join us Tuesday from 5–7pm at the SMTA booth for drinks, ballpark snacks, music, and good conversation. It’s a fun, casual way to unwind and connect.
Bright Manufacturing Challenge
Wednesday, October 22
SMTA Booth
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.
Passport Program
Kick-Off: Tuesday, October 21 | 5:00pm
Concluding Raffle: Thursday, October 23 | 11:00am
SMTA Booth
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
Meet Manufacturing Technology Experts on the Expo Floor
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!
SMTA International
Keynote Presentation
Wednesday, October 22 | 9:00am - 10:00am
Room: 1 | Level 1 of the DES Convention Center
FREE AND OPEN TO ALL ATTENDEES
The Competitive Edge
Speaker: Joanna C. Cooper
In this keynote, Joanna Cooper, General Manager at Daimler Truck North America, shares firsthand insights into cultivating a sustainable and agile culture of innovation. Drawing from real-world experience, she unpacks the challenges faced and lessons learned while leading transformation in a complex, technology-driven manufacturing environment. 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.
Next Gen 10
Wednesday, October 23 | 10:30am
SMTA Booth
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.
SYP Happy Hour
Wednesday, October 22 | 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Murray Brothers Caddyshack | 9546 Balmoral Ave., Rosemont, IL 60018
FREE AND OPEN TO INDIVIDUALS 40 AND UNDER
Join us for a beverage to mingle with fellow peers that are new to the industry. Murray Brothers Caddyshack is located on the lobby level in Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel and Conference Center
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