Behind the Scenes with IPC Technical Conference Coordinator Toya Richardson
December 9, 2015 | Patty Goldman, I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
As part of the Technical Program Committee for IPC APEX EXPO, I have known and worked with IPC’s Technical Conference Coordinator, Toya Richardson for quite a few years, but we have never had an in-depth chat about her job at IPC. Anyone who has attended the conference sessions, and especially the speakers, is no doubt familiar with her—especially if you had a problem of some sort. Toya is the go-to person and can seemingly perform miracles by obtaining anything from a new projector to an Ace bandage (which she produced for me once when I sprained my ankle).
Patty Goldman: Hi Toya. It’s always good to see you and especially nice to sit down with you for a chat. Tell me a little bit about your role at IPC and how long you've been there.
Toya Richardson: I am the technical conference coordinator at IPC and I've been in this role for about nine and a half years now.
Goldman: Wow, I had no idea it’s been that long. How has the experience been for you overall?
Richardson: It's been exciting. It's been different. As time has gone on, there have been a couple of minor tweaks and changes to the show process to make it better. I've had a lot of help from different people. That's why the process changes as well. We've also had changes with our technical conference director and we've had changes with the technical program committee. A lot of that brings about change in terms of the technical conference.
Goldman: How do you like it? What do you see coming down? We've got APEX EXPO coming up in a few months. I know you're hard at work at it.
Richardson: Yes, actually, I love it. I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy working with IPC members, the attendees, the speakers, etc. I love the interaction. I love trying to do the best that I can to make sure that our attendees have the best technical conference experience that they can have.
It is a very challenging job. I'm making sure that I get all of the speakers together, and from there, that I have all of their up-to-date information, that they comply with our policies, etc., so that everything kind of gels and comes together for a smooth conference.
Sometimes, right at the conference is where challenges occur. We have drops right there on-site, with speakers who can't make it so they'll send someone in their position, or they don't send anyone, or someone gets sick and we have to get a new moderator. All of it is challenging. But I'm at the point (now) where I know what to do. When it first happened I was like, "Oh my gosh! What's going on?" Now I know what to do and I try to make sure that I communicate that to anyone who is helping me, to make sure that they know what to do when these changes happens.
Page 1 of 4
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Industry Growth, Challenges, and Technological Advancements
05/09/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Nolan Johnson and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, dive into key industry topics such as growth, challenges, and technological advancements. They discuss shifts in the global competitive landscape, downstream demand, customization, and how AI is enhancing human skills. The industry outlook appears promising for both the short and long term.