The world’s leading event organiser, Reed Exhibitions, will once again host one of China’s largest and most successful SMT and electronics manufacturing event — NEPCON China 2009, which will be held from 21 to 24 April 2009, at the Shanghai Everbright Exhibition and Convention Centre. Hot on the heels of the highly successful 2008 event, which welcomed more than 16,000 visitors over four days, exhibitors will have to move fast to secure a position, with 80 percent of floor space already booked.

Confirming NEPCON China as the event of choice, visitors from all over China and the globe can once again expect to see firm favorites showcasing the very latest products and services. Zhu Jian, Director of PBA Manufacturing Dept of Alcatel Shanghai Bell, agrees, “We come to NEPCON China every year and do not see the need to visit any other event in the industry.” Scott Xiao, Senior Technical Manager, RBAX/MFG-AE2 of Bosh Automotive Products, said, “NEPCON China is the best show in the SMT industry and the knowledge gained from visiting the event helps us greatly. We do not visit any other show as for us NEPCON is the best.” With NEPCON China being one of the largest and longest standing SMT trade events in China that features all major brands in the SMT world, it is currently the leading platform for visitors to network and learn. It is not a surprise that visitors come back year after year.

Exhibitor Abby Tsoi, Director of Kasion Automation Ltd., a leading distributor who represents major brands in China, explains why he has once again made NEPCON the preferred exhibition platform: “Kasion believes that NEPCON is a guarantee of visitors, and qualified visitors with the excellent promotion network by Reed Exhibitions. We cannot find another similar show or organizer to replace NEPCON.” Another exhibitor, Tom Forsythe, Vice President of Kyzen, commented: “NEPCON has been exceptional. The combination of the most prestigious manufacturers in China, the world’s technology leaders, the best sales and service and distribution companies from throughout China is a powerful combination for opportunity, growth and success.”

NEPCON China has stamped the success of the 2009 event with the co-location of its first dedicated exhibition for the Photovoltaic sector, PV Tech Expo China. With China now the second largest solar cell manufacturer in the world, the obvious synergy between the two industries will provide enormous benefits for both exhibitors and visitors. PV Tech Expo has created excitement in the industry, attracting worldwide participants and looks set to catapult to the number one position in this sector in Asia, boosting the success of both events.

Education is a vital element in the success of NEPCON China and the 2009 event will host the prominent industry body SMTA. The SMTA China Chapter will work in conjunction with the event to provide the SMTA China East Conference program that will once again prove a “must attend” attraction for visitors. The design of the 2009 program is already underway and will address the industry’s most pressing issues concerning electronics manufacturing, advanced packaging and lead-free reliability. Acting as the industry’s educational platform, major EMS and manufacturing companies will be invited to hold their annual staff meetings and training sessions during the four-day exhibition, with conference rooms and presentation facilities. Staff from these EMS companies will also have an opportunity to walk the show floor to acquaint them with the latest technology in the industry they work in.

The opportunity to inform and educate the industry in China does not stop when the door closes on another event. The NEPCON China e-platform will work hand in hand with SMT Home, the major online SMT platform that boosts more than 160,000 active members, with 3,000 visitors online at any one time — making it the largest SMT community in China today. This powerful cooperation will provide the industry a 365-day platform to network and promote their brand and products effectively.

NEPCON also connects the suppliers and the users in the SMT industry throughout the calendar year with the launch of “My NEPCON Express.” The first edition, published in July this year, was delivered to more than 50,000 of NEPCON’s visitors. It provides an opportunity to update visitors with latest the exhibition news, forthcoming conferences, and interviews with CEOs and decision makers as well as a technical question and answer forum. Visitors are encouraged to write in to express their views about the industry and the products they are using.

The NEPCON team looks forward to welcoming the industry once again with a bigger and better event in 2009; set to retain the title as the only consistent platform to meet the needs of the SMT industry in China. Visitors can expect numerous new activities, the latest in products and services, an unrivalled educational program and an opportunity to see the launch of PV Tech Expo 2009.

The upcoming NEPCON event in China, NEPCON/EMT South China 2008, will be held at the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center from 26-29 August 2008. Held concurrently with Assembly Technology Expo China 2008, Automotive Electronics South China 2008 and Finetech China 2008, this mega presentation of five events is expected to attract more than 30,000 trade professional over the four-day event.