'I Was...Surprised by the APEX Comments' Gene, I was a little surprised by the APEX comments in your latest editorial. APEX has gone out of its way to provide our supporters, exhibitors and attendees with an experience that is better than NEPCON in every way. We have stronger educational and technical conference programs than NEPCON ever offered. We have cut exhibitor floor space expenses in half and reduced additional service expenses, as well. We go out of our way to work with the trade publications and offer them value. Our customer service commitment is extremely strong, and we are not trying to maximize profits and take them out of the industry. I would be very interested to hear why you think APEX has become a NEPCON rerun and where you think we can improve. Kim Sterling IPC Vice President, Marketing & Communications Gene Selven replies: It was not my intention to knock APEX in my column, but rather to give my perception to our readers that APEX 2002, like NEPCON, was not a semiconductor show. I did comment on some very positive things about the quality of visitors at your show and noted that the buzz was about technology. Similarly, the SEMICON Europa show, from which I had just returned when I received your letter, was abuzz with new products from companies that didn't cut their R&D budgets. They announced these products at the Europa show and will make further announcements at SEMICON West in July. Recent activity, however, has convinced me that the economic upturn has begun! With the economic upturn underway, I think every company should look at its focus to ensure that it is on the growth side of the market. After what we have gone through in this economic period, it should be a must to recalibrate who you are, what your focus is, and where your roadmap leads in the future. Sincerely, Gene Selven
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