About OctoberBest
OctoberBest-Regional High-Tech Conference & Expo: 2009
Contact:
Ruth Delker,
Cipher Systems
503 819 4895
Email Me
Nine years ago, four members of the Electronic Representatives Association gathered to launch an idea that has grown into today’s OctoberBest Regional High-tech Conference & Expo. Their goal was to provide an open forum for companies involved in manufacturing, design, testing and development to network and learn about emerging trends from industry leaders. The idea was and still is to promote local sourcing of goods and services in manufacturing.
The event continues to provide an arena where local manufacturers can learn new methods and technologies. It promotes the exchange of ideas and information that will help them to perform more efficiently and cost effectively. It provides a platform to introduce local resources and suppliers to the manufacturing community who offer a wide range of products and services. OctoberBest sponsors educational programs designed for learning, networking and personal growth. All of this is done with the goal of stimulating the Pacific Northwest economy.
OctoberBest is an all volunteer organization bringing together professionals from around the tech community to help plan, organize and facilitate the event. The primary contributors are the Oregon Chapter of the Electronics Manufacturers Association (EMA) and the Pacific Northwest Electronic Representatives Association (ERA).
The 2009 Event is being steered by Co-Chairs: Ruth Delker of Cipher Systems and Tom Enfield of Electronic Solutions. It will be held on October 7th, 2009 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Tektronix Conference Center on the Tektronix Campus at 13975 SW Karl Braun Drive, Beaverton, Oregon. The show continues to be organized by volunteers who are professionals from around the tech community who help plan, organize and facilitate the event.
A significant benefit of the event is that it enables our organizations to give to our community. To date, the event has allowed us to donate over $10,000 and approximately 2,000 lbs of canned food to the Oregon Food Bank. Additionally, a scholarship was presented last year to the PCC Rock Creek’s Micro Electronics Department in 2008.
Backed by local organizations including the ERA, EMA, PNW Chapter of IPC Designers Council, the Surface Mount Technology Association’s Oregon Chapter, IEEE’s- Oregon Chapter and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, this expo gathers exhibitors and attendees from all facets of the electronics business. From these organizations, the show draws talented instructors who provide technical programs designed for learning, networking and personal growth.
OctoberBest’s 2009 keynote speaker is Ben Santarris, Public Affairs Manager of SolarWorld Industries America. Ben Santarris will be presenting "The Sun Rises Over The Silicon Florest". Previous Keynotes included 2005- Mayor Tom Hughes of Hillsboro, OR; 2006- Oregon Representative David Wu; and 2007- Jim Newel of the Corporate Technology Office of Insitu, located in Bingen, WA; and 2008- Terry Outcalt, General Manager of Flir Systems
Brisk sales of the 81 available booths reflect the high interest of exhibitors from Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Returning key sponsors include: Gold-Prototron Circuits, Silver/Web-Stillwell Baker, Silver/Food-ClarkNet. Each year the committee seeks larger venues as the interest of this expo evokes even more synergistic involvement within the electronics community.