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Unknown
Welcome to Aztec Caste, sponsored by the Arizona Technology Council with your hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. Aztec Cast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Aztec Cast invites leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across the state of Arizona, from innovative startups to regional news companies and emerging technologies.
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Aztec Cast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state's growing tech ecosystem.
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Unknown
Welcome to the Arizona Technology Council's A-Z tech cast. I'm Erik Miller, co-founder and owner of PDT. And today I'm joined by my co-host, council president and CEO Steve Zylstra. Aztec Cast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond, bringing together industry experts for real conversations about trends, challenges and breakthroughs shaping our state's tech ecosystem. Today, we're joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly.
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Unknown
First is Vic Neurosis, executive vice president and head of industry development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Martine Parikh, senior vice president and partner of Kite rocket and Joe Stack. Goodness, president of Semi America. Some of the America in the episode of easy. In this episode of the AG tech cast will discuss how Arizona is emerging as the US headquarters for the semiconductor industry and this October, Phoenix will host Semi Con West for the first time.
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Unknown
Together we'll dive into wires on. It has become the epicenter and center of US semiconductor investment. What the move of semi con West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversation at this year's show. Before we dive in, Steve, can you tell listeners a little bit about the council?
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Unknown
Yes. Thank you, Eric, and welcome to all of our guests. I'm Steve Zile Stone, president and CEO, the Arizona Technology Council. We're a statewide trade association representing science and technology companies. We have about 750 member companies across Arizona with offices in both Phoenix and Tucson. We do public policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal level.
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Unknown
We do around 100 events a year. We have all kinds of publications, and we negotiate much lower prices for all kinds of products and services on behalf of our members. Thank you. Great. So thanks a lot, Steve. So let's get to our guests a little bit better, and we'll just then we'll dive into the conversation. But let's start off.
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Unknown
We'll go in the same order. I introduced you. Vic, why don't you tell us a little about yourself and what you do? Well, thank you very much, Eric. It's a pleasure to be here. I'm Victor Russo, signed with the Arizona Commerce Authority. I lead strategy for the semiconductor and aerospace and defense sectors. Previous to that, I've led the business development activities here and was part of the leadership team that, was fortunate enough to bring, TSMC in May of 2022 and work with over 40 supply chain companies, that have also now, come as a result of their activities and the activities of many others.
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Unknown
So, again, pleasure to be here. Thank you. Reed staff Martin. Eric. Steve. Thank you so much for having me. I'm Martin Perich. I'm the founder of, Kid Rocket. Been working in the semiconductor industry for about 30 years. Spent about a decade in Silicon Valley before moving to Arizona to start Kid Rocket here 20 years ago.
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Unknown
Kid rocket is a, strategic communications marketing firm specialized in the semiconductor industry and some relating, related emerging technologies. Think AI and machine learning, IoT data centers, and so forth. What we do is we help promote companies across the semiconductor value chain and help them promote their technological advancements, their products and solutions. That advanced chip industry and of course, grow their business.
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Unknown
We also partner with industry organizations such as semi, to promote industry events like Smic on West, coming to Phoenix, but more importantly, also to educate, advocate and communicate the many initiatives that, programs and programs that semi spearhead around four course development, sustainability advocacy, global advocacy and so forth. Kite Rocket was founded 20 years ago.
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Unknown
As I said, we're an independent PR agency. But just recently in July, got, acquired by Southwest Strategies Group, an agency that focuses on public affairs advocacy and community outreach, specifically to the infrastructure, energy, transportation and land use sectors. And so, with the addition of kite rocket becoming part of Southwest Strategies, we're not only at semiconductor an emerging technology to a portfolio, but we also expand, their reach across the entire US West Coast, from Washington state to California, all the way into Arizona.
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Unknown
Currently have about 120 employees in our business. And, we're very excited to, to be a big part of the, CinemaCon show coming to Arizona. Love it. Love it. Thanks. And, Joe. Good morning, Eric and Steve. And thanks for having us today. It's it's great to be with my my partners, Martine and, and Vic as well.
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Unknown
They've really been a big help in making the move for semi con west to to Arizona. I can't thank them enough for all the help we've received. This is a big move for us. A little bit about myself. I've spent my entire career, over 40 years in the semiconductor industry. I previously, I actually had retired in 2020, after working for 40 years in the industry.
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Unknown
I had led the largest electronic materials business, in in semiconductor, and also had responsibility for a large semiconductor equipment supply as well. But, again, I'm at semi now and semi is the end to end, trade association for the semiconductor industry we're involved with in the entire membership over 3700 members, on a global basis.
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Unknown
Members are companies, by the way. So we represent about 1.3 million employees around the globe. And, we are active in, in everything the trade associations do, the biggest of which is our, conventions. We currently have eight semiconductor around the world. And, we couldn't be more thrilled with, the move to Phoenix right now. And I'm sure you'll help me explain that a little bit more detail as we progress here.
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Unknown
But again, thank you. Eric and Steve. Eric, I hope you don't mind if I jump right in. Please do. So, over the last five years, especially, Arizona has emerged as a leader, across the US and semiconductors. Can each of you talk about why that is? What's unique about Arizona that's led to this massive influx of investment here in Arizona?
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Unknown
Vic, why don't we start with you? Well, thanks, Steve. You know, as is was mentioned by Eric. We've had a very long history of semiconductor presence here in Arizona to start with. And so there there is an infrastructure here, a cluster that, allows us to leverage, those activities and while certainly is probably the most dynamic industry sector that there can be, and one that changes rapidly.
00:08:00:05 - 00:08:47:07
Unknown
We do have that base and, with a very purposeful, attention to the semiconductor sector by the Arizona Commerce Authority and many other important partners essential in, in the growth of the sector. In the last five years, including our university partners, our workforce partners are utility partners. Semi itself, and many others. We worked together and and I think that's the important, important phrase is working together to communicate the benefits of the posture here in Arizona, not only as, a US leadership, role, but also, becoming known around the world.
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Unknown
It is that cluster, you know, when we first started reaching out very heavily to semiconductor sector around the world in late 2018, 19, early 2020, the response from overseas was, oh, yeah, Arizona, Grand Canyon. Now it's oh, yeah, Arizona, TSMC, and many others. Right. So, it's it's really been, a wonderful series of successes, but only as a result of great partners.
00:09:19:00 - 00:09:42:07
Unknown
And I should also mention, the importance of the chips act, which was really the financial impetus that that, that, that really helped bring all these other things together as well. So lots of pieces over time. It was not an overnight thing. It was working together over many years. Look for our audience. Let me talk a little bit about the history.
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Unknown
So the gal and brothers brought Motorola here in 1949. That was really the beginning. And then, Intel came here in 1979. After that, we have, on semi microchip, Marvell, NXP, a whole range of other ASM, asml Rogers. Industry partners. So, we did have a rich past and so connectors but all the things that you just mentioned, Vickers really made it explode in the last couple of years.
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Unknown
Martina, anything to add to Vic's, description? Right. Steve, between what you and Vic said, I think we've covered a lot of the the ground here already, but I would I would say the one thing that really, struck me having, you know, lived in Silicon Valley for a while and having been here in Arizona for 20 years now, having gone to school here as well.
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Unknown
The open to business attitude of Arizona, the great collaboration between ACA, GPC, Arizona Tech Council, the governor's office, the city's ASU, U of it, and all the universities just it's it's it feels like it's a really good collaboration and everyone's working towards the same goal. And I think that's, been been a huge, upside to what Arizona's been able to offer, in addition, of course, to great incentive programs and an incredible talent pool.
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Unknown
And, of course, you know, you know, to, great. Thanks to Vic and many others, at ACA and other organizations that managed to bring TSMC on board because I think that was really an accelerator to the program. But I also don't, you know, being Dutch, I do want to have a little bit of, a plug for the fact that ASML and ASM have been here for many, many years and have always, taken Arizona, very seriously and, invested in this semiconductor ecosystem here as well.
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Unknown
So, you know, I think, it's it's been, it's it's been a great collaboration between government industry, and and the many companies that have been here and are coming back now, Joe, you have an outsider's perspective. All of us are here in Arizona. What are your thoughts on this rise of, Phoenix, especially. But Arizona as a whole?
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Unknown
So, Steve, I've been coming for 40 years as well, since 86. And, it it always has been that that infrastructure's fundamental. At the time, I was with their products and in 86 and, and their product sets an extensive infrastructure of its own was, a pipeline for nitrogen throughout the valley, which is is unique in its own.
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Unknown
There's also one in Silicon Valley, but, kind of interesting to see just how important that infrastructure is and how long lasting it is. At the time, Motorola and Intel were the leaders in the industry and their products had founded it. A I was I was at that time, I was the cub reporter. I was the young first time.
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Unknown
It was my first management position. And we decided to form a, market facing business unit focused on semiconductor. And what we did was we just had a tremendous leader who said, we're going to follow the market leaders, and they were Intel and, Motorola at the time. And we made very strong investments in Arizona and, had never looked back from there.
00:13:04:12 - 00:13:24:05
Unknown
There's still very strong investment. And so my, my old division is now AMD, part of, Merck Chemical in Germany. But nonetheless, that infrastructure's been there in a long time because we have been able to attract the leaders of the industry and those industry leaders today, or TSMC and Intel. And, you know, again, they're they're still here in Phoenix.
00:13:24:05 - 00:13:42:04
Unknown
So 40 years of that. But I do want to share my semi experience because I was absolutely amazed. You know, I, I had come into my role as president of semi and I wanted to do something to revitalize the show. And, quite honestly, the chips acted more than I could do, but, it really was helpful.
00:13:42:04 - 00:14:01:04
Unknown
But with that, I was very interested in looking to move the show to a different location and to mix things up with the show, and I, I had my local, my team reach out to the folks at Jeep back in ACA and say, hey, I'm serious, I'm going to be in Phoenix for this. And, and the audience I got was amazing.
00:14:01:05 - 00:14:19:05
Unknown
But it also it scared me. I was concerned because I didn't walk in to talk to, you know, a couple of officials. I walked into a room full of people and my reaction to that was, I do not want to hurt cats. I want to, you know, I honestly, I was like, I don't want one chicken to choke.
00:14:19:09 - 00:14:43:10
Unknown
I want to be able to work with, with and work in a station that's going to support me. This is a big move for us. And I was flabbergasted because the collaboration and the working relationships within Arizona just blew me away. I explained what we needed to be successful and moving semi-custom west to, to to Arizona. And the response I got was just amazing because everyone pitched in.
00:14:43:12 - 00:15:01:13
Unknown
I got great support from the folks who were on the call with us today, HCA and and skyrocket, but also from Chief Peck, from the city, from the neighboring cities, from Chandler and and I don't want to leave anyone out, but it just blew me away how well coordinated things are within Phoenix. It made a difference.
00:15:01:13 - 00:15:23:02
Unknown
And it's still making a difference. And, and there's over $200 billion of investment going on in Phoenix right now. Arizona. Excuse me. It does reach beyond the city limits, but, again, it's been well earned. And, and I'll also make the point that it's a very global industry. I've traveled the world working in this industry.
00:15:23:03 - 00:15:48:07
Unknown
Everyone wants the semiconductor business. It's an extremely competitive situation to attract the business. And no one's been more successful than Arizona. So, really, it's amazing to work with the folks in Arizona, and, it's it starts with the governor. And, it is amazing how how well and how coordinated the effort is at this point. And, it's really exciting to be in Arizona as well for Senator Eric.
00:15:48:07 - 00:16:20:14
Unknown
Let me ask one more question then on to turn it back to you. So over the last five years especially, we've attracted more investment in the semiconductor conductor industry than anyone has ever seen in the United States. 210 billion by some counts, 165 billion just from TSMC. Can you all tell me what what caused that massive investment that is ongoing here in Arizona?
00:16:20:15 - 00:16:48:15
Unknown
I mean, you would expect places like, New York or Silicon Valley or Idaho or places like that Texas that have massive manufacturing capability, even New Mexico and Oregon. Why Arizona? State. Can I take that first? If I may, first of all, point I want to get across is we're on the path to $1 trillion in semiconductor revenue.
00:16:49:00 - 00:17:18:15
Unknown
So this investment doesn't happen unless there's market demand that goes along with it. So that's probably the most important point is we've got a more diversified semiconductor industry than we've ever had. I it's certainly leading in the market demands. But there are a number of other very interesting applications. And and some of that application, it's kind of a fine line, whether you call it a or not, because the, the implementation of AI is going to drive a very substantial amount of infrastructure and demand for semiconductors.
00:17:19:00 - 00:17:43:07
Unknown
McKinsey's talking about 5.7 to $7.2 trillion of investment around the globe. By the end of this decade to support just the AI side of it. But so, first of all, there's a very strong market demand. And I'll let Vic jump in on the on the Arizona side of things. Yeah, I there's so many elements to attracting a business.
00:17:43:08 - 00:18:09:14
Unknown
Right. You know, first it's familiarity. And then it's having data that supports the needs of the businesses that, that are interested in coming. And there's a lot of interest is jobs and identified and others that others have identified and coming to us. But what is it that makes Arizona, a top selection? And it's it's just so many things.
00:18:10:00 - 00:18:38:07
Unknown
It is. But at the heart of it all, it is not only that we have, you know, great educational partners, it's, you know, all the way from high school through the universities. We have support from our utilities, in our communities when it comes to water and power. We have support from our federal partners in, in, identifying the importance of being part of a cluster here in Arizona.
00:18:38:09 - 00:19:06:03
Unknown
We have, you know, the semiconductor, industry itself, the companies itself, looking to bring their supply chain closer. And so those are the elements, right, that that are in the box that are essential to bring companies here. But unless they're all working together, it's hard for business to get their arms around it and make it happen.
00:19:06:04 - 00:19:33:05
Unknown
That's what we strive. And doing here in Arizona is, is pulling that all together and making it easy for business to come because it's really hard to execute on, establishing a major presence, in any community anywhere in the country, coordinating all those parts, the numerous workforce partners, that are associated, just so many things.
00:19:33:07 - 00:19:59:14
Unknown
But but walking the company through the process rather than just handing them a list of contacts, I think is is as important as having the infrastructure that Joe mentioned, that infrastructure itself, it's it's it's being welcoming and aggressively demonstrating how we can support them here in Arizona. Martin. Anything to add to that? I mean, a lot of this has been said.
00:19:59:14 - 00:20:28:01
Unknown
I think momentum always helps, right? We have momentum. Some big investments came in. I think a big thank you is also really to be, had to, Doctor Crow for what he's done with Arizona State University and building the largest engineering program in the country. Right. The talent that used to, you know, bleed to Texas and Arizona and California and so forth wants to stay in Arizona and wants to work here and sees the opportunities here.
00:20:28:02 - 00:21:07:02
Unknown
So, you know, again, I think, and our political climate is good for, for business here. Again, we're like I said earlier, that open for business attitude we have here has helped a lot, I would say. And I've got help on that. That consistency over time that Martin mentioned I think is essential. You know, in, in a lot of this business attraction activity and in, in with a lot of, organizations, people come and go and, and having that continuity, it can be a challenge in, in really advancing the long term, outcomes.
00:21:07:03 - 00:21:40:08
Unknown
We're fortunate here in Arizona that that has been leadership at the university levels, at the state levels, utility levels has been very stable, and we've been on the same page. And so for many, many years we have worked together. And that's a great point, Martin. It's that effort over time. Let me just let me just compliment, several people who, besides Michael Crow, had a, a vested interest in the success of this and helped make it happen.
00:21:40:08 - 00:22:13:10
Unknown
And that's, first of all, Sandra Watson and the team at the ACA. Number two is Chris Camacho and his team at Jpac. And then finally, Christine McKay, with the city of Phoenix, all three organizations to work so collaboratively to make this happen, which was absolutely essential because you got a city economic development group, a regional economic development group, and a state economic development group who all had to work in harmony, to succeed, to bring TSMC here.
00:22:13:11 - 00:22:41:12
Unknown
And Vic, you probably know these numbers, but some outrageous number of supply chain folks came along with TSMC. I've heard as many as 50 companies have shown up as a result. Or is it more than that now? It's over 60 now. And now with, TSMC's most recent, announcements, there are additional three fabs and interest in additional land.
00:22:41:13 - 00:23:19:05
Unknown
You know, to the suppliers that they've had, that have held back because, that amount of investment by TSMC, believe it or not, wasn't quite yet enough to move them. Here it is now. And so there is a major second wave now coming of of supply chain clients, but not only to support TSMC. You know, there are important announcements by Amcor for advanced packaging is an example, which is an important and a critical element to the, building out of the semiconductor sector here.
00:23:19:06 - 00:23:47:08
Unknown
It's more than just manufacturing chips. R&D, and advanced packaging are essential. And, and those additions are coming. So it's it's all of these things like we're talking about so many parts in an extremely complex and dynamic industry that, we seem to have a handle on here. Yeah. Eric, back to you. Just may I just ask quickly before, before, you know, credit where credit is due?
00:23:47:08 - 00:24:08:10
Unknown
Steve, you you know, you are, crediting, Sandra and, Chris and Christine, but but you as well on the Arizona technical, technical, technology Council and all the advocacy and lobbying work you guys have done for our industry has been tremendous as well. And so I think, you know, we would be remiss not to add that to, to the list.
00:24:08:12 - 00:24:28:12
Unknown
And then secondly, Vic, to your point, we're talking about semiconductors and packaging and so forth. But, you know, we have, electronic vehicle manufacturing, we have battery. All of these are consumers of semiconductors as well. It's a much broader ecosystem that is growing around Arizona. So, all of that together and of course aerospace as well. Right.
00:24:28:13 - 00:24:54:01
Unknown
All of that together is, is is driving that same level of growth and talent. Yeah. And and biotech as well in there. So so we we've been successful in in getting this momentum going. Now we have to keep it going. So how is Arizona advancing things through workforce development. We touched a little bit on R&D with the universities and supply chain initiatives.
00:24:54:03 - 00:25:26:08
Unknown
How are we making an effort to keep this momentum going and growing? Actually? Well, certainly workforce development is going to be a key anywhere in the world, and certainly here in Arizona. And there are numerous players. But, I really want to, make special mention of the support that, semi has in the workforce sector. They are, a critical partner for us in, in helping meet the needs of industry.
00:25:26:08 - 00:25:49:00
Unknown
And this is what this is all about, right? You know, historically, many years ago, but it's still the case. So surprisingly, in, in numerous states, there's a legacy of educating students and just just counting graduates, with not a great level of interaction with the industry. But, that is not the case here in Arizona.
00:25:49:00 - 00:26:17:06
Unknown
That interaction with industry has been something that's been, a really critical element in how our, our university and community college and even our K through 12 now operate. It's, it's it's understanding the needs of industry so that, not only our educational partners, but partners outside of the formal education sphere, like semi, can identify those needs.
00:26:17:06 - 00:26:43:10
Unknown
And, and I think all of there's been numerous organizations that have done that. And we've got some really great programs. But now the challenge is to scale these. Right. TSMC is really starting to come online with numbers. Amcor will be coming online with numbers, suppliers with numbers of workforce employees. So now it's time to scale and and identifying those sources to really, really crank up the that educational process.
00:26:43:10 - 00:27:08:14
Unknown
And and there are numerous activities with numerous organizations going on along those fronts. And and I'm confident that we are going to be a leader in the country when it comes to to meeting that workforce. Need as a a little bit more, a little bit more in the workforce development. Yeah. Okay. So the, the semi estimate is that the, investments that are happening now in the US will create 350,000 well-paying jobs by the end of this decade.
00:27:08:14 - 00:27:35:13
Unknown
So but that's also a big challenge for us. Sammy's been working on workforce development for over 20 years. We actually, through through leadership within the industry, recognizing this need, we have a separate entity that's owned by semi, but it's it's all part of the same family. The semi Foundation was founded, by the way. Some really the true leaders of our industry who asked us to focus on workforce development.
00:27:35:14 - 00:27:55:02
Unknown
And I've been in this job since 22, and it's still the case when I went out first talked to to members and said, hey, we've got great growth opportunities. So you I mentioned the trillion dollars. We're 400 billion at the start of the decade. So a growth industry that's going to grow from 400,000,000,000,000 in 10 years is an awesome opportunity, but also a challenge.
00:27:55:02 - 00:28:19:12
Unknown
And what's the biggest challenge? And across the board, people came back and said it's going to be resources. We need the people to fill these jobs. So it's it's the highest priority. It's me as well. And we've been doing it for 20 years. We have a full pipeline of activities that work on everything from basically creating awareness in in schools through filling the jobs and retraining and retraining vets.
00:28:19:13 - 00:28:58:12
Unknown
And we've been selected to operate the national network for microelectronics Education, which is part of the Chips act, effort and will and but actually supported through the National Science Foundation. I'm sorry, but it's part of the same effort with the government to to attract industry and meet the needs of the industry. So it's it's really something that is honestly, we're two years late on it, but we're moving forward right now and we're looking to develop that infrastructure and semi to take responsibility for, for but to the credit of what Semi has been establishing and establishing here, as you know, Joe, as well as AJ and I share that, the
00:28:58:12 - 00:29:36:08
Unknown
CEO and many on the leadership team, I think leadership at Semi has really done an incredible job of in up leveling because semi Foundation as he said, has been around a long for around for a long time. But under the leadership of Sherry Ellis they have really really stepped it up, have done incredible work, have secured incredible funding and programs and, it's it's it's really astounding to see from an outsider's perspective how how incredibly high the momentum is that they've been able to build and really been able to partner with industry to, you know, to get this workforce development program going.
00:29:36:08 - 00:29:58:00
Unknown
It's a whole different level and much needed. By the way. Yeah, I even sent my engineers to sign that semi did on, the med device and microchips, that you guys put on here in Phoenix. And it was a big eye opener for them to see, everything. So continuing education as well, for even seasoned folks to see what's going on out in that world.
00:29:58:00 - 00:30:18:12
Unknown
So appreciate that. Let's switch gears a little bit and talk about semi Con West. It's coming to Phoenix for the first time. You know, I think Joe, Chris can speak to you spoke a little bit about this, but, you know, there's there's a legacy there. There are people who talk about Moscone Center. In in different ways.
00:30:18:12 - 00:30:40:15
Unknown
And, and it's kind of was part of the semi con West for many, many years. You know what what what can you say about what it means to the semi organization moving up here? And then maybe, you know, Vic and and you can talk about what it means for the Arizona semiconductor industry after that. So this is a big move for us.
00:30:40:15 - 00:31:07:09
Unknown
We've been in Moscone Center, middle of San Francisco in July since 1990. So 35 continuous years there. Before that, we were at the fairgrounds and, in San Mateo County, for for a few years before that semi was established in 70. So this will be our, our 55th, semi west. And so it's, it's something and as I mentioned we currently have eight around the world semicolons.
00:31:07:11 - 00:31:40:11
Unknown
This is the this is two things. It's both the US show but it's also the headquarters show. We're headquartered in Milpitas. So it is longstanding. It's the mover and shaker show. First of all, I want everyone to understand that. But you really do get the leadership from our industry there. I again, I served on the semi, semi board prior to, my current role when I was in industry, made the mistake of bringing my wife one year and and I woke up in the morning and you said, so when I see you again and I said dinner.
00:31:40:11 - 00:31:59:04
Unknown
So what am I going to do all day? And I said, well, for the next three days, I have 42 meetings in three days. It was just, and and there was no more productive week in my calendar when I was in the industry. And semicolon was all the movers and shakers come to semicolon. So that's the first thing.
00:31:59:04 - 00:32:24:10
Unknown
We will have a tremendous audience in both size and in both quantity and quality. And a little bit about that then. So, we couldn't be happier with the way things are going. We, we, we've had since since, COVID's over, the industry came back strong while the investments around chips act. We've had really nice growth at semi Cone West, but not like what we're seeing in Phoenix.
00:32:24:10 - 00:32:45:02
Unknown
So we actually we moved to Phoenix and we sold out the show floor in November of last year. So almost a year in advance the show floor was sold out. And we kept taking, companies on to our weeklies. And in March we had 280 companies on the waitlist. And I had to do something. I couldn't turn that many companies away.
00:32:45:02 - 00:33:03:04
Unknown
So we found we're the main show floor is one level below street level. But we'll have our CEO summit, on the third floor and adjacent to the auditorium with the CEO summits. And there's some additional exhibition space, and we sold that out now. And the bottom line is last year we have a little over a thousand boots.
00:33:03:05 - 00:33:25:01
Unknown
That's become less than going this year. We're 1536. So we've got a 50% increase in exhibitors coming to Phoenix. And right along with the attendance right now, attendance, I just I just checked we we checked you know we compare we're now two weeks out from semifinalist. And I got the numbers on the weekend. Attendance is up 39%.
00:33:25:03 - 00:33:46:07
Unknown
Over last year which is phenomenal growth for us to see. And so it's really well being very well received. We've also the show is actually three days, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. But to accommodate all the folks and all the activities, you know, it's it's not a walk in the park to get to $1 trillion. We have plenty of challenges.
00:33:46:07 - 00:34:07:09
Unknown
Workforce development, a good example of what we talked about, the the technology moves. We talked a little bit about advanced packaging and how important that is. So, we've had to broaden our scope as well as to, you know, all the things that are going on and that gets covered, with the content sections and list. And this year we'll have 63 content sessions in actually four days.
00:34:07:09 - 00:34:34:10
Unknown
We'll start on Monday with the content sessions, and we have 567 speakers and panelists in in that week. So it is there's something for everyone. There are certainly challenges and there's certainly opportunities. And but, you know, those are the numbers right now. We couldn't be more pleased to have this kind of response or, you know, get 50% increase in exhibitors, 39% increase in, in attendance.
00:34:34:12 - 00:34:56:11
Unknown
And what's interesting is tomorrow, is semiconductor Day at ASU. And we'll be signing up a whole lot of students. And, you know, back to Doctor Crow's efforts and all that's going on at ASU. I, I don't even want to put a number on what we could see here as a result of that. So we're, we're expecting some big uptick in student participation as well.
00:34:56:11 - 00:35:18:11
Unknown
So it's going really well. I do want to if I can have just one more minute here. I want to tell everyone who's listening to this podcast, as I mentioned, this is the mover and shaker show, and we have each day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we start off with something called the CEO summit, and we really bring in the leadership of the industry.
00:35:18:14 - 00:35:39:10
Unknown
If you really want to get a feel for what's going on in our industry and what are the critical issues and the excellent opportunities that are front of us, come to that CEO summit, it'll start at 830 each morning. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It'll be finished by 1030. We don't want to compete with the exhibition floor space any more than we have to.
00:35:39:10 - 00:35:59:14
Unknown
So the exhibition opens at 10:00. So be a little bit of overlap there on Tuesday and Thursday and Wednesday will go a little bit longer because it's AI day and there's just so much talk about artificial intelligence. So I had extended an extra hour on Wednesday, but this is your chance to really learn what's going on in the industry.
00:35:59:15 - 00:36:27:13
Unknown
And also, again, your chance to figure your way forward to get a piece of that trillion dollars. So, I would recommend everyone just come to our CEO summit to get started and then get out there on the show floor. And you can go even deeper in the specific areas that are of interest to the individuals. Thanks. So, for attendees and our local community, it sounds like the numbers are up, both in terms of exhibitors and attendees.
00:36:27:14 - 00:36:51:15
Unknown
Is there anything else that's going to feel different about this event versus, the ones that have been in San Francisco for so long? There's there's a lot of new things that are going on. We but the main thing I'd see there, Steve, is there's not a whole lot of semiconductors produced in the middle of San Francisco, in contrast to the middle of the valley.
00:36:52:01 - 00:37:13:04
Unknown
So that's the big part of the why we chose Phoenix. Is that reason because it is more of an operating center for semiconductors. Today. You've got the biggest fabs in the world now going into Phoenix, but you've got all that infrastructure that Vic mentioned a few minutes ago, the, you know, 60 new companies. But there have been, you know, many who have been long established here.
00:37:13:05 - 00:37:34:01
Unknown
And so that as I mentioned, we represent the end to end supply chain for the manufacturers semiconductors and that end to end supply chains in Phoenix. So we're expecting there'll be a whole lot more of the active, you know, rank and file, employee base that will be at the show. So it's going to be crowded. Bottom line, I think that's the difference you're going to see is you're going to see a whole.
00:37:34:01 - 00:37:55:03
Unknown
And the investments that are going on in the US right now, there'll be more people on the show floor kicking tires to to see what the latest equipment is and the latest in materials and the latest in software to support semiconductor manufacturing. There's a lot going on. So, so work on that on that line. What what does semi con here mean to our local ecosystem.
00:37:55:03 - 00:38:26:08
Unknown
And of course it's a huge impact on the semiconductor part of our ecosystem. But even the broader tech ecosystem having this premier show here, Joe Jo spoke very elegantly to this is the best place to meet the semiconductor leaders from around the world and hear them of any place. Right. And and if you're in this business, given how dynamic it is, that is essential.
00:38:26:09 - 00:39:06:04
Unknown
And so people coming here to Phoenix to hear that the Arizona is, is validating, right. The conference coming to Arizona validates Arizona as a leading area for semiconductors. You know, my job has always been to promote Arizona. It's what I get paid to do. It's what people expect me to say, right? But when the Industry association, the premier industry association, votes with its feet and it and it decides to come to Arizona for its its flagship conference, people notice and people listen.
00:39:06:06 - 00:39:31:07
Unknown
And so that that's extremely significant. And but I'll tell you how that manifests itself now in and what does it mean to Arizona. So you've got recognition, you've got people learning. You've got people thinking of Arizona as a place to learn, but now you've got more and more people coming. As Jill mentioned, we're holding a, a day on the sixth, here.
00:39:31:08 - 00:40:05:14
Unknown
In the convention center, with great support from the folks from semi, dedicated to, international guests who want to learn about coming to Arizona and establishing a presence. Joe, I'm happy to tell you we have maxed out the space. About, as of Friday, we have well over 300 international guests who, have registered, and our total attendance, register is, around that 500 number.
00:40:05:14 - 00:40:32:05
Unknown
We are out of space. We are just, you know, in a very fortunate position. But it's it's it's because of not only all the hard work of all the partners that so many of us mentioned, but it's it is that validation that semi brings to this whole process that allows us to attract these folks. So it's, it's hopefully it's more supply chain.
00:40:32:05 - 00:41:11:07
Unknown
It's, not only on the, on the up supply, but the above the, the TSMC and the, Intel and the course of the world, AMD's ASML, AFM it's it's the folks that we commonly think of, right. The Nvidia, the Apple, all those folks too. So, Joe, thank you for choosing Arizona. Your your selection, has been essential in invalidating Arizona to the industry hurting.
00:41:11:07 - 00:41:47:07
Unknown
You're helping to promote and market, Silicon West. So maybe this is a question for you and then for Joe, this year's theme is Stronger Together. How do you all see that playing out? Across the agenda and the conversations, at the show. So looking into the previous question a little bit, first, but also with the theme of Stronger Together, this show brings an incredible amount of people, fills hotel rooms across the valley, fills restaurants across the valley, help serve.
00:41:47:08 - 00:42:19:04
Unknown
I mean, it is incredible boost to our local economy too, right? So I think that is a huge, huge, boost for the entire economy of Arizona, just this trade show. Also, the fact of what it does for our semiconductor industry and for our ecosystem of semiconductor, supply chain and, here in Arizona, you know, the, the on show is, is more than is more than the trade show itself.
00:42:19:04 - 00:42:41:08
Unknown
It's everything that's happened. A lot of business is being done at the booths, a lot of business is being done, and a lot of it's being learned at all the sessions and all the CEO summits and the presentations, organizations like, you know, big, research organizations like iMac, hosts some of their events around this show because of the fact that semi attracts the best of the best of the industry here.
00:42:41:10 - 00:43:04:14
Unknown
Right. And gets this audience and then, of course, there is all the opportunities for the many companies to host their customers, to entertain their customers through networking events, mixers and so forth. And so all these things together are promoting business, are helping our entire economy, both the semiconductor value chain as well as the actual Arizona economy as a whole.
00:43:04:15 - 00:43:26:02
Unknown
So, I mean, I think Deb kind of subscribes to exactly your question, Steve. You know, together we are we're we're making a lot of big things happen. You know, for a lot of our semiconductor supply chain companies, it's actually possible to get a customer to come visit their site and not be gone for the entire day from the show floor, which in Silicon Valley was difficult.
00:43:26:02 - 00:43:44:03
Unknown
Right? So San Francisco is not far from Silicon Valley, but from a from a traffic perspective. If you were to go visit a customer in Santa Clara, you'd be gone for half the day, if not longer. Here you can get on a, you know, get on a taxi, get out there in 20 minutes, be in Chandler or and be back at the show floor for lunch.
00:43:44:03 - 00:44:10:08
Unknown
Right. It's not that you're gone all day. So, for the actual ecosystem here, it's really good opportunity to, to do different kinds of business in addition to everything that's happening around the show. Anything to add to that? Yeah. Yes. Steve, I'd really like to just point to the fact that our industry, the complexities of operating our industry are are getting more challenging every day.
00:44:10:09 - 00:44:30:14
Unknown
You know, first of all, from a technology standpoint, you know, we're we're now down to a point where, we're we're putting, you know, the the Asme folks we mentioned earlier, you know, they're putting down the we do atomic layer deposition. We're putting things down one atom at a time. The folks from ASML also nice presence in in the Valley as well.
00:44:30:15 - 00:44:56:01
Unknown
You know, there we can't use the full spectrum of light. We're using a very fine part of it. So the technical complexities now we're we're going down the angstrom measurement on the line geometry in the semiconductors. And to do that, the big players are recognizing that we need collaboration more and more, more than ever. And it also turns to just the infrastructure in the market structure.
00:44:56:02 - 00:45:17:12
Unknown
It's a very complex environment of doing business today anywhere in the world. And again, we need that collaboration, across the supply chain and through the infrastructure development with the governments and with the universities, in order for us to to move forward. It's a very attractive market, there's no doubt about it. But it's there's nothing easy about it.
00:45:17:13 - 00:45:50:00
Unknown
And without that collaboration, we're not going to be successful. And again, you look at Phoenix and you see the collaborations, the best I've seen anywhere in the world. It really is. So, and that's why we're in Phoenix, I love it. Yeah, it's a it's a, it's exciting time. And as an engineer and someone who does simulation in this area, it's it's getting more complicated on the packaging side, on the deposition side, on the upstream side, on the downstream strike the chemicals, the in.
00:45:50:01 - 00:46:11:01
Unknown
And so working together is the only way we're going to solve these problems. So it's it's good to see that that's the theme I love it. So one of the things we kind of talked about that I want to dig into a little bit more before we wrap things up, because we could talk for another two hours about this is, you know, having gone to these kind of shows, there's there's the conference, there's the exhibit floor.
00:46:11:01 - 00:46:29:05
Unknown
There's things like the CEO talks. There's also the networking that goes on afterwards. And that's something that Semitone West has always been famous for is the deals done in the networking. So any advice to folks that I mean, I don't know, Vic, you might be able to talk about what's a little bit different about doing that here in Phoenix.
00:46:29:07 - 00:46:44:09
Unknown
Because that, you know, our downtown, we actually have a downtown, if you don't know. And it's quite nice. But also, you know, how does how does one go about that and how important is that? I mean, Joe, in my right and saying, I mean, back in the day when I used to go, it was the most important part of it.
00:46:44:09 - 00:47:21:09
Unknown
Let me come on West, is that still true? As I mentioned, 42 meetings in three days. Yeah. But I think that's a great example. Yeah, but that's the reality. Everyone I do this, everyone I do business with is at 79 West. So you got to plan, you're going to run into folks, but, my dance cards are very full, as you can imagine, for the week this year and in the same situation, but, it, it is the best opportunity in the year to, to again, anyone you do business with or desire to do business with is going to be the works.
00:47:21:10 - 00:47:47:08
Unknown
So plan ahead. Get that dance card out, get it filled up with any advice for folks? Yeah. You know, just, absolutely confirm what Joe said. Your dance card isn't already full. Which for many, it already is. It is not hard to fill, with, a 50% increase in exhibitors with a 39% increase in attendees.
00:47:47:09 - 00:48:15:04
Unknown
Here in Arizona, there are just so many more people that are looking to connect than have before here at the event. And, it's invaluable, in the ability to meet people face to face and in-person video is great. But there's there's nothing to be replaced, by, that personal interaction.
00:48:15:05 - 00:48:52:12
Unknown
So it's it's, I know so many people are trying to get on people's dance cards. They are already very full. But don't give up. Keep trying. And, stock them at their booth if you need to, to meet them. That's why they're there. You'll definitely be rewarded, I think if I, if I could end up just with point, the our agenda is well organized and for so for the things, if you have something new or you're looking to to to network in a particular area, I mentioned 63 content sessions.
00:48:52:15 - 00:49:19:14
Unknown
And if you go to semitone west.org, we also have an app. But either way the full agenda is there. We do a really nice job of allowing you to, sort the agenda in a few different ways to make it easier for you to find out. But, again, if you go to if you're interested in cybersecurity, if you're interested in advanced packaging, you know, you can go and, very easily go to that semi con website or website, find the agenda, find out when the sessions are, go there.
00:49:20:02 - 00:49:44:05
Unknown
The leaders in in those particular subjects are going to be there. There's opportunity after every one of them to network and reach out to the folks who are the true leaders in the industry. So just want to point out there are some tools available to you as well to, to help organize. And I'll also point out they'll they'll be folks wandering around in purple jackets in downtown Phoenix, and they're locals that are there to help you.
00:49:44:05 - 00:50:01:11
Unknown
So if you're listening to this and you're not from Phoenix, ask a local. Ask the people in the purple jacket where to go. What's a good place to to hang out? How do you get from here to there? It's a very walkable downtown. But even though we also have Waymo, so you can, use those chips to get around as well.
00:50:01:12 - 00:50:39:02
Unknown
Our team, our our team, you're actually been involved in creating some of these networking opportunities that'll be part of Semiconscious. Anything you have to yeah, I think, you know, we, we, we've been hosting our, our hospitality lounge for 19 years at semicolon now, our first time in Phoenix, obviously. But, we have, you know, a group of about 15 companies, including a delegation from the Netherlands, who are bringing 15 to 20 companies to visit, to, to provide, hospitality around the show, doing networking on the Tuesday night of the show.
00:50:39:04 - 00:51:02:10
Unknown
And you were saying it earlier, Eric, you know, and Vic, downtown Phoenix offers some great hospitality. Right across from the, from the convention center at, Mancuso restaurant is, we have set up shop and we'll be hosting our kid Rocket Lounge again. Our biggest networking reception off the show floor on Tuesday night. We, we collaborate closely with semi.
00:51:02:10 - 00:51:30:01
Unknown
We don't want to compete with each other, from 5 to 8 at our our kid rocket lounge. And then from 8:00 straight back to third Street for the, for the semicolon western event. The street, the block party. You know, again, we we try to be very respectful of what semi is doing, but, at the same time, we also want to make sure that we provide the best hospitality opportunities around the show for those companies who want to host their customers.
00:51:30:01 - 00:52:00:00
Unknown
And we've been doing that, like I said, for almost 20 years now. And, Mojo, you've been there many times before. You've been, participating in it. It's, it's a great way to network, with, with, industry executives, media and analysts, community. So maybe one final question. So we briefly talked about, I both I and sustainability are really two major themes across the semiconductor, sector.
00:52:00:01 - 00:52:28:00
Unknown
How will the attendees see these reflected in this year's show? So so as I mentioned, you know, it's it's tough for us to have a conversation without talking about AI these days, Steve. But as I mentioned, the focus on Wednesday, on the keynote stage, the CEO summit, is AI. And we start off with and we start off with Nvidia, obviously the leader in AI chips.
00:52:28:04 - 00:52:56:05
Unknown
And we go through and take a look at, how the how the industry will be impacted both from an opportunity as well as to how we will change our operations on. And with the great panel. We've got, the CEO, one of the design companies, but we'll talk about how AI, it's, is creating opportunity for semiconductor design, both from a market perspective and from a technology perspective.
00:52:56:07 - 00:53:20:10
Unknown
Vic mentioned the Amcor investment. We're really excited to have, Amcor CEO speak on our stage and talk about advanced packaging is really important in that, in advancing AI. And so that'll be there. And then probably the one of the really interesting aspects of the day will be the folks from Merck. They're bringing their chief H.R.
00:53:20:12 - 00:53:46:00
Unknown
Officer. And their strategy lead, to the stage, and they're going to talk about the impact on the workforce. So we've got a tremendous agenda on AI to get everybody's blood flowing, to get the day started on Wednesday, but it's littered through, the presentations. So I mentioned the 63 content sessions and the, 1500, exhibitions that you'll see on the show floor.
00:53:46:03 - 00:54:08:13
Unknown
You won't be able to have a conference, but I awesome, awesome. Well, we, running out of time, so I'm going to go ahead and wrap things up. I want to thank all of our speakers today for their expertise and time. Today. I'm really excited to see how the next couple weeks go. I know it's going to be amazing and wonderful and, it's going to be it's going to be educational and fun.
00:54:08:13 - 00:54:31:03
Unknown
So I'm looking forward to it. So today's easy tech class was brought to you by PDT. PDT is the southwest leading provider of engineering products and services to companies that design or manufacture physical products. Our team of 85 engineers, sales professionals, administrators and technicians is proud to be an elite Ansys channel partner, which is now part of synopsis, which has a very large footprint in the semiconductor industry.
00:54:31:04 - 00:54:50:05
Unknown
Pete has also a channel partner with Strat Assistant US for 3D printing and flow decks for system level thermal and fluid simulation. Our engineers also provide product design, simulation and 3D printing as a service. For over 31 years now at PDT, we make innovation work. Also sneak in and invite to all of our listeners to come to our annual open House near Tober Fest, October 21st.
00:54:50:05 - 00:55:18:13
Unknown
So if you're not burned out after the wonderful week of sorry, get some Econ West. Please do come to our open house October 21st and you can visit our website inc.com. Summer Tober Fest to learn more. So if you're interested in being a podcast participant or sponsor for the Council's Easy Tech Cast, contact marketing at Easy council.org to learn more about opportunities to further position you as a tech expert, influencer and innovator.
00:55:18:15 - 00:55:27:09
Unknown
And until next time, I'm Eric Miller. And on behalf of Steve and everybody here, I want to thank you all for joining us for the AC Tech Cast.
00:55:27:09 - 00:55:59:06
Unknown
Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Aztec Caste. With the Arizona Technology Council, featuring leading tech and business experts who help influence and shape our great state and the industries they serve. Hey. Steve.
Unknown
Welcome to Aztec Caste, sponsored by the Arizona Technology Council with your hosts, Steve Zylstra and Eric Miller. Aztec Cast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond. Aztec Cast invites leading experts to have real conversations about what is happening in the tech sector across the state of Arizona, from innovative startups to regional news companies and emerging technologies.
00:00:39:09 - 00:00:53:02
Unknown
Aztec Cast covers the critical issues and economic trends propelling the state's growing tech ecosystem.
00:00:53:06 - 00:01:21:09
Unknown
Welcome to the Arizona Technology Council's A-Z tech cast. I'm Erik Miller, co-founder and owner of PDT. And today I'm joined by my co-host, council president and CEO Steve Zylstra. Aztec Cast is dedicated to covering innovation and technology in Arizona and beyond, bringing together industry experts for real conversations about trends, challenges and breakthroughs shaping our state's tech ecosystem. Today, we're joined by three outstanding guests who will share more about themselves shortly.
00:01:21:10 - 00:01:50:13
Unknown
First is Vic Neurosis, executive vice president and head of industry development at the Arizona Commerce Authority. Martine Parikh, senior vice president and partner of Kite rocket and Joe Stack. Goodness, president of Semi America. Some of the America in the episode of easy. In this episode of the AG tech cast will discuss how Arizona is emerging as the US headquarters for the semiconductor industry and this October, Phoenix will host Semi Con West for the first time.
00:01:50:14 - 00:02:12:10
Unknown
Together we'll dive into wires on. It has become the epicenter and center of US semiconductor investment. What the move of semi con West to Phoenix means for the state and how themes like workforce development, AI, sustainability and supply chain resilience will shape the conversation at this year's show. Before we dive in, Steve, can you tell listeners a little bit about the council?
00:02:12:11 - 00:02:37:01
Unknown
Yes. Thank you, Eric, and welcome to all of our guests. I'm Steve Zile Stone, president and CEO, the Arizona Technology Council. We're a statewide trade association representing science and technology companies. We have about 750 member companies across Arizona with offices in both Phoenix and Tucson. We do public policy advocacy at the local, state, and federal level.
00:02:37:03 - 00:02:58:15
Unknown
We do around 100 events a year. We have all kinds of publications, and we negotiate much lower prices for all kinds of products and services on behalf of our members. Thank you. Great. So thanks a lot, Steve. So let's get to our guests a little bit better, and we'll just then we'll dive into the conversation. But let's start off.
00:02:59:01 - 00:03:35:11
Unknown
We'll go in the same order. I introduced you. Vic, why don't you tell us a little about yourself and what you do? Well, thank you very much, Eric. It's a pleasure to be here. I'm Victor Russo, signed with the Arizona Commerce Authority. I lead strategy for the semiconductor and aerospace and defense sectors. Previous to that, I've led the business development activities here and was part of the leadership team that, was fortunate enough to bring, TSMC in May of 2022 and work with over 40 supply chain companies, that have also now, come as a result of their activities and the activities of many others.
00:03:35:11 - 00:04:00:12
Unknown
So, again, pleasure to be here. Thank you. Reed staff Martin. Eric. Steve. Thank you so much for having me. I'm Martin Perich. I'm the founder of, Kid Rocket. Been working in the semiconductor industry for about 30 years. Spent about a decade in Silicon Valley before moving to Arizona to start Kid Rocket here 20 years ago.
00:04:00:13 - 00:04:26:09
Unknown
Kid rocket is a, strategic communications marketing firm specialized in the semiconductor industry and some relating, related emerging technologies. Think AI and machine learning, IoT data centers, and so forth. What we do is we help promote companies across the semiconductor value chain and help them promote their technological advancements, their products and solutions. That advanced chip industry and of course, grow their business.
00:04:26:10 - 00:04:49:09
Unknown
We also partner with industry organizations such as semi, to promote industry events like Smic on West, coming to Phoenix, but more importantly, also to educate, advocate and communicate the many initiatives that, programs and programs that semi spearhead around four course development, sustainability advocacy, global advocacy and so forth. Kite Rocket was founded 20 years ago.
00:04:49:09 - 00:05:24:09
Unknown
As I said, we're an independent PR agency. But just recently in July, got, acquired by Southwest Strategies Group, an agency that focuses on public affairs advocacy and community outreach, specifically to the infrastructure, energy, transportation and land use sectors. And so, with the addition of kite rocket becoming part of Southwest Strategies, we're not only at semiconductor an emerging technology to a portfolio, but we also expand, their reach across the entire US West Coast, from Washington state to California, all the way into Arizona.
00:05:24:10 - 00:05:46:15
Unknown
Currently have about 120 employees in our business. And, we're very excited to, to be a big part of the, CinemaCon show coming to Arizona. Love it. Love it. Thanks. And, Joe. Good morning, Eric and Steve. And thanks for having us today. It's it's great to be with my my partners, Martine and, and Vic as well.
00:05:47:00 - 00:06:11:06
Unknown
They've really been a big help in making the move for semi con west to to Arizona. I can't thank them enough for all the help we've received. This is a big move for us. A little bit about myself. I've spent my entire career, over 40 years in the semiconductor industry. I previously, I actually had retired in 2020, after working for 40 years in the industry.
00:06:11:06 - 00:06:38:10
Unknown
I had led the largest electronic materials business, in in semiconductor, and also had responsibility for a large semiconductor equipment supply as well. But, again, I'm at semi now and semi is the end to end, trade association for the semiconductor industry we're involved with in the entire membership over 3700 members, on a global basis.
00:06:38:12 - 00:07:03:13
Unknown
Members are companies, by the way. So we represent about 1.3 million employees around the globe. And, we are active in, in everything the trade associations do, the biggest of which is our, conventions. We currently have eight semiconductor around the world. And, we couldn't be more thrilled with, the move to Phoenix right now. And I'm sure you'll help me explain that a little bit more detail as we progress here.
00:07:03:15 - 00:07:31:01
Unknown
But again, thank you. Eric and Steve. Eric, I hope you don't mind if I jump right in. Please do. So, over the last five years, especially, Arizona has emerged as a leader, across the US and semiconductors. Can each of you talk about why that is? What's unique about Arizona that's led to this massive influx of investment here in Arizona?
00:07:31:03 - 00:08:00:03
Unknown
Vic, why don't we start with you? Well, thanks, Steve. You know, as is was mentioned by Eric. We've had a very long history of semiconductor presence here in Arizona to start with. And so there there is an infrastructure here, a cluster that, allows us to leverage, those activities and while certainly is probably the most dynamic industry sector that there can be, and one that changes rapidly.
00:08:00:05 - 00:08:47:07
Unknown
We do have that base and, with a very purposeful, attention to the semiconductor sector by the Arizona Commerce Authority and many other important partners essential in, in the growth of the sector. In the last five years, including our university partners, our workforce partners are utility partners. Semi itself, and many others. We worked together and and I think that's the important, important phrase is working together to communicate the benefits of the posture here in Arizona, not only as, a US leadership, role, but also, becoming known around the world.
00:08:47:08 - 00:09:19:00
Unknown
It is that cluster, you know, when we first started reaching out very heavily to semiconductor sector around the world in late 2018, 19, early 2020, the response from overseas was, oh, yeah, Arizona, Grand Canyon. Now it's oh, yeah, Arizona, TSMC, and many others. Right. So, it's it's really been, a wonderful series of successes, but only as a result of great partners.
00:09:19:00 - 00:09:42:07
Unknown
And I should also mention, the importance of the chips act, which was really the financial impetus that that, that, that really helped bring all these other things together as well. So lots of pieces over time. It was not an overnight thing. It was working together over many years. Look for our audience. Let me talk a little bit about the history.
00:09:42:07 - 00:10:17:14
Unknown
So the gal and brothers brought Motorola here in 1949. That was really the beginning. And then, Intel came here in 1979. After that, we have, on semi microchip, Marvell, NXP, a whole range of other ASM, asml Rogers. Industry partners. So, we did have a rich past and so connectors but all the things that you just mentioned, Vickers really made it explode in the last couple of years.
00:10:17:15 - 00:10:39:14
Unknown
Martina, anything to add to Vic's, description? Right. Steve, between what you and Vic said, I think we've covered a lot of the the ground here already, but I would I would say the one thing that really, struck me having, you know, lived in Silicon Valley for a while and having been here in Arizona for 20 years now, having gone to school here as well.
00:10:40:00 - 00:11:10:05
Unknown
The open to business attitude of Arizona, the great collaboration between ACA, GPC, Arizona Tech Council, the governor's office, the city's ASU, U of it, and all the universities just it's it's it feels like it's a really good collaboration and everyone's working towards the same goal. And I think that's, been been a huge, upside to what Arizona's been able to offer, in addition, of course, to great incentive programs and an incredible talent pool.
00:11:10:06 - 00:11:38:00
Unknown
And, of course, you know, you know, to, great. Thanks to Vic and many others, at ACA and other organizations that managed to bring TSMC on board because I think that was really an accelerator to the program. But I also don't, you know, being Dutch, I do want to have a little bit of, a plug for the fact that ASML and ASM have been here for many, many years and have always, taken Arizona, very seriously and, invested in this semiconductor ecosystem here as well.
00:11:38:00 - 00:12:04:08
Unknown
So, you know, I think, it's it's been, it's it's been a great collaboration between government industry, and and the many companies that have been here and are coming back now, Joe, you have an outsider's perspective. All of us are here in Arizona. What are your thoughts on this rise of, Phoenix, especially. But Arizona as a whole?
00:12:04:09 - 00:12:26:13
Unknown
So, Steve, I've been coming for 40 years as well, since 86. And, it it always has been that that infrastructure's fundamental. At the time, I was with their products and in 86 and, and their product sets an extensive infrastructure of its own was, a pipeline for nitrogen throughout the valley, which is is unique in its own.
00:12:26:15 - 00:12:44:03
Unknown
There's also one in Silicon Valley, but, kind of interesting to see just how important that infrastructure is and how long lasting it is. At the time, Motorola and Intel were the leaders in the industry and their products had founded it. A I was I was at that time, I was the cub reporter. I was the young first time.
00:12:44:03 - 00:13:04:12
Unknown
It was my first management position. And we decided to form a, market facing business unit focused on semiconductor. And what we did was we just had a tremendous leader who said, we're going to follow the market leaders, and they were Intel and, Motorola at the time. And we made very strong investments in Arizona and, had never looked back from there.
00:13:04:12 - 00:13:24:05
Unknown
There's still very strong investment. And so my, my old division is now AMD, part of, Merck Chemical in Germany. But nonetheless, that infrastructure's been there in a long time because we have been able to attract the leaders of the industry and those industry leaders today, or TSMC and Intel. And, you know, again, they're they're still here in Phoenix.
00:13:24:05 - 00:13:42:04
Unknown
So 40 years of that. But I do want to share my semi experience because I was absolutely amazed. You know, I, I had come into my role as president of semi and I wanted to do something to revitalize the show. And, quite honestly, the chips acted more than I could do, but, it really was helpful.
00:13:42:04 - 00:14:01:04
Unknown
But with that, I was very interested in looking to move the show to a different location and to mix things up with the show, and I, I had my local, my team reach out to the folks at Jeep back in ACA and say, hey, I'm serious, I'm going to be in Phoenix for this. And, and the audience I got was amazing.
00:14:01:05 - 00:14:19:05
Unknown
But it also it scared me. I was concerned because I didn't walk in to talk to, you know, a couple of officials. I walked into a room full of people and my reaction to that was, I do not want to hurt cats. I want to, you know, I honestly, I was like, I don't want one chicken to choke.
00:14:19:09 - 00:14:43:10
Unknown
I want to be able to work with, with and work in a station that's going to support me. This is a big move for us. And I was flabbergasted because the collaboration and the working relationships within Arizona just blew me away. I explained what we needed to be successful and moving semi-custom west to, to to Arizona. And the response I got was just amazing because everyone pitched in.
00:14:43:12 - 00:15:01:13
Unknown
I got great support from the folks who were on the call with us today, HCA and and skyrocket, but also from Chief Peck, from the city, from the neighboring cities, from Chandler and and I don't want to leave anyone out, but it just blew me away how well coordinated things are within Phoenix. It made a difference.
00:15:01:13 - 00:15:23:02
Unknown
And it's still making a difference. And, and there's over $200 billion of investment going on in Phoenix right now. Arizona. Excuse me. It does reach beyond the city limits, but, again, it's been well earned. And, and I'll also make the point that it's a very global industry. I've traveled the world working in this industry.
00:15:23:03 - 00:15:48:07
Unknown
Everyone wants the semiconductor business. It's an extremely competitive situation to attract the business. And no one's been more successful than Arizona. So, really, it's amazing to work with the folks in Arizona, and, it's it starts with the governor. And, it is amazing how how well and how coordinated the effort is at this point. And, it's really exciting to be in Arizona as well for Senator Eric.
00:15:48:07 - 00:16:20:14
Unknown
Let me ask one more question then on to turn it back to you. So over the last five years especially, we've attracted more investment in the semiconductor conductor industry than anyone has ever seen in the United States. 210 billion by some counts, 165 billion just from TSMC. Can you all tell me what what caused that massive investment that is ongoing here in Arizona?
00:16:20:15 - 00:16:48:15
Unknown
I mean, you would expect places like, New York or Silicon Valley or Idaho or places like that Texas that have massive manufacturing capability, even New Mexico and Oregon. Why Arizona? State. Can I take that first? If I may, first of all, point I want to get across is we're on the path to $1 trillion in semiconductor revenue.
00:16:49:00 - 00:17:18:15
Unknown
So this investment doesn't happen unless there's market demand that goes along with it. So that's probably the most important point is we've got a more diversified semiconductor industry than we've ever had. I it's certainly leading in the market demands. But there are a number of other very interesting applications. And and some of that application, it's kind of a fine line, whether you call it a or not, because the, the implementation of AI is going to drive a very substantial amount of infrastructure and demand for semiconductors.
00:17:19:00 - 00:17:43:07
Unknown
McKinsey's talking about 5.7 to $7.2 trillion of investment around the globe. By the end of this decade to support just the AI side of it. But so, first of all, there's a very strong market demand. And I'll let Vic jump in on the on the Arizona side of things. Yeah, I there's so many elements to attracting a business.
00:17:43:08 - 00:18:09:14
Unknown
Right. You know, first it's familiarity. And then it's having data that supports the needs of the businesses that, that are interested in coming. And there's a lot of interest is jobs and identified and others that others have identified and coming to us. But what is it that makes Arizona, a top selection? And it's it's just so many things.
00:18:10:00 - 00:18:38:07
Unknown
It is. But at the heart of it all, it is not only that we have, you know, great educational partners, it's, you know, all the way from high school through the universities. We have support from our utilities, in our communities when it comes to water and power. We have support from our federal partners in, in, identifying the importance of being part of a cluster here in Arizona.
00:18:38:09 - 00:19:06:03
Unknown
We have, you know, the semiconductor, industry itself, the companies itself, looking to bring their supply chain closer. And so those are the elements, right, that that are in the box that are essential to bring companies here. But unless they're all working together, it's hard for business to get their arms around it and make it happen.
00:19:06:04 - 00:19:33:05
Unknown
That's what we strive. And doing here in Arizona is, is pulling that all together and making it easy for business to come because it's really hard to execute on, establishing a major presence, in any community anywhere in the country, coordinating all those parts, the numerous workforce partners, that are associated, just so many things.
00:19:33:07 - 00:19:59:14
Unknown
But but walking the company through the process rather than just handing them a list of contacts, I think is is as important as having the infrastructure that Joe mentioned, that infrastructure itself, it's it's it's being welcoming and aggressively demonstrating how we can support them here in Arizona. Martin. Anything to add to that? I mean, a lot of this has been said.
00:19:59:14 - 00:20:28:01
Unknown
I think momentum always helps, right? We have momentum. Some big investments came in. I think a big thank you is also really to be, had to, Doctor Crow for what he's done with Arizona State University and building the largest engineering program in the country. Right. The talent that used to, you know, bleed to Texas and Arizona and California and so forth wants to stay in Arizona and wants to work here and sees the opportunities here.
00:20:28:02 - 00:21:07:02
Unknown
So, you know, again, I think, and our political climate is good for, for business here. Again, we're like I said earlier, that open for business attitude we have here has helped a lot, I would say. And I've got help on that. That consistency over time that Martin mentioned I think is essential. You know, in, in a lot of this business attraction activity and in, in with a lot of, organizations, people come and go and, and having that continuity, it can be a challenge in, in really advancing the long term, outcomes.
00:21:07:03 - 00:21:40:08
Unknown
We're fortunate here in Arizona that that has been leadership at the university levels, at the state levels, utility levels has been very stable, and we've been on the same page. And so for many, many years we have worked together. And that's a great point, Martin. It's that effort over time. Let me just let me just compliment, several people who, besides Michael Crow, had a, a vested interest in the success of this and helped make it happen.
00:21:40:08 - 00:22:13:10
Unknown
And that's, first of all, Sandra Watson and the team at the ACA. Number two is Chris Camacho and his team at Jpac. And then finally, Christine McKay, with the city of Phoenix, all three organizations to work so collaboratively to make this happen, which was absolutely essential because you got a city economic development group, a regional economic development group, and a state economic development group who all had to work in harmony, to succeed, to bring TSMC here.
00:22:13:11 - 00:22:41:12
Unknown
And Vic, you probably know these numbers, but some outrageous number of supply chain folks came along with TSMC. I've heard as many as 50 companies have shown up as a result. Or is it more than that now? It's over 60 now. And now with, TSMC's most recent, announcements, there are additional three fabs and interest in additional land.
00:22:41:13 - 00:23:19:05
Unknown
You know, to the suppliers that they've had, that have held back because, that amount of investment by TSMC, believe it or not, wasn't quite yet enough to move them. Here it is now. And so there is a major second wave now coming of of supply chain clients, but not only to support TSMC. You know, there are important announcements by Amcor for advanced packaging is an example, which is an important and a critical element to the, building out of the semiconductor sector here.
00:23:19:06 - 00:23:47:08
Unknown
It's more than just manufacturing chips. R&D, and advanced packaging are essential. And, and those additions are coming. So it's it's all of these things like we're talking about so many parts in an extremely complex and dynamic industry that, we seem to have a handle on here. Yeah. Eric, back to you. Just may I just ask quickly before, before, you know, credit where credit is due?
00:23:47:08 - 00:24:08:10
Unknown
Steve, you you know, you are, crediting, Sandra and, Chris and Christine, but but you as well on the Arizona technical, technical, technology Council and all the advocacy and lobbying work you guys have done for our industry has been tremendous as well. And so I think, you know, we would be remiss not to add that to, to the list.
00:24:08:12 - 00:24:28:12
Unknown
And then secondly, Vic, to your point, we're talking about semiconductors and packaging and so forth. But, you know, we have, electronic vehicle manufacturing, we have battery. All of these are consumers of semiconductors as well. It's a much broader ecosystem that is growing around Arizona. So, all of that together and of course aerospace as well. Right.
00:24:28:13 - 00:24:54:01
Unknown
All of that together is, is is driving that same level of growth and talent. Yeah. And and biotech as well in there. So so we we've been successful in in getting this momentum going. Now we have to keep it going. So how is Arizona advancing things through workforce development. We touched a little bit on R&D with the universities and supply chain initiatives.
00:24:54:03 - 00:25:26:08
Unknown
How are we making an effort to keep this momentum going and growing? Actually? Well, certainly workforce development is going to be a key anywhere in the world, and certainly here in Arizona. And there are numerous players. But, I really want to, make special mention of the support that, semi has in the workforce sector. They are, a critical partner for us in, in helping meet the needs of industry.
00:25:26:08 - 00:25:49:00
Unknown
And this is what this is all about, right? You know, historically, many years ago, but it's still the case. So surprisingly, in, in numerous states, there's a legacy of educating students and just just counting graduates, with not a great level of interaction with the industry. But, that is not the case here in Arizona.
00:25:49:00 - 00:26:17:06
Unknown
That interaction with industry has been something that's been, a really critical element in how our, our university and community college and even our K through 12 now operate. It's, it's it's understanding the needs of industry so that, not only our educational partners, but partners outside of the formal education sphere, like semi, can identify those needs.
00:26:17:06 - 00:26:43:10
Unknown
And, and I think all of there's been numerous organizations that have done that. And we've got some really great programs. But now the challenge is to scale these. Right. TSMC is really starting to come online with numbers. Amcor will be coming online with numbers, suppliers with numbers of workforce employees. So now it's time to scale and and identifying those sources to really, really crank up the that educational process.
00:26:43:10 - 00:27:08:14
Unknown
And and there are numerous activities with numerous organizations going on along those fronts. And and I'm confident that we are going to be a leader in the country when it comes to to meeting that workforce. Need as a a little bit more, a little bit more in the workforce development. Yeah. Okay. So the, the semi estimate is that the, investments that are happening now in the US will create 350,000 well-paying jobs by the end of this decade.
00:27:08:14 - 00:27:35:13
Unknown
So but that's also a big challenge for us. Sammy's been working on workforce development for over 20 years. We actually, through through leadership within the industry, recognizing this need, we have a separate entity that's owned by semi, but it's it's all part of the same family. The semi Foundation was founded, by the way. Some really the true leaders of our industry who asked us to focus on workforce development.
00:27:35:14 - 00:27:55:02
Unknown
And I've been in this job since 22, and it's still the case when I went out first talked to to members and said, hey, we've got great growth opportunities. So you I mentioned the trillion dollars. We're 400 billion at the start of the decade. So a growth industry that's going to grow from 400,000,000,000,000 in 10 years is an awesome opportunity, but also a challenge.
00:27:55:02 - 00:28:19:12
Unknown
And what's the biggest challenge? And across the board, people came back and said it's going to be resources. We need the people to fill these jobs. So it's it's the highest priority. It's me as well. And we've been doing it for 20 years. We have a full pipeline of activities that work on everything from basically creating awareness in in schools through filling the jobs and retraining and retraining vets.
00:28:19:13 - 00:28:58:12
Unknown
And we've been selected to operate the national network for microelectronics Education, which is part of the Chips act, effort and will and but actually supported through the National Science Foundation. I'm sorry, but it's part of the same effort with the government to to attract industry and meet the needs of the industry. So it's it's really something that is honestly, we're two years late on it, but we're moving forward right now and we're looking to develop that infrastructure and semi to take responsibility for, for but to the credit of what Semi has been establishing and establishing here, as you know, Joe, as well as AJ and I share that, the
00:28:58:12 - 00:29:36:08
Unknown
CEO and many on the leadership team, I think leadership at Semi has really done an incredible job of in up leveling because semi Foundation as he said, has been around a long for around for a long time. But under the leadership of Sherry Ellis they have really really stepped it up, have done incredible work, have secured incredible funding and programs and, it's it's it's really astounding to see from an outsider's perspective how how incredibly high the momentum is that they've been able to build and really been able to partner with industry to, you know, to get this workforce development program going.
00:29:36:08 - 00:29:58:00
Unknown
It's a whole different level and much needed. By the way. Yeah, I even sent my engineers to sign that semi did on, the med device and microchips, that you guys put on here in Phoenix. And it was a big eye opener for them to see, everything. So continuing education as well, for even seasoned folks to see what's going on out in that world.
00:29:58:00 - 00:30:18:12
Unknown
So appreciate that. Let's switch gears a little bit and talk about semi Con West. It's coming to Phoenix for the first time. You know, I think Joe, Chris can speak to you spoke a little bit about this, but, you know, there's there's a legacy there. There are people who talk about Moscone Center. In in different ways.
00:30:18:12 - 00:30:40:15
Unknown
And, and it's kind of was part of the semi con West for many, many years. You know what what what can you say about what it means to the semi organization moving up here? And then maybe, you know, Vic and and you can talk about what it means for the Arizona semiconductor industry after that. So this is a big move for us.
00:30:40:15 - 00:31:07:09
Unknown
We've been in Moscone Center, middle of San Francisco in July since 1990. So 35 continuous years there. Before that, we were at the fairgrounds and, in San Mateo County, for for a few years before that semi was established in 70. So this will be our, our 55th, semi west. And so it's, it's something and as I mentioned we currently have eight around the world semicolons.
00:31:07:11 - 00:31:40:11
Unknown
This is the this is two things. It's both the US show but it's also the headquarters show. We're headquartered in Milpitas. So it is longstanding. It's the mover and shaker show. First of all, I want everyone to understand that. But you really do get the leadership from our industry there. I again, I served on the semi, semi board prior to, my current role when I was in industry, made the mistake of bringing my wife one year and and I woke up in the morning and you said, so when I see you again and I said dinner.
00:31:40:11 - 00:31:59:04
Unknown
So what am I going to do all day? And I said, well, for the next three days, I have 42 meetings in three days. It was just, and and there was no more productive week in my calendar when I was in the industry. And semicolon was all the movers and shakers come to semicolon. So that's the first thing.
00:31:59:04 - 00:32:24:10
Unknown
We will have a tremendous audience in both size and in both quantity and quality. And a little bit about that then. So, we couldn't be happier with the way things are going. We, we, we've had since since, COVID's over, the industry came back strong while the investments around chips act. We've had really nice growth at semi Cone West, but not like what we're seeing in Phoenix.
00:32:24:10 - 00:32:45:02
Unknown
So we actually we moved to Phoenix and we sold out the show floor in November of last year. So almost a year in advance the show floor was sold out. And we kept taking, companies on to our weeklies. And in March we had 280 companies on the waitlist. And I had to do something. I couldn't turn that many companies away.
00:32:45:02 - 00:33:03:04
Unknown
So we found we're the main show floor is one level below street level. But we'll have our CEO summit, on the third floor and adjacent to the auditorium with the CEO summits. And there's some additional exhibition space, and we sold that out now. And the bottom line is last year we have a little over a thousand boots.
00:33:03:05 - 00:33:25:01
Unknown
That's become less than going this year. We're 1536. So we've got a 50% increase in exhibitors coming to Phoenix. And right along with the attendance right now, attendance, I just I just checked we we checked you know we compare we're now two weeks out from semifinalist. And I got the numbers on the weekend. Attendance is up 39%.
00:33:25:03 - 00:33:46:07
Unknown
Over last year which is phenomenal growth for us to see. And so it's really well being very well received. We've also the show is actually three days, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. But to accommodate all the folks and all the activities, you know, it's it's not a walk in the park to get to $1 trillion. We have plenty of challenges.
00:33:46:07 - 00:34:07:09
Unknown
Workforce development, a good example of what we talked about, the the technology moves. We talked a little bit about advanced packaging and how important that is. So, we've had to broaden our scope as well as to, you know, all the things that are going on and that gets covered, with the content sections and list. And this year we'll have 63 content sessions in actually four days.
00:34:07:09 - 00:34:34:10
Unknown
We'll start on Monday with the content sessions, and we have 567 speakers and panelists in in that week. So it is there's something for everyone. There are certainly challenges and there's certainly opportunities. And but, you know, those are the numbers right now. We couldn't be more pleased to have this kind of response or, you know, get 50% increase in exhibitors, 39% increase in, in attendance.
00:34:34:12 - 00:34:56:11
Unknown
And what's interesting is tomorrow, is semiconductor Day at ASU. And we'll be signing up a whole lot of students. And, you know, back to Doctor Crow's efforts and all that's going on at ASU. I, I don't even want to put a number on what we could see here as a result of that. So we're, we're expecting some big uptick in student participation as well.
00:34:56:11 - 00:35:18:11
Unknown
So it's going really well. I do want to if I can have just one more minute here. I want to tell everyone who's listening to this podcast, as I mentioned, this is the mover and shaker show, and we have each day Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, we start off with something called the CEO summit, and we really bring in the leadership of the industry.
00:35:18:14 - 00:35:39:10
Unknown
If you really want to get a feel for what's going on in our industry and what are the critical issues and the excellent opportunities that are front of us, come to that CEO summit, it'll start at 830 each morning. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It'll be finished by 1030. We don't want to compete with the exhibition floor space any more than we have to.
00:35:39:10 - 00:35:59:14
Unknown
So the exhibition opens at 10:00. So be a little bit of overlap there on Tuesday and Thursday and Wednesday will go a little bit longer because it's AI day and there's just so much talk about artificial intelligence. So I had extended an extra hour on Wednesday, but this is your chance to really learn what's going on in the industry.
00:35:59:15 - 00:36:27:13
Unknown
And also, again, your chance to figure your way forward to get a piece of that trillion dollars. So, I would recommend everyone just come to our CEO summit to get started and then get out there on the show floor. And you can go even deeper in the specific areas that are of interest to the individuals. Thanks. So, for attendees and our local community, it sounds like the numbers are up, both in terms of exhibitors and attendees.
00:36:27:14 - 00:36:51:15
Unknown
Is there anything else that's going to feel different about this event versus, the ones that have been in San Francisco for so long? There's there's a lot of new things that are going on. We but the main thing I'd see there, Steve, is there's not a whole lot of semiconductors produced in the middle of San Francisco, in contrast to the middle of the valley.
00:36:52:01 - 00:37:13:04
Unknown
So that's the big part of the why we chose Phoenix. Is that reason because it is more of an operating center for semiconductors. Today. You've got the biggest fabs in the world now going into Phoenix, but you've got all that infrastructure that Vic mentioned a few minutes ago, the, you know, 60 new companies. But there have been, you know, many who have been long established here.
00:37:13:05 - 00:37:34:01
Unknown
And so that as I mentioned, we represent the end to end supply chain for the manufacturers semiconductors and that end to end supply chains in Phoenix. So we're expecting there'll be a whole lot more of the active, you know, rank and file, employee base that will be at the show. So it's going to be crowded. Bottom line, I think that's the difference you're going to see is you're going to see a whole.
00:37:34:01 - 00:37:55:03
Unknown
And the investments that are going on in the US right now, there'll be more people on the show floor kicking tires to to see what the latest equipment is and the latest in materials and the latest in software to support semiconductor manufacturing. There's a lot going on. So, so work on that on that line. What what does semi con here mean to our local ecosystem.
00:37:55:03 - 00:38:26:08
Unknown
And of course it's a huge impact on the semiconductor part of our ecosystem. But even the broader tech ecosystem having this premier show here, Joe Jo spoke very elegantly to this is the best place to meet the semiconductor leaders from around the world and hear them of any place. Right. And and if you're in this business, given how dynamic it is, that is essential.
00:38:26:09 - 00:39:06:04
Unknown
And so people coming here to Phoenix to hear that the Arizona is, is validating, right. The conference coming to Arizona validates Arizona as a leading area for semiconductors. You know, my job has always been to promote Arizona. It's what I get paid to do. It's what people expect me to say, right? But when the Industry association, the premier industry association, votes with its feet and it and it decides to come to Arizona for its its flagship conference, people notice and people listen.
00:39:06:06 - 00:39:31:07
Unknown
And so that that's extremely significant. And but I'll tell you how that manifests itself now in and what does it mean to Arizona. So you've got recognition, you've got people learning. You've got people thinking of Arizona as a place to learn, but now you've got more and more people coming. As Jill mentioned, we're holding a, a day on the sixth, here.
00:39:31:08 - 00:40:05:14
Unknown
In the convention center, with great support from the folks from semi, dedicated to, international guests who want to learn about coming to Arizona and establishing a presence. Joe, I'm happy to tell you we have maxed out the space. About, as of Friday, we have well over 300 international guests who, have registered, and our total attendance, register is, around that 500 number.
00:40:05:14 - 00:40:32:05
Unknown
We are out of space. We are just, you know, in a very fortunate position. But it's it's it's because of not only all the hard work of all the partners that so many of us mentioned, but it's it is that validation that semi brings to this whole process that allows us to attract these folks. So it's, it's hopefully it's more supply chain.
00:40:32:05 - 00:41:11:07
Unknown
It's, not only on the, on the up supply, but the above the, the TSMC and the, Intel and the course of the world, AMD's ASML, AFM it's it's the folks that we commonly think of, right. The Nvidia, the Apple, all those folks too. So, Joe, thank you for choosing Arizona. Your your selection, has been essential in invalidating Arizona to the industry hurting.
00:41:11:07 - 00:41:47:07
Unknown
You're helping to promote and market, Silicon West. So maybe this is a question for you and then for Joe, this year's theme is Stronger Together. How do you all see that playing out? Across the agenda and the conversations, at the show. So looking into the previous question a little bit, first, but also with the theme of Stronger Together, this show brings an incredible amount of people, fills hotel rooms across the valley, fills restaurants across the valley, help serve.
00:41:47:08 - 00:42:19:04
Unknown
I mean, it is incredible boost to our local economy too, right? So I think that is a huge, huge, boost for the entire economy of Arizona, just this trade show. Also, the fact of what it does for our semiconductor industry and for our ecosystem of semiconductor, supply chain and, here in Arizona, you know, the, the on show is, is more than is more than the trade show itself.
00:42:19:04 - 00:42:41:08
Unknown
It's everything that's happened. A lot of business is being done at the booths, a lot of business is being done, and a lot of it's being learned at all the sessions and all the CEO summits and the presentations, organizations like, you know, big, research organizations like iMac, hosts some of their events around this show because of the fact that semi attracts the best of the best of the industry here.
00:42:41:10 - 00:43:04:14
Unknown
Right. And gets this audience and then, of course, there is all the opportunities for the many companies to host their customers, to entertain their customers through networking events, mixers and so forth. And so all these things together are promoting business, are helping our entire economy, both the semiconductor value chain as well as the actual Arizona economy as a whole.
00:43:04:15 - 00:43:26:02
Unknown
So, I mean, I think Deb kind of subscribes to exactly your question, Steve. You know, together we are we're we're making a lot of big things happen. You know, for a lot of our semiconductor supply chain companies, it's actually possible to get a customer to come visit their site and not be gone for the entire day from the show floor, which in Silicon Valley was difficult.
00:43:26:02 - 00:43:44:03
Unknown
Right? So San Francisco is not far from Silicon Valley, but from a from a traffic perspective. If you were to go visit a customer in Santa Clara, you'd be gone for half the day, if not longer. Here you can get on a, you know, get on a taxi, get out there in 20 minutes, be in Chandler or and be back at the show floor for lunch.
00:43:44:03 - 00:44:10:08
Unknown
Right. It's not that you're gone all day. So, for the actual ecosystem here, it's really good opportunity to, to do different kinds of business in addition to everything that's happening around the show. Anything to add to that? Yeah. Yes. Steve, I'd really like to just point to the fact that our industry, the complexities of operating our industry are are getting more challenging every day.
00:44:10:09 - 00:44:30:14
Unknown
You know, first of all, from a technology standpoint, you know, we're we're now down to a point where, we're we're putting, you know, the the Asme folks we mentioned earlier, you know, they're putting down the we do atomic layer deposition. We're putting things down one atom at a time. The folks from ASML also nice presence in in the Valley as well.
00:44:30:15 - 00:44:56:01
Unknown
You know, there we can't use the full spectrum of light. We're using a very fine part of it. So the technical complexities now we're we're going down the angstrom measurement on the line geometry in the semiconductors. And to do that, the big players are recognizing that we need collaboration more and more, more than ever. And it also turns to just the infrastructure in the market structure.
00:44:56:02 - 00:45:17:12
Unknown
It's a very complex environment of doing business today anywhere in the world. And again, we need that collaboration, across the supply chain and through the infrastructure development with the governments and with the universities, in order for us to to move forward. It's a very attractive market, there's no doubt about it. But it's there's nothing easy about it.
00:45:17:13 - 00:45:50:00
Unknown
And without that collaboration, we're not going to be successful. And again, you look at Phoenix and you see the collaborations, the best I've seen anywhere in the world. It really is. So, and that's why we're in Phoenix, I love it. Yeah, it's a it's a, it's exciting time. And as an engineer and someone who does simulation in this area, it's it's getting more complicated on the packaging side, on the deposition side, on the upstream side, on the downstream strike the chemicals, the in.
00:45:50:01 - 00:46:11:01
Unknown
And so working together is the only way we're going to solve these problems. So it's it's good to see that that's the theme I love it. So one of the things we kind of talked about that I want to dig into a little bit more before we wrap things up, because we could talk for another two hours about this is, you know, having gone to these kind of shows, there's there's the conference, there's the exhibit floor.
00:46:11:01 - 00:46:29:05
Unknown
There's things like the CEO talks. There's also the networking that goes on afterwards. And that's something that Semitone West has always been famous for is the deals done in the networking. So any advice to folks that I mean, I don't know, Vic, you might be able to talk about what's a little bit different about doing that here in Phoenix.
00:46:29:07 - 00:46:44:09
Unknown
Because that, you know, our downtown, we actually have a downtown, if you don't know. And it's quite nice. But also, you know, how does how does one go about that and how important is that? I mean, Joe, in my right and saying, I mean, back in the day when I used to go, it was the most important part of it.
00:46:44:09 - 00:47:21:09
Unknown
Let me come on West, is that still true? As I mentioned, 42 meetings in three days. Yeah. But I think that's a great example. Yeah, but that's the reality. Everyone I do this, everyone I do business with is at 79 West. So you got to plan, you're going to run into folks, but, my dance cards are very full, as you can imagine, for the week this year and in the same situation, but, it, it is the best opportunity in the year to, to again, anyone you do business with or desire to do business with is going to be the works.
00:47:21:10 - 00:47:47:08
Unknown
So plan ahead. Get that dance card out, get it filled up with any advice for folks? Yeah. You know, just, absolutely confirm what Joe said. Your dance card isn't already full. Which for many, it already is. It is not hard to fill, with, a 50% increase in exhibitors with a 39% increase in attendees.
00:47:47:09 - 00:48:15:04
Unknown
Here in Arizona, there are just so many more people that are looking to connect than have before here at the event. And, it's invaluable, in the ability to meet people face to face and in-person video is great. But there's there's nothing to be replaced, by, that personal interaction.
00:48:15:05 - 00:48:52:12
Unknown
So it's it's, I know so many people are trying to get on people's dance cards. They are already very full. But don't give up. Keep trying. And, stock them at their booth if you need to, to meet them. That's why they're there. You'll definitely be rewarded, I think if I, if I could end up just with point, the our agenda is well organized and for so for the things, if you have something new or you're looking to to to network in a particular area, I mentioned 63 content sessions.
00:48:52:15 - 00:49:19:14
Unknown
And if you go to semitone west.org, we also have an app. But either way the full agenda is there. We do a really nice job of allowing you to, sort the agenda in a few different ways to make it easier for you to find out. But, again, if you go to if you're interested in cybersecurity, if you're interested in advanced packaging, you know, you can go and, very easily go to that semi con website or website, find the agenda, find out when the sessions are, go there.
00:49:20:02 - 00:49:44:05
Unknown
The leaders in in those particular subjects are going to be there. There's opportunity after every one of them to network and reach out to the folks who are the true leaders in the industry. So just want to point out there are some tools available to you as well to, to help organize. And I'll also point out they'll they'll be folks wandering around in purple jackets in downtown Phoenix, and they're locals that are there to help you.
00:49:44:05 - 00:50:01:11
Unknown
So if you're listening to this and you're not from Phoenix, ask a local. Ask the people in the purple jacket where to go. What's a good place to to hang out? How do you get from here to there? It's a very walkable downtown. But even though we also have Waymo, so you can, use those chips to get around as well.
00:50:01:12 - 00:50:39:02
Unknown
Our team, our our team, you're actually been involved in creating some of these networking opportunities that'll be part of Semiconscious. Anything you have to yeah, I think, you know, we, we, we've been hosting our, our hospitality lounge for 19 years at semicolon now, our first time in Phoenix, obviously. But, we have, you know, a group of about 15 companies, including a delegation from the Netherlands, who are bringing 15 to 20 companies to visit, to, to provide, hospitality around the show, doing networking on the Tuesday night of the show.
00:50:39:04 - 00:51:02:10
Unknown
And you were saying it earlier, Eric, you know, and Vic, downtown Phoenix offers some great hospitality. Right across from the, from the convention center at, Mancuso restaurant is, we have set up shop and we'll be hosting our kid Rocket Lounge again. Our biggest networking reception off the show floor on Tuesday night. We, we collaborate closely with semi.
00:51:02:10 - 00:51:30:01
Unknown
We don't want to compete with each other, from 5 to 8 at our our kid rocket lounge. And then from 8:00 straight back to third Street for the, for the semicolon western event. The street, the block party. You know, again, we we try to be very respectful of what semi is doing, but, at the same time, we also want to make sure that we provide the best hospitality opportunities around the show for those companies who want to host their customers.
00:51:30:01 - 00:52:00:00
Unknown
And we've been doing that, like I said, for almost 20 years now. And, Mojo, you've been there many times before. You've been, participating in it. It's, it's a great way to network, with, with, industry executives, media and analysts, community. So maybe one final question. So we briefly talked about, I both I and sustainability are really two major themes across the semiconductor, sector.
00:52:00:01 - 00:52:28:00
Unknown
How will the attendees see these reflected in this year's show? So so as I mentioned, you know, it's it's tough for us to have a conversation without talking about AI these days, Steve. But as I mentioned, the focus on Wednesday, on the keynote stage, the CEO summit, is AI. And we start off with and we start off with Nvidia, obviously the leader in AI chips.
00:52:28:04 - 00:52:56:05
Unknown
And we go through and take a look at, how the how the industry will be impacted both from an opportunity as well as to how we will change our operations on. And with the great panel. We've got, the CEO, one of the design companies, but we'll talk about how AI, it's, is creating opportunity for semiconductor design, both from a market perspective and from a technology perspective.
00:52:56:07 - 00:53:20:10
Unknown
Vic mentioned the Amcor investment. We're really excited to have, Amcor CEO speak on our stage and talk about advanced packaging is really important in that, in advancing AI. And so that'll be there. And then probably the one of the really interesting aspects of the day will be the folks from Merck. They're bringing their chief H.R.
00:53:20:12 - 00:53:46:00
Unknown
Officer. And their strategy lead, to the stage, and they're going to talk about the impact on the workforce. So we've got a tremendous agenda on AI to get everybody's blood flowing, to get the day started on Wednesday, but it's littered through, the presentations. So I mentioned the 63 content sessions and the, 1500, exhibitions that you'll see on the show floor.
00:53:46:03 - 00:54:08:13
Unknown
You won't be able to have a conference, but I awesome, awesome. Well, we, running out of time, so I'm going to go ahead and wrap things up. I want to thank all of our speakers today for their expertise and time. Today. I'm really excited to see how the next couple weeks go. I know it's going to be amazing and wonderful and, it's going to be it's going to be educational and fun.
00:54:08:13 - 00:54:31:03
Unknown
So I'm looking forward to it. So today's easy tech class was brought to you by PDT. PDT is the southwest leading provider of engineering products and services to companies that design or manufacture physical products. Our team of 85 engineers, sales professionals, administrators and technicians is proud to be an elite Ansys channel partner, which is now part of synopsis, which has a very large footprint in the semiconductor industry.
00:54:31:04 - 00:54:50:05
Unknown
Pete has also a channel partner with Strat Assistant US for 3D printing and flow decks for system level thermal and fluid simulation. Our engineers also provide product design, simulation and 3D printing as a service. For over 31 years now at PDT, we make innovation work. Also sneak in and invite to all of our listeners to come to our annual open House near Tober Fest, October 21st.
00:54:50:05 - 00:55:18:13
Unknown
So if you're not burned out after the wonderful week of sorry, get some Econ West. Please do come to our open house October 21st and you can visit our website inc.com. Summer Tober Fest to learn more. So if you're interested in being a podcast participant or sponsor for the Council's Easy Tech Cast, contact marketing at Easy council.org to learn more about opportunities to further position you as a tech expert, influencer and innovator.
00:55:18:15 - 00:55:27:09
Unknown
And until next time, I'm Eric Miller. And on behalf of Steve and everybody here, I want to thank you all for joining us for the AC Tech Cast.
00:55:27:09 - 00:55:59:06
Unknown
Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Aztec Caste. With the Arizona Technology Council, featuring leading tech and business experts who help influence and shape our great state and the industries they serve. Hey. Steve.
