Using SEMICON West to Achieve Member Objectives

The recently-concluded SEMICON West is the center a what seems like a thousand meetings, ten thousand products and hundreds of thousands of exhibitor objectives. Much has been said in press releases, media stories, internal memos and conversations about the show in general, as well in presentations on the record at the Virtual West and in the Powerpoint presentations now posted on the SEMICON west website about the industry, and the technologies and products that comprise our marketplace.

What isn’t so obvious is how much SEMI-- the association, not the exposition organizer—accomplished at SEMICON West. The exposition is not only a platform for exhibitor initiatives and industry news, but also for collective industry interests advanced through SEMI-sponsored events and programs. The list of how much the association does at West to push industry interests demonstrates the difference between a private event organizers and an association event organizer. Our mission is not only to provide exhibitors a great place to build brand, learn about trends and technologies, introduce products, and meet customers, but also to contribute to the collective goals of the industry. We don’t make money from these programs and activities--and they are often hard to do--but they represent the heart of our mission.

I think the list below is an impressive list of activities—all done to support our best understanding of how to meet member needs:

• Advance investor and financial market education through Bulls and Bears presentation, and market data programs
• Held over 80 standards committee and task force meetings—the breadth of industry sectors and subjects are too numerous to count
• Held the annual SEMI Membership Breakfast to introduce new Board Members and publicly discuss SEMI yearly financial results
• Held North American Advisory Board meeting to gain input for SEMI programs and priorities, especially public policy
• Held SEMI LED steering committee meeting to gain input on SEMI global LED activities and priorities
• Conducted first annual PV Fab Managers Forum to bring together solar manufacturers and suppliers to seek common ground and mutual issues
• Hosted the annual Environmental Health and Safety luncheon to reinforce the industries commitment to sustainable business practices
• Updated members on the SEMI public policy programs and lobbying efforts in Washington DC
• Organized and hosted an Import-Export policy discussion with Dept of Commerce at SEMI headquarters in San Jose
• Provided member education through 200 hours of free seminars and workshops
• Held an Energy Conservation Workshop, a Climate Protection Council Meeting, Sustainability Practitioners Seminar, and other activities to assure our industry remains the model for EHS Best Practices worldwide.
• Sponsored industry special interest meeting by the Chemical and Gases Manufacturers Group, Silicon Manufacturers Group, and Collaborative Alliance for Semiconductor Test (CAST).
• Advanced member interests and education on California and Federal energy policy through workshops and meeting attended by government officials, legislators and members
• Helped advance the protection of intellectual property through PAIM III (Product Authentication Information Management) programs and meetings by Secondary Equipment, Services and Technology Group
• Helped improve industry planning and forecasting through the Market Symposium and meetings with SEAJ
• Helped advance science and math education through High Tech University planning and fundraising

I know I missed a few things. Can you help me remember?