49th International Symposium for Testing and Failure Analysis. Courtesy of Kiterocket.
Phoenix is increasingly becoming a magnet for semiconductor trade shows thanks to its booming semiconductor industry. The recent attraction of high-profile events like SEMICON West and the 49th International Symposium for Testing and Failure Analysis (ISTFA) underscores this trend. SEMICON West, a leading trade show focusing on the semiconductor and microelectronics industry, turned its attention to Phoenix, deciding to alternate event locations from its traditional San Francisco locale to every other year in Phoenix starting in 2025, highlighting the city’s growing importance. Similarly, ISTFA, the premier event for the microelectronics failure analysis community, is known for rotating its location and chose Phoenix for its latest conference.
While attending the ISTFA trade show, we spoke to a few companies looking to identify why semiconductor-related trade shows have chosen Phoenix. Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, a cutting-edge company in optics and photonics that operates at the forefront of various markets and leverages precision engineering and the science of light, was one of the companies we had the opportunity to speak with during the event.
Established in the 1840s with microscopes as its original product, ZEISS has evolved while maintaining a solid foothold in microscopy, today offering the most comprehensive range of microscopes among competitors, including electron, light and X-ray microscopes. Its unique position allows it to manage diverse image data, differentiating its offerings in the semiconductors, biology and geology sectors. ZEISS’s extensive portfolio, spanning from eyeglasses to camera lenses, medical devices and beyond, underscores its status as a multifaceted and complex organization deeply embedded in the technology landscape. ZEISS’s decision to attend ISTFA this year in Phoenix was not only because its devices are crucial in the development and manufacturing of ICs, particularly for quality control and failure analysis, but also because the Phoenix region is of significant importance to the company.
“In recent years, we’ve seen growth across the U.S., particularly in Phoenix, as it emerges into a dynamic semiconductor market,” said Thomas Rodgers, senior director of market strategy, head of business sector electronics at the company. “Our decision to focus on Phoenix stems from the convergence of multiple factors. Firstly, it’s become a hub for our collaboration partners from Europe, facilitating seamless integration and synergy. Additionally, we’re witnessing a trend of major Asian customers establishing their presence in the area, further elevating its importance.”
Hosting these major trade shows benefits Phoenix economically, creating jobs and stimulating growth in the local tech sector. It further positions the city as a central player in the global semiconductor industry, providing a platform for showcasing the latest technologies and fostering partnerships. These events unite industry giants, innovators and professionals, creating a vibrant networking and knowledge exchange ecosystem. The draw of Phoenix as a host city for these events is closely tied to its burgeoning semiconductor industry.
“Our focus is on sustainable growth. This is crucial in the semiconductor industry, where maintaining long-term relationships is key,” continued Rodgers. “By prioritizing customer success, we’re not just retaining existing clientele but also paving the way for new business opportunities. Phoenix stands at the forefront of this strategic expansion with its dynamic market and growing importance as a tech hub.”
Phoenix’s role in the semiconductor world represents a shift in the tech landscape, with technology hubs emerging outside traditional areas such as Silicon Valley. This geographical diversification is crucial for the industry’s growth, offering new opportunities and perspectives.
Phoenix’s rise as a destination for semiconductor trade shows is a testament to its growing stature in the tech world, the region having proactively attracted tech industries, offering a favorable business environment and a strategic location. The city’s infrastructure, coupled with its strategic initiatives, has paid dividends, as seen in the presence of significant industry players and cutting-edge technological facilities paving the way for further growth and innovation in the semiconductor sector.
