When SEMICON West left San Francisco for the first time in its 50-year history, no one knew what to expect. The answer came fast: record crowds, sold-out exhibits, and a new spotlight on Arizona’s semiconductor strength.
The weeklong conference filled downtown Phoenix with more than 35,000 visitors and more than 1,500 exhibitors, the largest turnout in nearly two decades. SEMI Americas President Joe Stockunas called the move a “test that worked,” crediting Arizona’s close-knit partnership between industry, academia and government for the success.
That partnership was on full display. Governor Katie Hobbs welcomed global leaders from Intel, TSMC and Amkor, pointing to more than 60 expansions and $205 billion in semiconductor investment since 2020. “Arizona will always be your partner,” she said, encouraging collaboration on workforce development, technology, trade and investment.
Beyond the record attendance, workforce development was a major topic throughout the week. From flash mentoring sessions pairing students with industry professionals to an educator day, the energy on the show floor was centered on collaboration and impact. This theme was carried through during the SEMI Foundations ribbon cutting for SEMIquest, a new exhibit at the Arizona Science Center designed to give middle and high school students a hands-on view of how chips power everyday life. And a new innovation forum on the exhibition floor hosted connected startups with investors and manufacturers, an effort to keep fresh ideas moving into the industry’s fast-growing pipeline.
All in all, the buzz about this year’s event was palpable with feedback overwhelmingly positive. While SEMICON West is expected to return to San Francisco next year, the success in Phoenix has some wondering if Arizona could become its permanent home.
If so, few would be surprised. For an industry chasing both capacity and community, Arizona offered plenty of both.
Photo courtesy of SEMI Americas
