SMYRNA, GA -- UP Media Group today announced a series of chats led by several well-known industry experts has been added to the technical conference program of its Virtual PCB Web-based trade show, the industry's only virtual trade show and conference for the PCB design, fabrication and assembly markets.

Virtual PCB is a fully interactive, Web-based event that incorporates all the critical features of a live event: customized exhibit booths, chats, lounge areas, technical presentations, online learning and more. Now in its second year, the 2009 event will be held live Feb. 24-25, and will be available on-demand for two months following the live event.

New this year will be group chats on technical topics of high interest. The topics range from HDI design and processing, laminates and surface mount processing to test and inspection and defect prevention. Special chats on such highly charged topics as head-in-pillow and signal integrity are also planned.

A number of respected industry experts will be on hand as panelists, including Happy Holden and Charles Pfeil of Mentor Graphics; Dr. Mike Bixenman of Kyzen; Ken Parker of Agilent Technologies; Chrys Shea of Shea Engineering; Phil Zarrow of ITM Consulting; Dr. David Bernard of Dage and Dr. Jane Feng of Flextronics.

The chats are scheduled for 45 minutes each, allowing ample time for discussion between the panelists and attendees.

There is no cost to attend Virtual PCB or the group chats.

For more information on the chats, visit virtual-pcb.com/attendees/#chats. For more information on attending or exhibiting at Virtual PCB, visit www.virtual-pcb.com or contact Alyson Skarbek, show manager, at 678-589-8865 or askarbek@upmediagroup.com.

TORONTO -- Celestica's chief executive indicated the fourth-largest EMS company could potentially use some of its more than $1 billion in cash to buy other companies during the downturn.

Read more ...

SAN JOSE -- Sanmina-SCI reported a fiscal first-quarter net loss of net loss of $768,000, on revenue of $1.42 billion. The company said it reduced headcount by 10% and cut salaries during the quarter.

Read more ...

AESCH, SWITZERLAND -- SMT process equipment supplier Essemtec today said March sales were up 15% and "the bottom has been reached."

Read more ...