The SMTA announced the finalized program for the High Reliability: Strategic Technology Advancement Research Forum which takes place on May 6-7, 2026 in Olathe, Kansas, USA. The event, now in its fourth year, addresses challenges for electronics manufacturers in the high reliability sector.
The forum opens on Wednesday, May 6, with a comprehensive series of professional development courses designed to build foundational knowledge in contamination control and process reliability. A two-part course, Fundamentals of Measuring Cleanliness, led by Dr. Adam Klett, KYZEN Corporation, and Elliott Fowler, Sandia National Labs, anchors the program, alongside Conformal Coating 101 for Process Engineers presented by Doug Pauls, ItDepends Consulting. Technical sessions focus on Inspection, Cleaning, Mechanical Reliability, Residue Control, and SIR Reliability.
The program continues on Thursday, May 7, with the second installment of the cleanliness measurement course and a featured roundtable discussion led by Chrys Shea, examining how today’s reliability challenges mirror those of the past, offering valuable perspective for navigating current industry demands. The final technical session highlights SMT process optimization, with presentations covering industry standards for component storage, stencil design best practices, process variables impacting printing yield, and advancements in soldering technologies.
The SMTA High Reliability Forum is designed for engineers, technologists, and decision-makers working in high-reliability sectors including aerospace, defense, automotive, and high-performance computing.
Registration is available online and includes access to the entire program on both days as well as conference proceedings, refreshment breaks, and lunch.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for this event and details are posted online.
If there are any questions, please call +1-952-920-7682 or email karlie@smta.org. For more information, visit www.smta.org/star.
SMTA – A Global Association Working at a Local Level
The SMTA membership is an international network of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations.
