MicroLED Connect is a global forum for microLED and related technologies and applications, which will take place at the Convention Center on the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven on 25-26 September. The MicroLED Connect is organized by two industry veterans, Metalgrass’ Ron Mertens and TechBlick’s Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, each bringing his unique knowledge and experience to plan this extraordinary event.
We had a few questions to ask Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, our co-organizer, about his vision for this conference.
Q. Hi Kasha! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the MicroLED Connect event - what did you have in mind when planning it and what’s special about it?
Hi! Well, it is the first worldwide onsite conference and exhibition dedicated to MicroLED technology. Up until now, MicroLEDs were highlighted in other display events, but never as the main technology in a dedicated conference. We felt that this emerging technology deserves to be the main focus. The event will bring together the entire value chain from around the world- from material suppliers to equipment makers to display makers and semiconductor companies and final OEMs. There is enormous interest in this technology and in our event, and so we expect a sell-out crowd.
When planning this event, we put extra emphasis on social events and networking opportunities. We have a rich agenda that transcends the usual talks and lectures, and includes social gatherings, organized visits to companies in the area and more. We wish to give attendees the chance to not only listen and learn, but also interact and connect. We put a strong focus on in-person experience, hoping to forge deep partnerships amongst our participants. That’s actually where the name “MicroLED Connect” comes from!
The timing is also very special. We feel it is important to bring everyone together at this focused event, especially now that the technology is going through a very particular phase of its development where it is almost but not quite there yet. We want to bring the entire industry together - from R&D to OEMs - and from around the world - to help bring about the final success.
Also, our event model is very special. It consists of both the onsite event in Eindhoven, and an active year-round programme, online, which covers all display innovations. This means that our attendees can be onsite to connect, engage, and experience and then continue their learning and networking throughout the year online.
Q. Why did you choose to hold the event at Eindhoven's High Tech Campus?
Eindhoven is the epicenter of the European deeptech ecosystem. It has an extremely vibrant R&D, start-up and manufacturing scene in deep tech including displays, photonics, semiconductors, batteries, etc. and is home to companies like ASML, Philips, etc.
The High Tech Campus is possibly the smartest square kilometer in Europe and the campus alone is home to over 300 high-tech companies!
Past experience with the venue was excellent, from the facility itself to its surroundings, so it felt like the natural choice for this conference.
Q. Can you share some names of companies that have already signed on as exhibitors/speakers?
Of course - thus far, some of the confirmed speakers and exhibitors include TCL CSOT, Google, Bugatti, JC Decaux, Global Foundries, Toray Engineering, 3D-Micromac, Saphlux, Tracxon. Fraunhofer IAP, Holst Centre, VuReal, Delo, Hamamatsu, Allos Semiconductor, Micledi, Scrona, imec.xpand, and more.
As for attendees, there is a robust early demand with many signing up, not only from Europe but also from Asia and USA. There are also attendees from various other industries, including semiconductors, packaging, displays, materials, equipment, etc.
We see this as a must-attend event, and hope that many companies will share our vision and take part.
Q. What participation options are currently available?
Our attendees can purchase a hybrid annual pass, which offers them onsite admission as well as one-year of online access to all MicroLED Connect online events, the MicroLED Connect library of content, and more. We offer both individual tickets and group tickets.
As for exhibitors, we offer them a unique package combining onsite tabletop exhibition and potentially speaking opportunities with year-round digital marketing support, including online talks, email marketing, social media support.
Special conditions are reserved for MicroLED Industry Association members.
Q. Why would you recommend MicroLED professionals to attend this event?
I believe that no company in this industry should miss this event. It was primarily launched to promote the field, to put a focus on it and to hopefully become an annual event that brings all the players together.
If you want to learn the latest, connect with all the key players in this field from around the world, and really shape the future of this industry, then this event should not be missed.
Thanks Kasha, for taking the time to share your thoughts!
As co-organizers, we also encourage companies to take part in this exciting event and share our vision of promoting the MicroLED industry!