The Electronic Distribution Show (EDS) 2008 was held May 5-7 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas.  EDS is the place “where the electronic industry connects’ as more than 4,500 manufacturers, distributors and independent sales representatives converged to review marketing plans and plot strategies for the electronics distribution industry.  ECA, representing the manufacturing element of the show, along with partners, National Electronic Distributors Association (NEDA) and Electronic Representatives Association (ERA), host this annual event that benchmarks growth and opportunities for the North American supply chain.

On Monday afternoon, ECA kicked off the educational segment of the event with its preparatory session on “Getting the most out of the EDS experience” for first timers at the event.  Bob Willis, ECA President, described the unique structure of EDS that makes it different from the basic trade show and outlined do’s and don’ts for company personnel that would allow them to get the most from the experience.  Willis also provided interesting statistics and opinions on the health of the electronics industry expressed at CARTS USA in late March noting cautious optimism for 2008.

EDS is a three-day whirlwind of activity involving meetings, educational sessions and social events among manufacturers, distributors and reps in a networked environment unique to the electronic distribution community.   In the keynote session, Bill Mitchell, chairman and CEO of Arrow Electronics, echoed Willis’ optimism among a standing room only presentation on “Facing the Realities of our Industry…Where we are and what we need to do.”  Mitchell likened 2008 to another challenging year for the electronics industry: 2001.  He said that there are some good reasons to be optimistic, including:

• Increasing electronics content that is pervading consumer’s lives and commerce;
• one trillion in spending in defense and aerospace industries;
• a three percent growth in lighting each year through 2012, with the LED market tripling in size;
• 86 billion being spent in life-enhancing technologies for health care
• Increased spending in transportation to accommodate a growing population and to produce new breeds of fuel efficient vehicles.

EDS 2009 will be held May 13 -15, 2009 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, NV.