?? The Sky is the Limit

With less than a month until our annual TechCon, we draw wisdom from an African proverb:

"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

This proverb underscores the crucial role of collaboration, teamwork, and collective effort in achieving sustained success and progress.

While solo efforts may yield immediate results, they often lack the depth and longevity of accomplishments achieved through collaboration. By pooling resources, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, individuals and groups can achieve far-reaching goals that endure over time.

For those aiming for lasting impact, join us in the Hilton Chicago Hotel (Continental B Ballroom) at 1:20 pm on Monday (May 6) for the Don Mattox Tutorial: "From Thin Films to Airplanes: Engineering Leadership in the Pursuit of Widespread Impact" presented by Marvi Matos Rodriguez of Boeing Corporation, Seattle, WA.

• Dr. Marvi Matos Rodriguez is a highly accomplished engineering leader, currently serving as the Director of BDS Engineering, Mobility & Surveillance P-8 Air Vehicle IPT. Her extensive career includes influential roles in aerospace, where she contributed to advanced materials and processes while emphasizing innovation and outreach.

Having people that belive in you (mentors) is crucial for personal and professional development. They see your potential and invest their time and energy in guiding, supporting, and encouraging you to grow professionally and personally. Mentors offer guidance, advice, and constructive feedback based on their experiences and expertise. They help individuals navigate challenges, set goals, and develop strategies for advancement. Additionally, mentors provide networking opportunities and introduce mentees to relevant contacts in their field. They hold mentees accountable for their actions, encouraging them to stay focused and motivated. Overall, mentors play a pivotal role in helping individuals grow, learn, and achieve success in their careers and personal lives.

?? Discover, Connect, and Thrive ??

At our conference, attendees have opportunities to network and engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds, spanning industries, academia, and various other fields. Beyond expanding your professional circle, forging connections with individuals outside your immediate sphere can foster collaboration, spark innovation, and offer fresh perspectives on shared challenges. These interactions not only enrich your knowledge base but also open doors to potential partnerships, career advancements, and valuable mentorship opportunities. By immersing yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, you'll gain insights, ideas, and inspiration that can propel your personal and professional growth to new heights.

?? Maximize Your Impact

Unlocking your full potential requires more than innate talent. It demands motivation and a willingness to learn and adapt. At TechCon, we offer a diverse range of tutorials designed to help you maximize your abilities and seize new opportunities for growth.

Let's take a closer look at the Saturday tutorials and meet the speakers:

• C-230: "Processing of Plastics for Better Protection, Reflection, and Decoration" by Gary Vergason of Vergason Technology, Inc.

• C-103: "An Introduction to Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) Processes" presented by S. Ismat Shah from the University of Delaware.

• C-208: "Sputter Deposition for Industrial Applications" led by Dave Glocker (Retired).

• C-333: "Practice and Applications of High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering" delivered by Ralf Bandorf from the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST and Arutiun Ehiasarian from Sheffield Hallam University.

• VT-201: "Vacuum Systems, Materials, and Operation" presented by John O’Hanlon (Retired).

• C-205: "Introduction to Optical Coating Design" offered by Robert Sargent of VIAVI Solutions.

In the realm of surface engineering, understanding the intricacies of various processes is not just beneficial - it's essential. With a diverse array of tutorials offered at the upcoming conference, attendees have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and relearn key concepts in this captivating field.

Did you know that Optical Coating Design revolutionizes the eyewear industry by significantly improving the visual experience for wearers? Anti-glare coatings applied to glasses lenses reduce reflections and enhance clarity, ensuring a comfortable and clear vision.

Furthermore, Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes are indispensable in household appliances. From kitchen equipment to everyday items, PVD coatings enhance resistance to wear, scratches, and stains, thereby prolonging the lifespan of these products while maintaining their aesthetic appeal.

So join us at TechCon to unlock new possibilities and chart your path to success!

??? Save the Dates: May 4th to May 9th!

?? Join us in Chicago for an unforgettable experience.

?Uncover New Insights with SVConnections

Don't forget to take a look at the SVConnections that were sent last week where we again emphasize to beware of scams - particularly regarding hotel room bookings for the TechCon event. Remember, the SVC does not sell or distribute contact lists, nor are any third parties authorized to sell hotel rooms on behalf of the organization. This serves as a reminder of the prevalence of scams and the importance of vigilance in online interactions.

As always, we include summaries of several scientific articles covering diverse topics such as advancements in telescope technology??, ultra-flat optics for thermal imaging??, and new developments in battery technology??. These snippets offer insights into recent innovations and discoveries across various scientific disciplines, providing recipients with valuable information and potentially sparking interest in further exploration of these topics.

But if you are not on our email list, no worries - you can get all the SVConnections on our webpage!

See you soon, and thanks for spending your time here with us!