Semiconductor Surge Shifts SEMICON West Show
July 31, 2024
After wrapping up the 2024 SEMICON West on July 11 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, SEMI, a global industry association connecting more than 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, will produce next year’s show in a new city later in the year.
In 2025 for the first time, Phoenix will host SEMICON West, a microelectronics exhibition in North America, Oct. 7-9, at the Phoenix Convention Center. SEMI's decision to host SEMICON West in Phoenix highlights a strategic shift to further technological advancements and industry expansion, and the show will alternate between San Francisco and Phoenix when it returns in 2027 and 2029, according to SEMI officials.
We caught up with SEMI Director of Exhibitions & Events Sandy Chapin to find out more about the move from Q2 to Q3 and adding Phoenix to its rotation pattern.
How many years has SEMICON West been held in San Francisco?
SEMI, the largest global semiconductor manufacturing and design industry association, began hosting SEMICON West soon after its founding, and the event has been a staple in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 50 years. Starting in 2025, the event will move to Phoenix and begin a five-year annual rotation. It will also shift from its traditional July dates to October.
Why the move from July to October going forward?
While the timing change is largely due to avoiding summer in Phoenix, the overall rotation is primarily motivated by involving the growing semiconductor ecosystem in the area. Greater Phoenix is home to more than 75 semiconductor companies, including prominent SEMI members such as EMD Electronics, Intel, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). The sector employs more than 100,000 people locally, with additional jobs anticipated. Recent investments in chip manufacturing underscore Phoenix's role in driving innovation, aligning with SEMI’s goals and programs to advance the broader industry.
Why Phoenix?
We are excited to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix, Ariz. in 2025. The rotation with Phoenix will provide numerous benefits for our attendees and exhibitors. We can tap into the semiconductor industry's growth in Greater Phoenix, offer a variety of hotel options within walking distance of the Phoenix Convention Center, and highlight the dynamic, thriving downtown experience and unique culture that Phoenix has to offer.
While the 2024 post-show report isn’t ready yet, will you share some attendee and exhibitor highlights with us?
This year’s recent event had 650 exhibiting companies and 110,900 square feet, marking a 15% year-over-year increase. It also saw 16,147 registered attendees, a 28% increase compared to the previous year.
More about the SEMICON
Backstory: Held July 9-11, the 2024 SEMICON West show featured a conference with more than 40 sessions and 400 speakers, as well as a sold-out exhibition at Moscone Center. The presentations addressed plans for the more than $300 billion in capital expenditures for the domestic semiconductor industry announced since the enactment of the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act, an unprecedented level of investment, according to SEMI officials.
By the numbers: While the 2024 post show report isn’t available yet, the 2023 edition of SEMICON West attracted 10,702 total verified visitors, including 6,711 attendees, 3,544 exhibitors and 42 press, according to the 2023 Post-Show Report (download a copy of the report here). From 2022 to 2023, SEMICON West increased attendance by 37% and booths by 34%.
The big picture: “The path to $1 trillion in semiconductor annual revenue is here and now as the industry’s expansion hits its stride,” said Joe Stockunas, president of SEMI Americas, in a press release. “Global chip industry growth is fueled by the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) and growing demand in other key markets including computing, communications, mobility, machine learning, and medical technologies.”
Context: SEMI—a Milpitas, Calif.-based association that enables members to collaborate, innovate and drive the future of electronics—produces nine SEMICON trade shows in major design and manufacturing hubs around the world. Besides SEMICON West in North America, SEMI hosts trade shows in China, Europa, India, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan.
What they are saying: “Arizona has long been a leader in semiconductor advancement since Motorola established its facility in Greater Phoenix in 1949. This paved the way for industry giants like onsemi, NXP, Microchip Technology, and many more. With ongoing growth and major investments from Intel, TSMC, Amkor, and ASM, Arizona is recognized globally as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Phoenix, with its skilled workforce, strong educational partnerships, business-friendly environment, and rich manufacturing history, is the perfect choice for SEMICON West,” according to its website.
About the venue: The Phoenix Convention Center offers a 312,500-square-foot exhibit hall and a 46,000-square-foot ballroom. The venue features 99 meeting rooms, 61 loading docks (22 of which are climate controlled), exhibit halls with pre-scored floors and 80,000 sq. ft. of outdoor event space.
Looking ahead: Dates and locations for SEMICON West have been locked in through 2030. Here’s the schedule:
- 2025—Oct. 7-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona
- 2026—Oct. 13-15 at Moscone Center in San Francisco
- 2027—Oct. 12-14 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona
- 2028—Oct. 10-12 at Moscone Center in San Francisco
- 2029—Oct. 9-11 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona
- 2030—Oct. 29-31 at Moscone Center in San Francisco
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