ARIZONA NEWS

Phoenix to host nation’s largest semiconductor and microchips conference starting in 2025

Feb 13, 2023, 4:05 AM
(Twitter Photo/@SEMIAmericas)...
(Twitter Photo/@SEMIAmericas)
(Twitter Photo/@SEMIAmericas)

PHOENIX — Phoenix will host the largest annual semiconductor and microchips conference in the United States starting in 2025 as Arizona has become a major destination for the microelectronics industry.

SEMICON West will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center on a rotating schedule over five years with dates in October 2025, 2027 and 2029. San Francisco will host the event in 2026 and 2028.

“This conference has been held in California for the past 50-plus years,” Senior Vice President of Executive Initiatives at the Arizona Commerce Authority Patrick Ptak told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “When you think of California, you think of Silicon Valley, it has silicon right there in the name.

“Given all the investment and activity happening here in Arizona, they’re going to be moving that conference to Phoenix starting in 2025, and that’s very big news for all of us here.”

Ptak said the conference draws in top semiconductor and microelectronic CEOs from around the world.

The U.S. owns 46% of the Global semiconductor industry market share, according to the Semiconductor Industry Association, and President Joe Biden signed into law last year the CHIPS and Science Act to further incentivize homegrown manufacturing.

Under the CHIPS act, Arizona announced in November a $100 million investment for semiconductor infrastructure, workforce and research that will be managed by the Arizona Commerce Authority.

The Grand Canyon State currently hosts 75 semiconductor companies including Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

“This conference brings all those leaders and officials together, and they are all going to be coming to Phoenix, which is great for our economy,” Ptak said. “Hosting big events is always good.

“But it is also symbolic. This event has been held in California … what we are seeing now is kind of a changing of the guard, a handoff away from a legacy destination in California … to Arizona.”

Ptak said Arizona leads the nation in semiconductor investments since 2020 at $60 billion.

Biden visited a TSMC chipmaking plant under construction in December, and the microchips company announced plans to build a second plant in Arizona.

“The recent expansion of the semiconductor industry in Phoenix has been transformative,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said in a press release. “We are already benefiting from new jobs, new suppliers, new housing, new educational opportunities and new businesses that are excited to relocate here.

“SEMICON West’s presence will underscore and amplify Phoenix’s commitment to attracting and growing our advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries.”

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Luke Forstner contributed to this report. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

(Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Photo)...
KTAR.com

Arizona officials warn public to avoid orange liquid, soil near mine in Walker

Arizona officials warned residents of Walker, a community in Yavapai County, of orange liquid and soil that started surfacing this week. 
11 hours ago
(City of Phoenix Photo)...
KTAR.com

3 people critically injured in rollover accident in west Phoenix

Two men and one woman were critically injured in a single vehicle rollover accident early Saturday in west Phoenix.
11 hours ago
(Arizona Humane Society Photos)...
KTAR.com

Arizona Humane Society removes more than a dozen hair ties from cat’s stomach

A rescued Valley cat underwent a lifesaving surgery in March and is now in need of a home after veterinarians removed more than a dozen hair ties from his stomach.
11 hours ago
Pat McMahon records a promo for a rerun of an episode of “The Wallace and Ladmo Show.” Photo ta...
Daniel Ogas/Cronkite News

‘Broadcast legend’ Pat McMahon of ‘Wallace and Ladmo’ still a Phoenix TV icon

Pat McMahon is still working, but it was his days as the character actor on “Wallace and Ladmo,” for which he is sure to be best remembered.
11 hours ago
(Wexford Developments rendering)...
KTAR.com

Construction on new downtown Tempe apartments to begin this spring

Real estate company Wexford Developments broke ground on a new seven-story apartment building in downtown Tempe on Wednesday.
11 hours ago
(Town of Fountain Hills Photo)...
KTAR.com

Fountain Hills hosting free Music Festival in park Saturday evening

The hills northeast of Phoenix will be rocking and rolling Saturday evening with a free concert in Fountain Park.
11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

(Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona Photo)...
Desert Institute for Spine Care in Arizona

5 common causes for chronic neck pain

Neck pain can debilitate one’s daily routine, yet 80% of people experience it in their lives and 20%-50% deal with it annually.
(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...
Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.
...
Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.
Phoenix to host nation’s largest semiconductor and microchips conference starting in 2025