Sierra supported KiCon 2019, a decision we're pleased with. Here's our summary!
KiCon 2019: A Pivotal Event for KiCad Users and PCB Designers
KiCon, an annual conference dedicated to hardware development and innovation, recently took place in Chicago on April 26 and 27. This event, focusing on the open-source software suite KiCad for electronic design automation (EDA) and printed circuit board (PCB) design, brought together a diverse community of hardware developers, engineers, hobbyists, and industry professionals.
The conference aimed to promote education, innovation, and collaboration in the hardware design field, with a particular focus on open-source tools like KiCad. It offered workshops, presentations, and networking opportunities tailored to PCB designers and developers using KiCad, helping them improve skills, discover new features, and contribute to the software’s ecosystem.
For many attendees, KiCon was their first encounter with KiCad. Some were learning the software from scratch, while others were honing their expert-level skills. The conference provided a comprehensive learning experience, with classes focusing on optimising KiCad for building advanced products and demonstrating what's "under the hood" of KiCad.
The conference also served as a platform for networking, with some attendees seeking to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. A manufacturer panel was organised, allowing PCB designers to discuss their doubts and issues with experts, with the aim of helping designers design with manufacturers' capabilities in mind to avoid failures.
KiCon 2019 was the inaugural event for this conference series. Its success has led to plans for KiCon 2020, which is expected to take place next year, and possible expansion to Europe. KiCad itself is considering hosting a conference in Europe before KiCon 2020.
In summary, KiCon 2019 was a significant event for the KiCad community and the PCB design industry. It provided a platform for learning, networking, and innovation, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the advancement of open-source hardware design tools and techniques.
Attendees at KiCon 2019 explored the intersection of KiCad, lifestyle, and education-and-self-development, as they gained insights into utilizing technology for innovative PCB design. The conference served as a hub for discussing the latest advancements in PCB design and technology, and offered opportunities for participants to enhance their skills and knowledge. Furthermore, attendees discovered how KiCad can play an essential role in fostering collaboration and innovation in the field of education-and-self-development, thereby making a meaningful impact on lifestyles by addressing practical concerns related to hardware development.
