For the first time in 50 years, SEMICON West is leaving the Bay Area. This October, the semiconductor industry’s premier event heads to Phoenix—and the timing couldn’t be better.
With Arizona emerging as America’s new chip manufacturing hub (thanks to TSMC and Intel’s massive investments), SEMICON West 2025 runs October 7-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center, promising to be the largest exhibition in two decades.
Why This Year’s SEMICON West Matters
The Phoenix Factor
Arizona isn’t just hosting SEMICON West—it’s becoming the epicenter of U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. TSMC’s $40 billion fab complex and Intel’s expanded operations make Phoenix the logical choice for this historic move.
Record-Breaking Demand
With 700+ exhibitors and 285 companies on the waiting list, this year’s sold-out exhibition reflects the industry’s explosive growth. Expect 25% more exhibition space than 2024.
Theme: “Stronger Together”
This year focuses on sustainability, talent development, and supply chain resilience—the three pillars reshaping semiconductor manufacturing.
What to Expect: A Practical Overview
Exhibition Floor
- Scale: Two levels, 700+ companies
- Focus: Equipment manufacturers, materials suppliers, software providers
- Highlights: Live equipment demos, AI chip showcases, advanced packaging displays
Conference Tracks Worth Your Time
- CEO Summit: Industry leaders on market direction and geopolitical impacts
- Technical Deep Dives: AI chip design, heterogeneous integration, advanced nodes
- Workforce Solutions: Addressing the talent crisis with practical strategies
- Sustainability: Green manufacturing and circular economy initiatives
Networking Opportunities
- Opening night reception (Tuesday)
- Regional pavilions (Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe)
- One-on-one meeting scheduler (book early)
- Partner events and after-parties
Who Should Attend (And Why)
Semiconductor Manufacturers: Equipment procurement, process optimization, yield enhancement strategies
Equipment/Materials Suppliers: Customer meetings, product launches, market intelligence gathering
Design Teams: Foundry partnerships, packaging solutions, EDA tool updates
Tech Executives: Investment opportunities, M&A targets, strategic partnerships
Talent Professionals: Workforce strategies, recruiting partnerships, skill gap solutions
First-Timer’s Survival Guide
Before You Go
- Register early: Badge pickup opens October 6
- Book hotels NOW: Downtown Phoenix fills quickly
- Download the app: Schedule meetings and plan your route
- Pack light: Phoenix in October means 85°F days
Navigation Strategy
- Day 1: Keynotes + exhibition reconnaissance
- Day 2: Deep-dive sessions + targeted vendor meetings
- Day 3: Follow-ups + sessions you missed
Phoenix Logistics
- Airport: Sky Harbor is 15 minutes from downtown
- Hotels: Stay near the convention center or light rail line
- Transportation: Light rail connects airport-downtown-convention center
- Dining: Book dinner reservations now—20,000+ attendees create long waits
Key Trends Shaping SEMICON West 2025
AI Acceleration
Every major chipmaker is pivoting to AI. Expect announcements about next-gen AI chip architectures and manufacturing requirements.
Talent Crisis Solutions
With 100,000+ unfilled semiconductor jobs in the U.S., workforce development takes center stage. Look for innovative training partnerships and recruiting strategies.
Supply Chain Evolution
Post-pandemic lessons drive new approaches to supply resilience. Regional manufacturing and “friend-shoring” dominate discussions.
Sustainability Mandates
Net-zero commitments and circular economy principles are moving from aspiration to requirement. Green manufacturing isn’t optional anymore.
Making the Most of Your Investment
ROI Maximizers
- Schedule 5-7 strategic meetings daily
- Attend at least one session outside your specialty
- Visit 3-5 new vendors for fresh perspectives
- Connect with 2-3 potential partners/customers
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overscheduling (build in breaks)
- Ignoring smaller vendors (hidden gems exist)
- Skipping networking events (deals happen at the bar)
- Not following up within 48 hours
The Talent Factor: Addressing Semiconductor’s Biggest Challenge
The semiconductor industry faces an unprecedented talent shortage. With fab construction booming and retirements accelerating, finding qualified professionals has become every company’s top challenge.
At SEMICON West, you’ll find numerous resources for talent acquisition:
- Workforce development sessions
- University partnership programs
- Training provider showcases
- Specialized recruiting firms
Companies serious about scaling should connect with semiconductor-focused talent partners who understand the industry’s unique requirements. Look for recruiters who speak your language—who know the difference between ALD and PVD, between ASIC and FPGA.
Post-Conference Action Plan
Within 48 Hours:
- Send LinkedIn connections to new contacts
- Email follow-ups with meeting notes
- Share key insights with your team
Within One Week:
- Schedule follow-up calls with promising leads
- Implement at least one new idea from sessions
- Plan attendance for Q1 2026 regional events
Is SEMICON West 2025 Worth It?
Absolutely, if you’re:
- Launching new products or services
- Seeking customers or suppliers
- Hiring technical talent
- Tracking industry trends
- Building strategic partnerships
Skip it if you’re:
- Solely focused on software development
- Unable to commit 3 full days
- Expecting immediate ROI without follow-up
The Bottom Line
SEMICON West’s move to Phoenix marks more than a location change—it signals the industry’s geographic expansion beyond traditional hubs. This year’s event offers unparalleled opportunities to understand market dynamics, forge partnerships, and address critical challenges like talent acquisition.
Whether you’re a SEMICON veteran or first-timer, success comes from preparation, strategic focus, and diligent follow-up. Phoenix awaits. Make it count.
Need semiconductor talent solutions? TPD’s specialized semiconductor recruiting team will be at SEMICON West. With 40+ years of industry experience, we help companies build world-class semiconductor teams. Schedule a meeting to discuss your hiring needs.