Earlier this month, AIM Solder welcomed members of its global Technology organization to its Juárez, Mexico, facility for the 2026 AIM Global Technology Summit. The three-day event brought together colleagues from Technical Support, Research & Development, and Applications Labs from around the world for an intensive program of technical education, hands-on learning, knowledge sharing, and team building. The summit marked the first joint global gathering of AIM’s R&D, Technical Applications, and Support teams.
While the schedule was packed with technical content, the purpose of the summit went beyond training. It provided an opportunity for people who regularly collaborate across countries and time zones to learn directly from one another, better understand the expertise available throughout AIM, and build stronger relationships that will support future communication and collaboration across the Technology Department.
Learning From Each Other
Much of the summit’s value came from the breadth of knowledge represented in the room. Presentations were delivered by AIM specialists from across the organization, allowing participants to both teach and learn from their colleagues.
Topics ranged from solder paste rheology, printing and troubleshooting to electrochemical reliability, IPC and JIS testing, intermetallic compounds, void mitigation, halides and halogens, and solder paste evaluation methods. Attendees also explored the role of Technical Support in the larger flow of information across AIM and discussed how customer and field experience can help shape technical guidance, research priorities, product development, and broader industry engagement.
Case studies presented by Technical Support engineers brought real-world customer challenges into the classroom, giving colleagues an opportunity to compare experiences and approaches. The final day also included a discussion of opportunities for greater involvement with organizations such as SMTA, IPC, and iNEMI.
Just as importantly, learning did not stay in the classroom.
Participants toured AIM’s Juárez operations and spent significant time in the R&D and Applications Labs, gaining hands-on experience with the tools, processes, and test methods used by their colleagues. Teams rotated through practical lab activities throughout the summit, reinforcing the connection between technical theory and the work required to evaluate materials and solve customer problems.
There was even a little friendly competition. Attendees were divided into three teams and put their laboratory skills to the test, competing for a prize while applying their learning. The competition brought plenty of energy and humor to the program while reinforcing one of the summit’s central themes: technical excellence is strongest when people learn and work together.
Building Connections Across a Global Team
For many attendees, one of the most meaningful aspects of the summit was simply having the opportunity to spend several days together.
AIM’s technical teams operate across regions around the world, often working together remotely to support customers, conduct evaluations, develop products, and solve problems. Meeting face-to-face created an opportunity to put personalities behind names, exchange experiences informally, and develop relationships that will make future collaboration easier.
AIM’s Regional Technical Sales Manager in Southeast Asia, Mhanny Aguillo, captured a sentiment shared by many at the event:
“It was a privilege to meet colleagues from around the world, learn more about our products, and exchange experiences with such a talented group of people. What made this experience even more special was the strong sense of connection and teamwork that developed throughout the week. I truly felt the warmth, friendship, and family-like bond within our AIM community.”
That connection is an important part of what the summit was intended to accomplish. A global Technology organization depends on information moving in both directions: field experience reaching R&D and product teams, research findings reaching those supporting customers, regional knowledge being shared globally, and expertise being accessible wherever it is needed.
The relationships strengthened in Juárez provide a foundation for that kind of communication.
Celebrating Contributions and Looking Ahead
The summit also provided an opportunity to recognize Carlos Tafoya as he approaches retirement and to celebrate the contributions he has made to AIM and its technical organization. Fittingly, Carlos played a central role throughout the event, helping lead the program and hands-on activities while sharing his knowledge with colleagues from across the globe.
The 2026 Global Technology Summit brought together people with different specialties, regional experiences, and perspectives and gave them time to learn how those pieces fit together. Attendees returned home with new technical knowledge, new contacts, a better understanding of AIM’s global capabilities, and a stronger sense that they are part of one interconnected technical team.
That foundation supports the broader vision for AIM’s Technology Department: closer communication among Technical Support, Applications, R&D, industry engagement, and other technical functions so that knowledge can move more effectively throughout the organization—and ultimately translate into better products, faster problem solving, stronger collaboration, and better support for AIM customers worldwide.
