Counterfeit Parts

3 Reasons you need to attend a counterfeit electronic component conference and which ones to attend

By May 12, 2017June 28th, 2021No Comments

counterfeit conferences

3 Reasons You Need to Attend a Counterfeit Electronic Component Conference

With alarming numbers of counterfeit electronics entering the supply chain, you are likely aware that there are multiple counterfeit electronic component conferences held globally to help combat the problem. If you haven’t been to one yet, or you need some encouragement  to attend again, here are 3 reasons to head to another and some recommendations of which conferences you may find most helpful.


  1. Counterfeit parts are rampant and on the rise.

It’s important to know the latest in counterfeit part trends so you aware and informed, therefore best positioned to mitigate any risks with your own manufacturing supply chain. Many problems can be avoided by just knowing what counterfeiters are up to in the marketplace.

  1. You will learn important tips and tricks.

Many of these conferences will help you learn how to spot counterfeit parts and detect potential issues before they make it onto your manufacturing floor.

  1. Meet business critical partners.

These conferences are fantastic venues to meet new partners who can potentially transform your supply chain dynamics and therefore your business.  Many of the organizations in attendance are thought leaders in counterfeit detection, mitigation, and problem resolution. It’s imperative to align with the right partners which have years of experience solving supply chain and counterfeit part issues. In some cases the right partner can save you from the loss of a customer, a lawsuit, or even worse, life or death.


There are a number of different venues in which you can learn more about counterfeit electronic components. Each one has its own distinct value. Depending on your needs, you may attend one or more of the following conferences or training courses. Here are some of the most reputable events that I recommend and often attend myself.

Counterfeit Chip with skull and cross bones

Counterfeit Avoidance

CCAW – Counterfeit Components Avoidance Workshop (Hosted By Components Technology Institute, Inc

  • Held annually in different U.S. locations
  • Very focused on counterfeit electronic components detection
  • Great detail on how to detect counterfeits
  • Knowledgeable veteran teachers from the manufacturing industry
  • Perfect forum to send new electronic components inspectors

Symposium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials Logo

Symposium on Counterfeit Parts and Materials (Hosted by CALCE and SMTA)

  • Held each June in Maryland
  • High level overview of counterfeit electronic components issues
  • Introduction of potential tools to detect counterfeits
  • Outlines of different quality standards available for the industry
  • Workshops offered separately to learn counterfeit detection techniques

diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages convention 2017

DMSMS Conference (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages)

  • Held annually in different U.S. locations
  • Government contract focused
  • Not specific to counterfeit electronic components
  • Addresses a breadth of obsolete component and mechanical part issues
  • Counterfeit electronic component topics peppered into overall schedule

Electronic resellers of america inc ERAI logo

ERAI Executive Conference

  • Held every other year in different U.S. locations
  • Heavy focus on independent distributor issues
  • Addresses counterfeits as well as other customer/supplier issues
  • Workshops offered separately to learn counterfeit detection techniques

IIOM forum anti Counterfeitng

International Institute of Obsolescence Management Conference(Formerly Component Obsolescence Group)

  • Held annually in the United Kingdom
  • Broad obsolescence topic range, which includes counterfeit electronic components
  • Heavy focus on UK and European issues and organizations
  • Don’t miss the Gala dinner, which is always in a beautiful historic venue

Independent Distributors of Electronics Association logo

IDEA Training Courses(Offered by EPTAC)

  • Held multiple times a year in different U.S. locations
  • Hands-On courses designed for technicians which receive electronic components
  • 1 day and 2 day courses offered
  • IDEA has the most well established document for the receiving of electronic components from the independent distribution channel, which is used during training