Global experts gather to discuss the latest trends and best practices in obsolescence management at the Future of Obsolescence Management (FOM) conference.

Converge, an Arrow company, has released details of its annual Future of Obsolescence Management (FOM) conference, to be held in Amsterdam September 27-28, 2017 and for the first time this year in Long Beach, California on October 4-5, 2017.

What is the Future of Obsolescence Management (FOM)?

FOM is a networking event and a conference, bringing together global experts to discuss the latest trends and best practices in obsolescence management. Obsolescence management is a dynamic, strategic challenge in electronics manufacturing.

High-reliability manufacturers have to support products for many years, while component lifetimes shorten. Market forces such as component manufacturer mergers and government directives add complexity. Obsolescence management must also consider personnel, software, finished goods, and processes.

Converge`s FOM events have been held in Europe since 2015. The format features short, engaging presentations with time for questions and a moderated debate.

Speakers focus on sharing expertise and pragmatic, forward-looking solutions. A central theme is that with senior management support and a proactive approach, best practice can lead to competitive advantage.

This year the event in Amsterdam will begin with a 4-hour interactive workshop on Wednesday, September 27. The workshop will focus on topics such as Data Management, Technical Issues & Solutions, and Managerial Tasks and intends to provide an open, and collective learning opportunity; to enable genuine thought leadership and sharing platform for best practice; to show that the problems each of the attendees run into are not unique; and to provide excellent networking across industry in a way that would be difficult otherwise.

The format features short, engaging presentations with time for questions and a moderated debate.

Both the Europe and U.S. events offer a networking dinner and entertainment on the first evening, followed by a full-day conference on the day after.

Industry leaders from numerous organizations, including Arrow Electronics, will give 20-minute presentations. The day will end with a 60-minute debate during which the audience can address questions to all speakers.

In Amsterdam the conference will take place in the unique Scheepvaart (Maritime) Museum. In Long Beach, California, Converge will welcome the guests at the Glass Pavilion of Hotel Maya, a Doubletree by Hilton. Attendance at the networking event and conference is free of charge.