The Phoenix Convention Center is set to welcome SEMICON West, North America’s premier microelectronics exhibition, for the first time in the event’s long history, the city of Phoenix announced in a news release.

Taking place Tuesday-Thursday, Oct. 7-9, the event is expected to be the largest SEMICON West in 20 years, drawing an estimated 33% more attendees over last year and with more than 1,500 booths and 860 exhibiting companies.

The event, long hosted by the industry association SEMI in San Francisco, cements Phoenix’s place in the microelectronics space, the city stated in a news release, an industry that has flourished in the greater Phoenix area over the last decade. The semiconductor industry is the backbone of modern innovation and the arrival of SEMICON West in Phoenix spotlights the city as a major tech hub.

The Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St. in downtown Phoenix.

(Courtesy city of Phoenix)

“Phoenix is honored to host SEMICON West for the first time in its history,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego stated in the release. “This global gathering of semiconductor leaders showcases the incredible momentum building in our city and the critical role we play in the future of advanced manufacturing.”

The event is projected to generate an estimated direct spend of nearly $10 million and more than 16,000 room nights, delivering a significant economic impact to downtown Phoenix. Industry leaders, startups and researchers will converge at the Phoenix Convention Center, sparking collaboration, knowledge exchange, workforce development and long-term investment.

“It was a team effort to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix, and now that the event is nearly here, we could not be more excited,” stated Jerry Harper, director of the Phoenix Convention Center. “Our facility is transforming to meet the needs of this event, with our outdoor event space turning into a ‘West’ern’ wonderland. We look forward to a great event and fostering this new connection with SEMI to build a lasting relationship.”

The decision to bring SEMICON West to Phoenix was finalized in 2023 with the collaborative support of Greater Phoenix Economic Council, City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development (CED), Visit Phoenix, and the local business community. The event is already confirmed to return in 2027 and 2029.

“The arrival of SEMICON West in Phoenix is a defining moment for our region,” said Christine Mackay, Director of the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department and incoming CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “For more than a decade, Phoenix has been at the center of the nation’s semiconductor growth, creating more than 100,000 new jobs, expanding global investment and building a world-class supply chain. Hosting SEMICON West here is a recognition of that progress and a signal that the world sees Phoenix as the epicenter of advanced technology and innovation.”

Editor’s note: The above was republished from a city of Phoenix news release.