ECWC9 was held on Oct 7-9 in Cologne, 2002 in Germany hosted by EIPC. The Electronics Circuits World Convention, ECWC9 provided a unique platform for industry members to learn more about what was going on in global electronics and PCB industries. It opened a window of opportunities to exchange information, talk to industry peers, offering superb learning possibilities, without neglecting the ^fun factor ̄. The 9th ECWC, before the year 1999 known as PCWC, has an unequalled track record. Starting in 1978 in London, the conference moved every 3 years to Munich, Washington DC, Tokyo, Glasgow, San Francisco, Basel and Tokyo in 1999. The EIOC hosted the 9th Convention, the first in the 21st century. ECWC9 is a perfect mix of business and pleasure. The extensive and high class conference programme which informed how our electronics industry is changing; having closer ties with other industry segments up and down the supply chain. The City of Cologne is the perfect location for ECWC9. An ultra modern and trendy city in a historic setting, made the stay comfortable and above all memorable.