Phoenix will take center stage in the global technology arena next week as it hosts SEMICON West, the world’s premier microelectronics industry conference, for the first time. The event runs October 7–9 at the Phoenix Convention Center and is expected to draw more than 35,000 attendees, potentially making it the most attended SEMICON West in history.
The conference’s move marks a milestone for the Valley’s growing influence in advanced manufacturing. After decades in San Francisco, SEMICON West will now rotate between the Bay Area and Phoenix every two years, returning to the city again in 2027 and 2029.
“Phoenix is proud to welcome SEMICON, deepening our ties with international partners in Asia, Europe, and beyond,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “This achievement highlights our city’s strength as a center of innovation, our world-class workforce, and our role in advancing technology that impacts the entire globe.”
City officials say the event will inject millions of dollars into the local economy, boosting hotels, restaurants, and small businesses downtown. Beyond its immediate impact, the conference underscores Phoenix’s emergence as a hub for semiconductor manufacturing, thanks to recent investments from companies like TSMC, Intel, and other industry leaders expanding operations in Arizona.
Christine Mackay, Director of the City’s Community and Economic Development Department and incoming CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), said the relocation reflects years of collaboration. “Bringing SEMICON to Phoenix validates our position as a global leader in semiconductors and ensures our residents and businesses benefit from new opportunities and visibility on the international stage,” she said.
Phoenix will also spotlight Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) No. 75, a key part of the region’s manufacturing ecosystem that generated over $22 billion in merchandise receipts and $3 billion in exports in 2023. The FTZ offers cost savings, duty deferral, and logistical advantages to advanced manufacturers, including semiconductor and aerospace firms.
Following SEMICON West, the Phoenix Workforce Coalition will host a “Future of Workforce in the Semiconductor Industry” discussion on October 10 at South Mountain Community College. The event aims to connect educators, employers, and policymakers to shape the next phase of Arizona’s semiconductor talent pipeline.
As the world’s top companies gather under one roof, SEMICON West’s arrival signals more than just an event—it represents Phoenix’s growing role in shaping the future of global technology.
