2026 Fall Technical Conference Speakers
October 11 – 14, 2026 | Richmond Marriott | Richmond, Virginia
Sylvain Dromaint
Altix North America
Sylvain Dromaint is Vice President and General Manager of Altix North America, a leading provider of UV imaging systems for the PCB and semiconductor industries. With a background in mechanical and industrial engineering and an MBA from HKUST, Sylvain has led Altix’s global expansion and founded its U.S. operations in 2015. He also serves on the board of the Photo Chemical Machining Institute (PCMI), supporting innovation in photochemical machining.
Pete Engel
Newcut, Inc.
Pete Engel is the General Manager of Newcut, Inc., bringing nearly 40 years of leadership and expertise in precision chemical etching and manufacturing solutions. A Mechanical Engineering graduate of the University at Buffalo, Pete partners with customers across a wide range of industries to deliver innovative, high-quality metal components with speed and reliability.
JP Ferguson
International Electronic Components, Inc.
JP Ferguson is a sales and distribution leader with extensive experience in the electronic components industry through his work with International Electronic Components Inc. Throughout his career, he has focused on building strong customer relationships, developing high-performing teams, and driving business growth across multiple markets. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, JP is recognized for his practical leadership style, industry expertise, and commitment to helping organizations and individuals achieve long-term success.
Karl-Heinz Graether (Charlie)
TSK Schill GmbH
35 years of experience in the wet chemistry industry. The education level from Charlie is technical business economist. Working for different machine manufacturers and industries (PCB, PCM, Solar and lithium-ion batteries) in the past. Always in touch with wet chemicals. Charlie used to work as field service engineer, process and commissioning engineer, rebuild manager, and finally as project and product manager.
Chris Hrusovsky
International Electronic Components, Inc.
Chris Hrusovsky is the Director of Business Development for Central, Midwest, and Eastern U.S. regions at International Electronic Components Inc. With more than three decades of experience in sales, business development, and global market leadership, Chris specializes in building strategic partnerships, driving business growth, and leading high-performing teams across the electronics manufacturing industry.
Ana Lambert
Tech-Etch
Ana Lambert has assumed varied responsibilities at Tech-Etch, moving from lab and etching supervisor to roles such as process engineer, engineering manager, and engineering director. Currently embracing the challenge of R&D director, she brings a background in chemistry and holds a project management professional (PMP) certification from PMI. Beyond work, Ana cherishes family time and finds joy in exploring the underwater world through scuba diving.
Jean-Clément Martel
Altix MGI Group
Jean-Clément Martel holds a Master of Science in International Business Management from the University of Northumbria in Newcastle, UK, where he developed a strong foundation in global strategy, cross-cultural leadership, and industrial market dynamics.
Currently serving as Sales Area Manager at Altix, Jean-Clément oversees sales and business development across the United Kingdom and North America, with a focus on advanced photolithography technologies.
Driven by a deep passion for the industrial world, Jean-Clément combines technical insight with a global business perspective, positioning himself as a trusted advisor in the field of high-tech manufacturing equipment.
Glenn Miller
Glenn Miller is currently regional manager/technical service for PCI Sales and Marketing in Salem, New Hampshire. PCI is the North American master distributor for Asahi Kasei Electronic Materials Division dry film photopolymer sold under the trade name Sunfort. There are seven sub-distributors providing distribution and technical service coverage nationwide for the U.S. and in Canada. In addition, there is a specialty chemical division manufacturing support chemistries for the dry photopolymer business.
In 1973, Glenn joined DuPont as a production engineer, moving to field sales until he joined Riston division in 1979. After corporate downsizing, he joined PCI in 1995 and has remained there. Over his career in field sales, he has authored and coauthored several national seminars on dry film imaging.
He holds a BS in electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and is an AES certified electro finisher. He currently resides in Sterling, Virginia, collects antique tools, and does a lot of karaoke when time permits.
Blake Parkinson
Blake Parkinson serves as a business segment leader at Watlow, where he guides global engineering teams and helps deliver advanced thermal and process control solutions for high-tech manufacturing environments. With a background spanning engineering, operations, product development, and business leadership, Blake has built a reputation for driving innovation, operational excellence, and strategic growth across complex industrial markets.
Prior to his current leadership role, Blake held a variety of engineering and operational management positions at Watlow, leading global teams, new product development initiatives, and manufacturing operations. He holds degrees in chemical engineering, including a master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin, as well as an MBA. His expertise includes process optimization, advanced process control, product commercialization, and technology strategy.
Dennis Pusch
Dennis Pusch, M.Sc., is the manager of sales and business development for Schmoll’s Direct Imaging product line. He has supported the DI product since its early beginnings at Schmoll Maschinen and understands its technology, application, market, and customer requirements well, counting several years of experience working in this field. Supporting and working with global customers, Dennis has a good insight into current market trends and new requirements.
Dylan Reitz
Dylan Reitz is a Process and R&D Engineer at Chemcut Corporation in State College, Pennsylvania. He works with customers on process development and technical challenges while advancing novel applications in photochemical machining. During his time at the University of Arizona, he conducted cross-disciplinary research at the USDA’s Carl Hayden Bee Research Center, applying computer vision, machine learning, and experimental design to honeybee health studies. He brings a systems engineering perspective, shaped by his technical background and service in the U.S. Marine Corps, to deliver practical and innovative solutions in his field.
Matthew Robinette, CDME, CMP, ESPC
Matthew Robinette, CDME, CMP, ESPC serves as Vice President of Visitor Experience for Richmond Region Tourism. With more than two decades of experience in destination marketing, tourism, meetings, conventions, and sports events, he leads initiatives that enhance visitor experiences, strengthen industry partnerships, and support tourism growth throughout the Richmond region.
