2016 Sensors Expo & Conference to Feature Industry Pioneers as Keynote Speakers

NEWTON, MA--(Marketwired - May 10, 2016) - The nation's leading event focusing exclusively on sensors and sensor-integrated systems, Sensors Expo & Conference (#Sensors16) today unveiled the two industry heavyweights who will keynote the 2016 event. Dr. Ken Gabriel, widely regarded as the founder of the Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) industry, will kick off the event on Wednesday, June 22^nd; Ray Zinn, author of "Tough Things First" and Silicon Valley's longest serving CEO, will give his keynote address on Thursday, June 23^rd. As the industry's premier event, the 2016 Sensors Expo & Conference will bring together the foremost thought leaders and innovators to discuss the latest developments in sensing technologies and outline opportunities for the future. To learn more or to register, please visit sensorsexpo.com. 

Keynote speaker: Dr. Ken Gabriel
A veteran technologist with a distinguished track record of success across the public and private sectors, Dr. Ken Gabriel is credited with creating the MEMS industry through his role as co-founder of Akustica, a fabless semiconductor company that commercialized MEMS audio devices and sensors. In addition, Gabriel currently serves as Deputy Director of the Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) Group at Google and is the CEO of Draper Laboratory. He has also held the role of Deputy Director, and then Acting Director, of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in the Department of Defense where he led an agency with an annual budget of $3 billion that is charged with managing the Department's portfolio of its most cutting edge projects to both create and avoid technology surprise.

During his keynote Gabriel will leverage his vast experience to address how sensors are the unsung heroes of technology. To most consumers sensors are all part of a bigger package. To stand out you need to understand how consumers rely on the sensors you produce and then produce sensors that make devices stand out. Tools exist for you to understand how you can differentiate your products. Be more than a feature, be the discriminator for devices.

Keynote session details: June 22^nd at 9:00 a.m., "Are Your Sensors a Feature or a Discriminator?"

Keynote speaker: Ray Zinn
With more than 50 years in the business, and as the 37 year-long CEO of Micrel, Ray Zinn personally created much of Silicon Valley history. His role in the semiconductor industry and the spirit of innovation in Silicon Valley has given him clear insight into what comes next. During his keynote, Zinn will articulate how doing the "Though Things First" has driven him, his company, and the industry forward. He'll describe how the semiconductor business cycle -- which thrives on innovations, adoption, growth, and consolidation -- explains the industry's current consolidations frenzy, and how China's role plays into today and the future. Zinn ties this together to show how the next business and customer adoption cycles will drive both sensor technology and IoT. Following the Thursday keynote session, Zinn will also be on hand to sign copies of his book at the Sensors Live Theater.

Keynote session details: June 23^rd at 9:00 a.m., "The Future Through the Past: A Silicon Valley Legend Predicts the Future of Silicon, China and IoT"

"The semiconductor industry has spawned the electronics revolution over the past 50 years. The Internet, home electronics, mobile communications, personal computing, just to name a few, would not be possible without semiconductors," commented Zinn. "I am excited to join the Sensors forum and share my experienced in the industry."

"We are thrilled to bring the world-class insight and knowledge of MEMS innovator, Dr. Ken Gabriel, and legendary Silicon Valley Executive, Ray Zinn, to our community of Sensors attendees," said Mat Dirjish, Executive Editor, Sensors Magazine. "By combining their respective acumen on the industry with our session focus on real-world applications of sensor technology, we can provide both the thought provoking industry commentary and practical content necessary to succeed in the evolving sensor ecosystem." 

Hosted in San Jose, California, the three day event will take place June 21-23 at the McEnery Convention Center in San Jose, CA, with a Pre-Conference Symposia on Tuesday, June 21^st. New this year, the event will feature expanded tracks for both IoT and Flexibles & Wearables, hands-on sessions and workshops, as well as a Startup Venture Forum and Pavilion. Exhibitor sign up is available by contacting Cal Groton or Joe Zuccerella and to stay updated on the latest show developments by following us on social media channels Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. 

About Sensors Expo & Conference
Sensors Expo & Conference is widely known as one of the world's largest and most important gatherings of engineers and scientists involved in the development and deployment of sensor systems. For more information, visit www.sensorsexpo.com (#Sensors16). Sensors Expo & Conference is produced and managed by Questex LLC, a global, diversified business-to-business integrated media and information provider, headquartered in Newton, MA.