click to enlarge ⊗

A delegation from CCCC Laser and Photonics volunteered in November at PCB Carolina 2024, a massive, one-day trade show at N.C. State University that attracted companies working in the printed circuit board industry. CCCC lead instructor Gary Beasley, in the dark blue jacket, and PCB Carolina organizer Randy Faucette, standing next to him, say the annual event could not be successful without the student volunteers.

click to enlarge ⊗

Though CCCC Laser and Photonics students spent most of the electronics trade show working volunteer shifts to keep everything flowing smoothly, they had plenty of time to visit company representatives and exhibits. Isabella Konieczny, center, tracks Huey the robot while it produces her custom-colored nail polish, as Harvey Schneider and Julie Jamison look on.

click to enlarge ⊗

Amir Roy, vice president of business development for Chicago-based Imagineering Inc., discusses his company's work with CCCC Laser and Photonics student Luke Johnson on PCB Carolina's main exhibition floor. During the daylong trade show, students had the opportunity to connect with officials from more than 100 top companies from around the world.

click to enlarge ⊗

CCCC representatives pass out gift bags, provide name tags and answer questions at the PCB Carolina 2024 welcome desk. Student Julie Jamison, from left, Dean of Arts and STEM Dr. Cristy Holmes and student Mary Della Slate alternated volunteer shifts with time to explore what's billed as "the premier electronics trade show on the mid-Atlantic coast."

click to enlarge ⊗

CCCC students volunteering at PCB Carolina 2024 all left with a bag packed with trade show swag -- many of the things you'd expect, but also some unusual items like custom-colored nail polish and 3-in-1 cell phone fans. But Lucas Shay, left, and Juan Conde Cardenas also cashed in with $25 Amazon gift cards as part of a very long list of door prize winners announced throughout the day.

click to enlarge ⊗

Abatek Americas representative Rick Didelot, right, one of the exhibitors packing several rooms at PCB Carolinas 2024, takes a few minutes to discuss his company's products and processes with CCCC Laser and Photonics student Tyreek Jones. Volunteering at the annual trade show gives students studying this technology a hands-on look at the business side of their industry.