Sessions

Resilience, Perseverance and Industry Insights

This is a story of perseverance, survival, and reflection; of how one industry leader faced obstacles beyond compare but through this journey gained extraordinary perspective. Of his own will, the love and tenacity of his wife, and the unwavering support of his colleagues, business partners and friends, he not only defied the odds, but his experience came to exemplify what makes the electronic components industry so special.  

This session will cover rising above unimaginable adversities and navigating the unexpected complications of life while remaining vigilant, positive, and thankful. Running a successful business for over thirty-five years, through multiple acquisitions, economic turns, and a pandemic, all while dealing with life-or-death health setbacks goes beyond challenging. While many may have called it quits, this industry is one of support and motivation.  

This is a story of a passion to not give up, the beautiful relationships our industry fosters, and a reflection of what truly matters.  

Economic and Labor Market Update – A Shift in Momentum

The US macro economy is firmly on the back side of the business cycle while several industrial sectors are traversing a mild recession. Aggressive interest rate policy decisions by the Fed mostly stamped out inflation, but they also stifled capital investment. Despite a resilient labor market, cracks are visible in the armor of US consumers, with delinquency rates for credit cards and auto loans flashing warning signs. On top of it all, it’s a presidential election year, which adds its own flavor of uncertainty. What does all this mean for your industry? This presentation will deliver practical and actionable advice designed to help business leaders and key decision makers plan for future economic conditions and continuously improve their organization’s strategic planning initiatives.

Attendees will walk away from the session with the following insights:

• Time-sensitive economic events of concern such as inflation, interest rates, labor market conditions, consumer spending, business investment and industrial activity
• Concrete advice on how to navigate the current macroeconomic climate and plan for the future
• Tools that company leadership can use to become better data-driven decision makers in running their businesses

Future Proofing the Workplace: Balance Technology, Emotional Intelligence and Generational Needs

The electronic components industry continues to enable rapid technological advancement, but has our workplace kept pace? The 40-hour work week has been with us for nearly a century. While the pandemic introduced hybrid work, the data says many executives reluctantly embrace hybrid work as a ‘necessary evil’. In terms of benefits packages, the next generation of workers is looking more toward ‘soft benefits’ - generally placing a higher value on work-life balance, environmental and social issues, and purpose over profit.

This session will touch on how increasing one’s emotional intelligence – your EQ – allows the development of an inclusive and empathetic mindset, where all voices are heard and valued. Utilizing all three forms of intelligence – EQ, IQ, and AI – your business is future-proofed as an appealing employer of choice across all generations – including people from outside our industry.

Learn how to reimagine the future of work and ensure you are positioned to help your business thrive through the monumental tidal shifts of the years to come!

Joining Robert will be Lori Bruno, Rob Brunson, Sunwoo Lee and Andjela Pasi.

Electronic Components Industry Analysis and Outlook 

In this session, Chief Analyst Dale Ford will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest ECIA research, offering a deep dive into the most recent market and industry trends. He will analyze the factors influencing these developments and assess the current health and resilience of the supply chain. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the forces shaping the industry, equipping them with the knowledge to make informed decisions in today’s dynamic market environment.

In this compelling and energetic session, leaders will be inspired and equipped to raise performance & productivity levels in an era of unprecedented change. Those leaders who hone their communication skills & learn how to turn a tough conversation into a highly profitable one WIN. With humor and wisdom AmyK shares practical tools for choosing and crafting conversations that fuel top performers, expand partner relationships, promote inclusion & engagement, and drive profitable results. From mindset and motivation to conquering our biggest challenges, AmyK shares with leaders how to ignite their own brilliance & harness the collective intelligence in their teams to create unprecedented competitive advantages that drive their business forward faster. 

Tech Expert, Peter Leyden, explains both the new technologies and the megatrends that are all-but inevitable in the next 25 years - what he calls "The Inexorables." Leyden lays out the next waves of tech changes inexorably coming in Infotech (like near-ubiquitous AI), Biotech (like genetic engineering) and Energy Tech (like renewable energy and electric transportation) that will add up to an economic long boom. He also explains the key generational shifts and demographic changes, as well as important global trends, that he believes will shape our future in profound and mostly positive ways. 

David Loftus, ECIA

David Loftus will give an update on the Association, industry projects, membership and more.

Joining David will be chair of the board, Mark Shiring, and council chairs; Karim Yasmine, Tom Wichert, and Adam Grigor. 

Carla Mahrt, JJM Search; Joe Berry, Bel Fuse; Lynn Hutkin, Bel Fuse; and Suzanne Kozlovsky, Bel Fuse

In this session, we’ll explore strategies that go beyond traditional onboarding, focusing on the critical role of organizational culture in the success of mergers and acquisitions. Learn how to foster a culture that not only welcomes new hires but also aligns with their values and goals, ensuring they remain engaged and invested long after the initial hire. This session will provide actionable insights into building a cohesive workforce, navigating cultural integration during acquisitions, and retaining top talent in a competitive market.

Greg Norris, MIT

Electronic Components have Footprints — and Handprints! 

The "E" is ESG has never been more important. This session will focus on sustainability, carbon emissions and reporting. What do we need to know now? How do we prepare? What is to come later?

Learn about what is coming in reporting on carbon footprints, carbon handprints sustainability and more!

Jim, Platzer 

In this session, Jim Platzer transports you to the world he experiences each day. Through his story, Jim conveys a message of self-empowerment that can change how you perceive and react to personal and organizational challenges.

Jim’s goal in life is serving others. His product is emotional innovation that will leverage your organization’s greatest tactical assets — people and purpose.

As the former president of a high-volume distribution facility for a Fortune 200 company, Jim was forced into an early retirement due to retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic degenerative disease that leads to blindness. During a challenging transition, Jim focused on knocking down barriers that blocked his future success. One of those barriers was his mobility. He turned to Leader Dogs for the Blind, who matched him with a dog and trained him to experience the world in an entirely new way.

Jim’s message? Your most important sense is your sense of purpose.

His story is relatable and will invite you to live a life of exceeding expectations, innovating, and defining your own destiny.

Cristian Rodriquez

Cybersecurity has become a top priority in today's digital landscape. Join Cristian Rodriguez, Field CTO for the Americas at CrowdStrike, for an insightful breakfast session where we’ll explore the pressing challenges executives face with emerging policies. Discover the latest cutting-edge cyber technologies and learn strategies for addressing 'cyber debt' during company acquisitions.

Sam Rad

We are living in an extraordinary time—one where the future is unfolding in ways that are radically different from the past.

Socio-cultural paradigm shifts, rapid technological advancements, and evolving geopolitics are fundamentally reshaping our societal “operating systems.” The convergence of exponential technologies like artificial intelligence, immersive realities, and quantum computing is propelling us toward “the singularity,” marking the dawn of a new era: The Age of Acceleration.

This pivotal moment in history will redefine our societies for decades to come. But what does this mean for you, your organization, your industry, and your entire reality? Join Sam Rad on a revelatory journey through time as she explores the legacies of the past, the realities of the present, and the boundless potentials of the future. With AI at the forefront, discover how to harness the promise of tomorrow through Sam Rad’s compelling narratives, actionable strategies, and infectious enthusiasm.

In her signature candid style, Sam Rad will:

• Guide you through the radical and accelerating technological changes reshaping society, with a deep dive into AI and its impact on your industry.
• Illustrate future possibilities driven by AI and other emerging technologies, inspiring you to envision and embrace the radical next with optimism and curiosity.
• Equip you with actionable insights to drive radical evolution within your organization, leveraging AI and other cutting-edge innovations