Most sessions are offered twice, once on Monday. Feb. 23 and once on Tuesday, Feb. 24; however, some can only be offered on one day. See below for specific days and times.
Sessions are listed in alphabetical order by title. Times listed are Central Standard Time.
Read more information about our 2026 ERA Conference speakers.
Coming soon…Pick your breakout registrations in the mobile app! Stay tuned.
2026 Outlook: Trends, Data and Opportunities from the Semiconductor and IP&E Markets
Monday, Feb. 23 — 9:30-10:45 a.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 1:00-2:15 p.m.
Presenter: Dennis Reed, Senior Analyst, Edgewater Research
In this session, Dennis Reed will walk attendees through the key forces shaping market growth in 2026—along with reviewing ERA’s proprietary survey data—for the semiconductor and IP&E industries. We’ll examine how AI demand, supply-chain normalization, regional investment patterns and end-market dynamics such as automotive, industrial and data center are influencing both the pace and composition of recovery. We’ll also highlight the major risks, including geopolitical tension, trade policy shifts and inventory volatility, while identifying the structural opportunities that will define the next phase of industry expansion. By the end of the presentation, you’ll have a clearer view of the trends that matter—and how they are likely to impact planning and strategy over the next 12–24 months.
An AI Masterclass: SearchLink.ai 3.0 and Beyond
Monday, Feb. 23 — 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Presenter: Sam Richter, Founder of KnowMore and Intel Engine
ERA SearchLink.ai creator and AI aficionado Sam Richter will demonstrate new features and improvements to ERA’s SearchLink.ai tool, including ERA GPT, the contract analyzer and enhanced prospecting capabilities, while explaining their functionalities and benefits for business operations. He will showcase effective use of the tool for prospecting and meeting preparation. The session will also cover other recent advancements in the world of generative AI, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, and review creating custom prompts, asking clarifying questions and creating personas. Get ready to learn and take a ton of notes!
AI Swap Shop: Real-World AI Use Cases that are Transforming the ERA Community
Monday, Feb. 23 — 2:00-3:15 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 – 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Presenters: Tobi Cornell, CPMR, President, Kruvand Associates; Holly Myers, Director of Supplier Marketing & Product Management, Sager Electronics
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how reps, distributors and manufacturers operate — but everyone is adopting these tools at different speeds and in different ways. This interactive session brings our experiences together. Using results from a pre-Conference survey of attendees, we’ll walk through core categories where AI is making an impact. The session will also include live audience feedback — real tactics, tools and outcomes from your peers. Whether you’re an early AI adopter, or just starting to test the waters, you’ll leave with practical ideas you can take back and implement immediately. This fast-paced exchange of best practices will demonstrate how AI is already driving measurable improvements across the ERA community and highlight opportunities for the future. This is a high-value, high-engagement session designed to help every attendee discover new ideas to use AI to grow their business.
The Art of Meaningful Conversation
Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Presenter: Annelise McCarthy, International Speaker and Communications Expert, Founder of HER Speaking Coach
Great outcomes are built on great conversations. Conference Keynote Speaker Annelise McCarthy delves down into the art of conversation in this breakout session, focusing on how to have more effective, intentional conversations with clients, colleagues and teams — not just conversations that feel good, but conversations that create clarity, alignment and action.
Participants will gain clarity on their conversational impact and walk away with practical strategies to build rapport, create value in dialogue and show up with greater authenticity and presence. Attendees will be challenged to rethink everyday interactions and leave with tangible tools to improve communication both inside their organization and externally.
Beyond the Basics: Strengthening the Regional Manager-Rep Relationship
Monday, Feb. 23 — 3:30-4:45 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Moderator: John Hutson, CPMR, President, MacInnis Group
Panelists: Scott Lindberg, President, Quell Corp.; Tim Kilfoil, President, J.F. Kilfoil Co.; Heather D’Amico, CPMR, Vice President, Brainard-Nielsen Marketing; Nick Romano, Regional Sales Manager, Bel
The manufacturer’s regional sales manager and sales representative relationship has become more essential than ever. This esteemed panel will dig into typical friction points and offer practical ways to sharpen communication, align expectations and build trust and accountability so both sides can thrive. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to protect and grow their territories by turning a basic working relationship into a solid, future-focused partnership.
CMMC Made Clear: A Practical Guide to Cybersecurity
Monday, Feb. 23 — 3:30-4:45 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 1:00-2:15 p.m.
Presenter: Fred Tschirgi, Principal Information Security Consultant, LRQA
In this interactive working session, participants will dive into the essentials of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 1, designed to help defense contractors protect Federal Contract Information (FCI). Using real-world templates and guides provided during the session, we will walk through all the documentation needed to feel confident performing a self-assessment. Participants will learn how to limit system access, manage user accounts, control external connections to keep threats out and control information posted or processed on publicly accessible systems. Hands-on activities will include reviewing inventory spreadsheets to track users, devices and providing guidance on safely sanitizing media before disposal or reuse, in accordance with NIST standards. We will also explore physical protection, such as escorting visitors and securing facilities, system and communications protection, such as controlling organizational communications at external or internal boundaries and system integrity measures, such as scanning for flaws and malware. By the end, you’ll gain practical skills to build or audit your own CMMC Level 1 compliance program. This session is perfect for IT professionals, managers and contractors seeking straightforward tools to meet basic federal cybersecurity rules and safeguard their operations.
(Note: Any company involved in federal contracting, including defense contractors, will need to comply with CMMC standards to maintain eligibility for contracts with the Department of Defense.)
Connection Starts with Better Questions
Monday, Feb. 23 — 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Presenter: Annelise McCarthy, International Speaker and Communications Expert, Founder of HER Speaking Coach
Most people listen to respond, not to understand. This highly practical session, presented by Conference Keynote Speaker Annelise McCarthy, teaches participants how to ask sharper questions and listen with intention so conversations become more productive, insightful and human. Through live exercises and real-time practice, participants will experience the power of curiosity-led communication. The session equips participants with practical tools and practical language frameworks that can be used immediately in meetings, client conversations and leadership discussions.
From Components to Solutions: Capturing Value in the Fastest Growing Electronics Ecosystems
Monday, Feb. 23 — 3:30-4:45 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 1:00-2:15 p.m.
Moderator: Cesare Giammarco, ERA Consultant
Panelists: Mark Griffith, Dupont; Michael McCaig, Vice President, General Manager, at Luscombe Engineering and L2, an LECC Company; Cody Tangeman, Key Accounts and Territory Manager, Pinnacle Marketing; Jodi Estevez, Vice President, Supplier Business Development, Avnet; Scott Roper, Vice President, Americas Sales, Advanced Energy
As AI accelerates demand for power, compute, connectivity and electrified platforms, markets such as data centers, electrification, IoT/Edge and automotive electronics are experiencing unprecedented growth and architectural disruption. Each relies on increasingly intelligent, interoperable systems—blending sensors and power electronics. Success in these markets requires coordinated solutions across manufacturers, reps and distributors. This session will address how to position a manufacturers’ rep line card for system-level value and early influence. A panel featuring manufacturers, reps and distributors will share how they work together to access decision makers and win business in these high-growth markets. This interactive session will aim to provide attendees a path to success in capitalizing on this growth.
From Risk to Reward: Ten Legal Mistakes that Cost Reps Money and How to Fix Them
Monday, Feb. 23 — 9:30-10:45 a.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Presenters: Adam Glazer, Esq., and Adam Maxwell, Esq., Attorneys at SFBBG
This session is built for independent sales reps who want to protect and grow their income. Through real-world scenarios, Glazer and Maxwell will expose the costly legal missteps reps are often prone to that quietly drain commissions, ownership rights and leverage. Each “mistake” is brought to life with visuals and war-story examples, but more importantly, every mistake comes with a practical fix—contract language to insist on, red flags to spot before signing and simple steps reps can take immediately to turn legal risk into long-term reward.
Manufacturers, you will also find this session valuable as you will become more knowledgeable of common contract issues so as to avoid them in the future, and equip yourself with the means to facilitate contract negotiations better for a stronger continued partnership with your rep team.
Attendees can expect sharp insights, actionable takeaway, and a few “I wish I’d known that earlier” moments you can put to work the very next day.
How Buyers Find You in 2026: Strategies to Drive Organic Revenue
Monday, Feb. 23 — 9:30-10:45 a.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Presenters: Danielle Gaglioti, Partner, G&G Creative Services, Adrian Dahlin, Marketing Strategist, G&G Creative Services
Buyers are researching electronics components in ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity before they ever look at your website. For manufacturers’ representatives, that shift creates both new challenges and powerful opportunities. In this session, G&G Creative NYC will break down how AI is reshaping search and marketing, and what reps can do now to future-proof their online presence through smart SEO, credible content and user-friendly design. This session will be practical, approachable and built for attendees at every stage of digital maturity.
Passing the Baton: ERA Leadership in Transition
Monday, Feb. 23 — 9:30-10:45 a.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Moderator: Dave Norris, President, Norris & Associates
Presenters: ERA CEO Ed Smith, Outgoing CEO Walter Tobin
New ERA CEO Ed Smith and outgoing CEO Walter Tobin will join forces in this session to talk to attendees about ERA’s recent executive leadership transition and give insight into the inner workings of ERA — both past, present and a peek into the future. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions on any and all topics.
Relational Leadership: Connecting with the People Who Power Your Business
Monday, Feb. 23 — 3:30-4:45 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Presenters: Ed Wallace, Managing Director, AchieveNEXT Human Capital
Transform your leaders’ approach to drive efficiency through influence and high-performing relationships. This highly interactive breakout for business owners, managers and sales professionals is designed to create relationships of trust and close any relational gaps due to generational dynamics.
Supercollaboration
Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 1:00-2:15 p.m.
Presenters: James Taylor, MBA, FRSA, International Speaker, Consultant, Adviser
Building on his general session presentation, Conference speaker James Taylor offers this hands-on workshop to empower attendees to turn insight into ideas and action. In an industry defined by rapid technological shifts, evolving customer expectations and increased pressure on margins, the future belongs to those who collaborate smarter and innovate faster. In this session, participants will work on blending human creativity with emerging AI capabilities to drive stronger relationships and better results across the entire rep-manufacturer-distributor ecosystem. Through interactive exercises and collaborative problem-solving, attendees will explore how to co-create value with partners, streamline communication and future-proof their organizations. Designed for manufacturers’ reps, suppliers, sales leaders and channel partners, this workshop helps participants uncover new ways to differentiate, respond to change and strengthen the human connections at the core of the electronics industry.
Turning Strategic Relationships into Innovation Engines
Monday, Feb. 23 — 2:00-3:15 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 2:30-3:45 p.m.
Presenter: Chris Lins, Founder, and Head Coach, The Lins Co.
In a world where buyers have access to nearly every product detail, price comparison and user review before speaking to a single human, what becomes the true differentiator? Trust. Connection. Human relationship.
This session will teach attendees how to build trust-first relationships—by design—not by chance. We’ll move beyond alignment and into the realm of intentional, high-impact human connection that breaks through the noise and accelerates growth.
Winning, Growing and Keeping the Best Talent in Electronics
Monday, Feb. 23 — 2:00-3:15 p.m. / Tuesday, Feb. 24 — 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Moderator: Ellen Coan, CPMR, Vice President, C C Electro Sales Inc.
Panelists: Jeff Tilly, Field Sales Engineer and Partner, SJ Associates; Chris Hodge, Sales Engineer, ANRO Associates; Dayna Badhorn, Regional President, Americas, Avnet
In this session, this knowledgeable panel of industry experts will focus on this industry’s need to recruit and retain top performers at manufacturers’ rep firms, manufacturers and distributors. The panel will provide color to the challenges that they face and recommendations to attendees on tactical tips and best practices to win the talent war.