> READ: ERA Quick Connections – October 2026, Vol. 1
October 2026, Vol. 1
MANUFACTURING DATA REPORT
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in September for the ninth straight month, says the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.
The computer and electronic products sector, and the electrical equipment, appliances & components sector, both reported growth. Read the full report.
INDUSTRY NEWS
> Scientists have unveiled a “mind-reading” AI tool that can recreate, with uncanny accuracy, images that people are looking at by tapping into their brain activity. Read more.
> Meta debuted its new AI agent, Muse, in September. OpenAI just debuted one as well. Why these new AI agents could spell chaos – read more.
> Succession planning is about people, not positions — and it starts with candid questions. Read more.
ERA NEWS
> ERA announces that Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.) will be the keynote speaker at the 2027 ERA Conference, taking place Feb. 21-23, 2027, in Austin, Texas.
Malachowski will open the ERA Conference on Monday morning, Feb. 22, with her keynote presentation, “Harnessing Headwinds: Successfully Navigating Change and Adversity.”
As a former fighter pilot and combat veteran, Nicole Malachowski uses the metaphor of headwinds to share inspiring stories and practical tools that ignite our ability to harness the challenges in our personal and professional lives.
> Read full press release. > Register for the Conference. > View sponsorship opportunities.
> Sign up today for Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) program on Dec. 1-3!
COLT is a fun and collaborative virtual training session, focused on effective chapter management and planning tactics. Attendees can expect to gain creative ideas and practical knowledge about member recruitment, hosting events and organizing educational sessions. If you are already in an active chapter leadership role or are interested in pursuing one, talk to your board about attending this valuable training program where you can learn from other chapter leaders.
Chapter leaders who complete COLT this year will receive 1 complimentary attendee registration for the 2027 ERA Conference, scheduled for Feb. 21-23, 2027, in Austin, Texas. (one per chapter)
> STEP 2026 is over, but you still can receive this valuable training! All STEP sessions, including archives dating back to 2021, are available online for purchase at era.org/step.
Watch anytime, revisit whenever you need a refresh and take advantage of a $100 discount for ERA members. STEP delivers live, practical modules taught by proven industry leaders and professional sales trainers. It offers concrete takeaways that reps, distributors and manufacturers can implement immediately on their very next sales call. Purchase the STEP 2026 training series today.
INDUSTRY TRENDS SURVEY
The October 2026 ERA Electronic Components
Industry Trend Survey is now live!
Check your email inbox.
CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS
- Mid-Lantic ERA — Networking Event — Wed., Oct. 14
- Carolinas ERA — Virtual Lunch Event: Electronics Components Playbook — Fri., Oct. 16
- Northern Cal ERA — Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Employees — Tues., Oct. 20
- Northern Cal ERA — Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for Managers — Wed., Oct. 21
- Southwest ERA — Happy Hour and Food Drive — Thurs., Oct. 22
- Canada ERA — Voice of the Customer Networking Event — Tues., Oct. 27
- New England ERA — Networking Dinner with Speaker Chris Lins — Wed., Nov. 4
- Indiana-Kentucky ERA — Volunteer Event with Gleaners Food Bank — Fri., Nov. 6
