STEP 2026 – Speaker List
STEP 2026 speakers are listed below in alphabetical order, by last name.
View the full STEP 2026 agenda and schedule.
Rob Brunson, President, Wallace Electronics
Session: Modern Sales Tools & Technology
Rob Brunson is the President of Wallace Electronic Sales. With an interest and curiosity in AI, blockchain and other systems, Rob is always exploring new was to implement new technology in order to become more efficient in his day to day and to bring value to Wallace Electronic Sales, our customers, principals and distribution partners.
Charlene DeCesare, Senior Consultant, The RAIN Group
Session: The 9 Habits of Extreme Productivity
Charlene DeCesare is a senior consultant for RAIN Group and trusted sales advisor who has been helping teams develop a relationship-based approach to selling high-value services for 25 years. She co-founded the multi-million-dollar company, EdAssist, now owned by Bright Horizons. Prior to that, DeCesare spent 10 years at Gartner leading an international sales team and helping the most respected technology companies in the world extend their brand message. DeCesare was also a membership growth leader at the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp), and the vice president of sales and marketing at Boardroom Events.
She has a B.S. in communications from Emerson College and an M.B.A. in sales and marketing from Rivier University. DeCesare is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a nationally certified Brain-Based Success coach. Recently, DeCesare also attained the national-level credential of Certified Sales Leader (CSL).
Jake Hall, “The Manufacturing Millenial” — Keynote Speaker and Industry Advocate
Session: Unlock the Power of LinkedIn for Sales Growth
Jake Hall — known as the Manufacturing Millennial — is an advocate manufacturing, automation and skilled trades by helping revolutionize the way people and companies present through social media. With more than 100,000 followers and 150,000,000+ views on his content, he ignites conversations about the latest in manufacturing and automation to excite the current and future workforce about our industry.
Jake started his career in manufacturing at the age of 15, working for a custom machine builder sweeping floors, cleaning CNC machines, and learning how to weld. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a bachelor’s degree in product design and manufacturing engineering and a minor in biomedical engineering.
Jake then spent the next 10 years working in automation distribution and systems integration around robotics, machine vision, motion control, digital software and smart manufacturing.In 2020 Jake started posting on social media to showcase and advocate the technology and solutions in our industry.
By 2023, he started the Manufacturing Millennial, traveling to hundreds of events and delivering keynote speeches around the world advocating manufacturing.
Annelise McCarthy, HER Speaking Coach
Sessions:
> Speak to Be Remembered: Crafting Presentations That Actually Land
> Speaking with Authority: Confidence, Voice, and Executive Presence
Meet Annelise – a professional speaker, passionate coach and modern voice in the world of communication and leadership.
With more than six years of experience coaching speakers, a decade of formal training through the Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA), and a Diploma in Teaching Public Speaking, Annelise brings both deep expertise and vibrant energy to every stage. She holds a double Bachelor in Law and Languages & Culture (majoring in Mandarin), and was a finalist at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships in Pittsburgh, 2016.
Formerly the “cool” public speaking teacher in schools, Annelise has since coached thousands of professionals to speak with more confidence, clarity and authenticity, especially in high-pressure environments. With a combined online audience of over 250,000, she is known for blending practical tools with a dynamic, unapologetically modern approach to communication.
Annelise is determined to rewrite the rules of public speaking, ditching the dull and the pretentious for something far more powerful: real, confident, authentic communication. With a bold, no-fear approach, she helps others embrace imperfection, challenge tradition and discover that strong speaking skills aren’t just for the few. They’re for life.
Riad Nizam
President, Master Electronics
Session: Global Business Culture & Communication: Connect Across Cultures, Succeed Across Markets
As the president of Master Electronics, a family-owned and operated company with over 50 years of history, Riad Nizam oversees the strategic direction and growth of the company. With a background in sales, product marketing and general management, Nizam has more than 20 years of experience leading high-performance teams, expanding market share and fostering long-term relationships with key accounts.
He is passionate about sharing the Master story and insights as a keynote speaker, inspiring others to embrace the challenges and opportunities of running a family business.
Beyond business, he is inspired by the concept of “Misogi,” the practice of doing something extremely difficult once a year to reshape your perspective. As a result, he has taken on experiences like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and completing the 29029 Everesting challenge. He also loves to traveling with his wife, meet new people and spend time with his children and extended family.
Walter Tobin
Former ERA CEO, Industry Consultant
Session: Understanding the Electronics Industry: Past, Present & Future
Walter E. Tobin is an electronics industry veteran with 40+ years of experience in sales, marketing and executive/corporate management positions. Tobin recently was the ERA CEO for 10 years. Before that, he held senior management positions at Arrow Electronics, Pioneer-Standard Electronics and at Future Electronics. Walter holds a bachelor’s degree and MBA in marketing from Boston College. He is also a former U.S. Army captain.
Tim Wackel, Founder and President, The Wackel Group
Session: How Winners Win: Exploring the DNA of Today’s Top Sales Performers
Tim Wackel is hired by sales executives who want their teams to be more successful at blowing their number away. His “no excuses” programs are insightful, engaging and focused on providing real world strategies that salespeople can (and will!) implement right away. His list of clients includes organizations like Allstate, Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Wells Fargo, Lexmark, Philips Medical Systems, Red Hat and many professional and trade associations.
Tim is the founder and president of The Wackel Group, a sales training and consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations find, win and keep customers for life. He earned his electrical engineering degree from the University of Nebraska and currently lives in Dallas where he tries to spend as much time as possible on the golf course.
Shane Zutz, MBA, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, DigiKey
Session: High-Impact Leadership: Creating Influence Before You Have a Title
As the leader of DigiKey’s human resources function, Shane Zutz is responsible for leading DigiKey through a digital transformation that impacts 4,500 employees across the globe, as well as supporting the company’s tremendous growth and physical expansion. DigiKey’s HR department follows an “outside-in” model, reimagining our work to create additional value for employees and customers, and making Digi-Key the best place to work whether you are in Thief River Falls, EMEA, APAC or fully remote. Shane’s leadership abilities and forward-thinking outlook are a direct result of his background in education. Before his time at DigiKey, he spent many years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and high school principal. He’s built high-performing teams throughout his career and is energized by empowering a culture that encourages everyone to do their best work by putting people first.