.STEP 2026 Sessions

We’re thrilled to be announcing the full list of sessions for STEP 2026!

View the STEP schedule with dates and times.

> Speak to Be Remembered: Crafting Presentations that Actually Land

Speaker: Annelise McCarthy, HER Speaking Coach

In a world of endless meetings and slide decks, most presentations are forgotten within hours. This session breaks that pattern. Participants leave knowing how to design and deliver talks people remember, and actually act on.

Session focus:
• Prepare with purpose, so every presentation earns its place on the agenda
• Structure content so it’s easy to follow, compelling and impossible to tune out
• Design messages and visuals that carry the story instead of competing with it
• Use voice, pacing, and presence to hold a room, or a screen, from first slide to last
• Trade boring and generic for clear, confident and genuinely engaging

Participants will learn how to:
• Move from information dumping to purposeful, audience-first communication
• Build one simple framework they can reuse for any presentation
• Choose stories, examples and language that actually stick
• Deliver with real confidence, even through a webcam

This session is built for professionals who present to customers, colleagues or leadership regularly and want their communication to be impactful, not forgettable.

> Speaking with Authority: Confidence, Voice, and Executive Presence

Speaker: Annelise McCarthy, HER Speaking Coach

Good ideas don’t speak for themselves. Say them without authority and the room won’t hear them, no matter how good they are. This session builds the mindset, language and presence to show up as credible and unmissable — in any room, on any call.

Session focus:
• Own your authority: swap “lucky to be here” for “I belong here”
• Speak up with language that asserts without tipping into aggression
• Manage nerves and self-doubt in the moments that matter most
• Build executive presence through body language, tone and energy
• Show up consistently, on camera and in person

Participants will learn how to:
• Reframe self-doubt and actually use the expertise they already have
• Speak with language that lands with decision makers, not around them
• Handle interruptions, pushback and tension without losing composure
• Align voice, body language and message so people take them seriously

This session is ideal for anyone ready to speak up in meetings, lead conversations with senior stakeholders and stop shrinking their own presence.

> Modern Sales Tools & Technology

Speaker: Rob Brunson, President, Wallace Electronic Sales

Learn how to combine modern tools with timeless relationship-building skills to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving sales environment. Join Rob Brunson as he explores the modern sales toolkit, including Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, AI-powered solutions, sales enablement platforms and other emerging technologies that are transforming the way business gets done.

This practical session will help you cut through the noise, understand which tools can make the biggest impact and learn how to use technology to become more productive, more organized and more effective throughout the sales process.

Whether you’re looking to streamline your workflow, better manage customer relationships or embrace the power of AI, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover how CRM platforms can strengthen customer relationships and improve sales performance.
• Learn practical ways to leverage AI to increase productivity and save time.
• Explore today’s leading sales enablement tools and technologies.
• Understand emerging trends shaping the future of professional selling.

> The 9 Habits of Extreme Productivity

Speaker: Charlene DeCesare, Senior Consultant, RAIN Group

Maximize your motivation, focus and performance.

In today’s always-connected world, distractions are everywhere. Emails, notifications, meetings, texts and constant interruptions make it harder than ever to stay focused on the work that truly moves the needle. The result? Lost productivity, decreased motivation and missed opportunities.

In this high-energy session, Charlene DeCesare of RAIN Group shares the proven habits that help top-performing professionals accomplish more, maintain focus and consistently deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re managing your own workload or leading a team, these practical strategies will help you eliminate distractions, increase productivity and perform at your very best.

You’ll leave with actionable techniques you can immediately apply to your daily routine—helping you work smarter, stay energized and achieve more without simply working longer hours.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the nine habits that drive exceptional productivity and performance.
• Learn practical techniques to minimize distractions and maximize focus.
• Increase motivation and maintain momentum throughout your workday.
• Prioritize the activities that have the greatest impact on results.
• Build sustainable habits that improve individual and team performance.

Success isn’t about being busy—it’s about being intentional. Join Charlene for an engaging session that will help you reclaim your time, sharpen your focus and produce your best work every day.

> Understanding the Electronics Industry: Past, Present & Future

Speaker: Walter Tobin, Special Advisor, ERA

Whether you’re new to the electronics industry or looking to strengthen your understanding of how it all fits together, this session is your roadmap. Join industry veteran Walter Tobin as he takes you on a fascinating journey through the evolution of the electronics industry—from the post-World War II manufacturing boom to today’s world of microelectronics, single-board computers, and rapidly advancing technologies.

You’ll gain a practical understanding of the industry’s unique ecosystem, including the vital roles of manufacturers, distributors, manufacturers’ reps, OEMs and EMS providers, and discover how these partners work together to bring products from concept to customer.

Walter will also share the many resources available through ERA, and making the most of the ERA website and member tools to accelerate your professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Explore the history and evolution of the electronics industry.
• Understand the roles of manufacturers, distributors, reps, OEMs, and EMS providers.
• Learn how the industry ecosystem works together to drive innovation and business success.
• Maximize the value of your ERA membership and the tools available to help you succeed.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to build a stronger industry foundation, this session will provide the context, connections, and resources you need to thrive.

> How Winners Win: Exploring the DNA of Today’s Top Sales Performers

Speaker: Tim Wackel, Founder and President, The Wackel Group

Winning new business in today’s competitive market requires more than effort. It demands focus, relevance and a disciplined approach. In this session, sales expert Tim Wackel will reveal the proven behaviors and strategies that set today’s top-performing sales professionals apart. Participants will learn how to identify the right prospects, craft compelling sales messages, develop a follow-up strategy that gets noticed and lead impactful sales conversations that build trust and move opportunities forward.

What you’ll learn:

-Build an ideal target list to create a stronger sales pipeline.
-Develop compelling sales stories that answer, “Why you?” and “Why now?”
-Master a consistent follow-up process that keeps prospects engaged.
-Conduct sales calls that position you as a trusted advisor.
-Ask powerful questions that uncover opportunities.
-Recognize when to walk away from stalled deals and focus on higher-value opportunities.

Walk away with practical techniques you can immediately apply to generate more meaningful conversations, strengthen your sales process, and win more business.

> Unlock the Power of LinkedIn for Sales Growth

Speaker: Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millenial

In today’s competitive B2B landscape, LinkedIn has become much more than a networking site. It’s one of the most powerful tools for building relationships, generating leads and strengthening your professional brand. Join Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, for an session designed specifically for our industry. Jake will share practical strategies to help you leverage LinkedIn as a powerful sales and marketing platform to increase visibility, build meaningful connections and drive business growth.

What you’ll learn:

-Understand LinkedIn’s role in today’s modern B2B sales environment.
-Optimize your LinkedIn profile to build credibility and showcase your technical expertise.
-Engage prospects and customers through compelling content that builds trust.
-Research target accounts and identify new opportunities using LinkedIn’s powerful tools.
-Implement quick, actionable techniques that immediately improve your visibility, engagement and networking success.

Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or looking to maximize its potential, you’ll leave this session with practical tactics you can begin using right away to strengthen your online presence and accelerate your sales efforts.

**Interested in accessing past years’ STEP training modules? Visit the STEP library.

ERA thanks the TTI Family of Specialists for generously sponsoring this program. By partnering to producing this annual live sales training, ERA and TTI FOS aim to show continued support for the rep model and frontline sales professionals.