The Electronic Components Industry Association will meet in Chicago next week for its annual Executive Conference, where leaders from component manufacturing, distribution and sales representative firms gather to network and get the latest industry news and analysis from experts inside and outside the electronics supply chain. Titled “Shift Happens,” this year’s meeting addresses the critical changes taking place in the electronics industry and how companies can turn those challenges into opportunities.
Fisher will discuss “How to Grow a Niche Business without Losing Your Identity (or Your Soul),” for instance, and Dwyer’s presentation will focus on “The Internet of Things.” Other business experts will address topics such as on-shoring, economic trends, market changes, venture capital, sales strategies and global branding.
And in a nod to the increasingly important role of the Internet in today’s electronics supply chain, the meeting will include a panel discussion featuring Web-savvy professionals from the media and the electronics industry who will discuss advances and solutions in digital marketing.
Awards and honors
The 2013 Executive Conference will also feature an annual awards program designed to recognize members’ achievements as well as their service to the industry and the association. The association’s highest honor, the Gail S. Carter Award, honors an electronics industry leader for his or her significant contributions to the industry and active role in ECIA and civic affairs. A series of Distinguished Service Awards recognizes individual ECIA members for their contributions to the association.
The Electronics Choice Industry Awards (ECIAs) recognize excellence in marketing. Sponsored by ECIA and Penton’s Design Engineering & Sourcing Group (which includes Electronic Design, Global Purchasing, and 13 other brands), the awards recognize members who have displayed exceptional branding and marketing campaigns in the last year. They cover nine categories, ranging from Best Brand/Image in Print Marketing to Best Video Production, and include a Best of Show designation for the single entry with the highest score. This year will also include a Reader’s Choice Award, chosen by Penton subscribers.
For more information on the 2013 ECIA Executive Conference, go to http://www.eciaonline.org/meetings/ExecutiveConference/2013/index.htm.
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2013 ECIA Executive Conference |
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| Sunday, October 27 | |
| 5 to 7 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 6 to 7 p.m. | Opening Reception |
| Monday, October 28 | |
| 7 a.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 to 8 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8 to 8:15 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. | “From Shifting Markets to Future Success,” Adam Hartung, Managing Partner, Spark Partners |
| 9:15 to 10 a.m. | “Made in North America—Why It Makes Business Sense to Onshore,” Alexander Fernandes, CEO, Avigilon |
| 10 to 10:30 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. | “Exploring the Trends Transforming Tomorrow,” Jack Uldrich, Founder, the School of Unlearning |
| 11:15 a.m. to noon | “Weapons of Mass Discussion To Boost Competitive Advantage,” Frank Cutitta, Founder, the Center for Global Branding |
| Noon to 1 p.m. | Luncheon |
| 1 to 1:45 p.m. | “Make Your Sales Team a Competitive Advantage in Shifting B2B World (Because Your Product, Price and Brand Will Not Be Enough),” Ryan Kubacki, President, Holden International |
| 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. | ECIA Association Service Awards and Electronic Components Industry Awards |
| 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 2:45 to 3:30 p.m. | “The Internet of Things,” Rick Dwyer, VP Sales & Marketing, GM Embedded Sales Group, Intel |
| 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. | “Byte Me!” Brad Whitworth, Senior Communications Executive, Cisco |
| 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. | “What Does the Internet Mean to You?” A Panel Discussion |
| 5:15 p.m. | Closing Remarks & Announcements |
| 6 to 7 p.m. | Evening Reception |
| Tuesday, October 29 | |
| 7:30 to 8 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8 to 8:45 a.m. | “Beyond Venture Capital,” Donna Kent, Tallwave |
| 8:45 to 9:30 a.m. |
“How to Grow a Niche Business Without Losing Your Identity (or Your Soul),” Steve Fisher, CEO, PEI Genesis |
| 9:30 to 10 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10 to 10:45 a.m. | “Economic Outlook & Trends in 2014,” Jack Ablin, Chief Investment Officer, BMO Private Bank |
| 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. | “ECIA Update,” CEO John Denslinger and special guest Tim Balz, FIRST team member |
| 11:15 a.m. to noon |
“Drivers Wanted,” Ed Smith, President, Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas |
