Electronic Specifier is delighted to announce the return of the Women in Tech forum at electronica 2026. This year’s session promises to be as insightful and action-oriented as ever, exploring leadership progression, workforce dynamics, and collaboration across the electronics industry.
Featuring a keynote address, a panel of industry leaders, and a dedicated networking session, the forum takes a data-led approach to understanding how balanced leadership, accountability, and collaboration can drive stronger business performance and long-term industry growth.
The forum is sponsored by Rochester Electronics, the world’s largest continuous source of semiconductors and 100% authorised by over 70 leading semiconductor manufacturers.
Keynote: a global leadership digest combining data & human perspectives
The session opens with a keynote from Jackie Mattox, Chief Executive Officer of WE United, who will present findings from the inaugural ‘Lead Forward Report‘. The report offers an analysis of leadership progression across six interconnected areas: representation, compensation, workforce participation, corporate initiatives, access to capital, and policy.
Panel discussion: the strategy of disruption: a leader’s edge
Building on the keynote, a panel of industry leaders, moderated by Paige Hookway, Managing Editor, Electronic Specifier, will bring together perspectives from across roles, experience levels, and backgrounds – reflecting a shared responsibility for strengthening leadership pipelines and tackling the systemic challenges that affect long-term business performance.
Topics will include:
- Examining leadership progression and addressing gaps in representation, compensation, and access to opportunity
- Highlighting areas of measurable progress and key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Exploring the role of leadership accountability and collaboration in driving strong business outcomes
- Sharing practical approaches to building high-performing, balanced teams
Panellists
Dave Doherty, CEO, DigiKey
Doherty joined DigiKey‘s executive management team in January 2008, bringing with him more than 25 years of electronics industry experience split between semiconductor manufacturing and electronics distribution. His experience and knowledge enable him to provide great insight and innovative leadership within DigiKey as a company, as well as the electronics industry.
With a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Mass., and an MBA from Babson College in Wellesley, Mass. Doherty has served on the advisory board for the School of Professional Selling at Baylor University and has served as president of the ECIA Education Foundation Board as well as chairperson of the ECIA Executive Conference.
Additional panellists to be announced.
Forum Details
- Date: 11th November 2026
- Time: 9am ET
- Location: Future Tech Stage, Hall C6
Agenda
- 9am – Arrival
- 9.30am – WE United Keynote by Jackie Mattox
- 10.30am – Panel discussion with Paige Hookway
- 11.30am – Structured networking sessions
Electronic Specifier looks forward to welcoming you there and hopes that you leave with clear insights and practical direction to support a more effective, resilient, and future-forward industry.
Complete the below form to register your interest.
