ECIA 2019 Executive Conference Speaker: Tony Uphoff, CEO Thomasnet

Atlanta –The 2019 Executive Conference Planning Committee, chaired by TTI’s Melanie Pizzey, has generated a slate of speakers all focused on leadership for what is expected to be a tumultuous decade: the 2020s. The theme is Vision 2020 – Leading with Clarity and this year’s conference attendees will be enlightened by a stellar roster of speakers who are experts in economics, strategic planning, change management, talent development and disruptive technologies like 5G and transportation — all seen through the lens of the impact on the electronic components industry.

Tony Uphoff is CEO of Thomasnet, a B2B online platform that has been serving its industrial buyers and engineers for over 120 years . With its millions of users, Thomas is a key source for data about U.S. manufacturing trends and insights. Uphoff will use this data to present on the topic, “The Digital Transformation of Manufacturing.”

U.S. manufacturing has undergone tremendous change over the past 40 years. Last year, manufacturers created 248,000 new jobs, bringing the industry’s employment numbers to 1949 levels, when the post WW2 boom saw huge jobs growth. Today Industry 4.0 integrates digital technologies into traditional industrial manufacturing products, services and processes. The new transformative challenge for manufactures is to effectively implement digital best practices into their ‘front of the house’ functions. Uphoff’s presentation will address key questions facing the industry today: How can U.S. manufacturers deal with this change? Why is public perception of U.S. manufacturing a concern? What can be done about the skills shortage? How can U.S. companies grow via global trade?

“Tony Uphoff will share a unique perspective on manufacturing and how to make it even more pertinent for future generations,” commented Debbie Conyers, ECIA Vice President of Member Engagement. “It will be exciting to hear from an industry expert with access to so much relevant data,” she added.

“This presentation will give attendees some reality-based insights into how U.S. manufacturing companies are responding to the digital revolution,” continued Melanie Pizzey, Executive Conference Chair. “We’ve heard a lot about this topic in the past five years, but now we can get a sense of what manufacturers are actually doing about it.”

The Executive Conference runs October 20-22 at the Loews Chicago O’Hare.

 

About ECIA

The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA) is made up of the leading electronic component manufacturers, their manufacturer representatives and authorized distributors. ECIA members share a common goal of promoting and improving the business environment for the authorized sale of electronic components. Comprised of a broad array of leaders and professionals representing all phases of the electronics components supply chain, ECIA is where business optimization, product authentication and industry advocacy come together. ECIA members develop industry guidelines and technical standards, as well as generate critical business intelligence. For more information, visit www.ecianow.org or call 678-393-9990.