Spark Schedule
We are excited to share the 2021 Spark 1.0 virtual program dates, timing, focus, learning objectives, and content for each weekly session.
The Spark 1.0 4‑hour weekly sessions will begin April 20, 2021 and conclude May 18, 2021. Each session will include presentations from the same industry experts found at the in-person program. Participants will learn about their own strengths and connect with external consultants to analyze assessment results, identify gaps, and create personal development strategies that align with their career goals.
Participants will have opportunities, both structured and unstructured, throughout the program to network with peers, industry experts, and leadership from all channels of the industry.
The Spark 1.0 program will be delivered via Zoom.
April 20, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm, CST
Electronic Components Industry
Participants increase their understanding and clarity of the electronic component industry’s history, sales channels, current trends, emerging markets, and challenges
9:00 – 10:00 am
Welcome & Introductions
Jennifer Smith
- Welcome to Spark 1.0
- Spark Program Vision
- What to Expect as a virtual Spark Attendee
- Cohort Introductions
10:00 – 11:00 am
Presentation: The Electronic Component Industry
Walt Tobin, Dave Norris
Presenters will share knowledge and experience on the roles and core competencies of each of the industry’s three channels (Manufacturers, Distributors, and Manufacturers Representatives) and how they work together to support the customer.
9:11:00 – 11:15 am
Break
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Presentation: Emerging Markets
Dale Ford
Review of new and up and coming markets entering the electronic components industry.
12:15 – 1:00 pm
Group Discussion: Debrief
Jennifer Smith
Interactive group discussion to identify key take-aways and relevance.
April 27, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm, CST
Networking, Leveraging Personal Brand Awareness
Personal brand awareness is heightened as participants realize the power of perception and the value of brand recognition carriers in managing social media platforms and increasing networking opportunities
9:00 –11:00 am
Workshop: Build Your Brand
Jennifer Smith
- What is brand recognition?
- Networking and Personal Brand The benefits and risks associated with brand perception
11:00 – 11:15 am
Break
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Presentation: Social Media Brand
Heather Fulara
- How personal brand recognition will impact your social media presence
- How to leverage the strengths of your brand on social media platforms
12:15 – 1:00 pm
Assignment: Assessments
Jennifer Smith
- Review assessments that need to be completed for session four activity
- Strengths Finder
- Emotional Intelligence
May 4, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm, CST
Personal Development, Leadership
Participants recognize leadership characteristics, styles, and behaviors impacting organization strategy and culture. Participants realize the benefits of communicating value.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Presentation: Industry Talent
Jackie Mattox
10:00 – 11:00 am
Presentation: Communicating Your Value
Graham Kilshaw (Lectrix)
Bring profitability to companies, importance of strategy for change, business analysis. How to communicate your value.
11:00 – 11:15 am
Break
11:15 am – 12:00 pm
Presentation: Leadership Styles
Jennifer Smith
Leadership styles and behaviors and the effects on organizational culture.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Discussion
Jennifer Smith
Introduce the Coffee with a Leader opportunity.
May 11, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm, CST
Personal Development, Develop Your Brand
Participants gain insight to their innate strengths and their ability to recognize and manage behaviors. Participants develop skills to successfully negotiate.
9:00 – 11:00 am
Workshop: Build Your Brand
Jennifer Smith
Review assessments and perceptions to begin developing your personal brand.
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Spark Alumni Panel
Spark Alumni
Past Spark participants share their insights into the industry.
12:30 – 1:00 pm
Discussion
Jennifer Smith
Debrief negotiations session.
May 18, 2021, 9 am – 1 pm, CST
Industry, Future Trends
Participants take part in dissecting future predictions for industry growth, expansion, and challenges. Participants begin to map their career goals and plan their learning path.
9:00 – 10:00 am
Presentation: Industry Association Involvement
- The role of industry associations. The benefits the associations offer. How to get involved.
- Sow learning and networking resources available to members.
10:00 – 11:00 am
Presentation: Digital Marketing
Renee Dill (Molex), Kevin Hess (Mouser)
- Learn to collaborate and identify individual strengths to effectively create a strategic product market plan.
- Apply learning to create a product marketing strategy with assigned product and present their plan to the larger group receiving feedback on their process, presentation, and overall strategy plan relevance.
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Presentation: Electronic Industry Future
Michael Knight (TTI)
The future forecasts, predictions and potential challenges of the electronic components industry.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Reflections from participants
Jennifer Smith, Heather Fulara
Each participant will share their reflections from the program. All participants management will be invited.
We will share an invitation to a Zoom Meeting to all registered attendees before the event is set to start. Contact spark@edssummit.com with any questions!