THE EMS COO SUMMIT 2026
Presented by Philip Spagnoli Stoten, Industry Journalist & Podcaster
Did Darwin really suggest that the fittest or the fastest survive and thrive while others face extinction, I think not. We explore why humanity thrived through ingenuity and collaboration and not through speed or strength.
Moderated by Eric Miscoll, Industry Journalist & EMSNOW Publisher
"Defining Operational Excellence in EMS for 2026 and Beyond”
In this scene setting session Eric sits down with EMS leaders to explore the key challenges facing EMS operational leadership now, and in the future.
Moderated by Tony Picciola, Technical Services Manager at Fuji America
"Can You Optimize for Both?”
It's the daily challenge facing EMS companies. The need to be fast, adaptable and agile, while balancing customer demands for more and more competitive prices driven by line and factory efficiency. Our speakers get into the details of how you can "have it all"...
Presented by Shawn DuBravac, Futurist & Economist
"Technology Update from CES 2026 And What That Means for Manufacturers"
At the start of every year CES (Consumer Electronics Show) defines the year ahead for technology trends. Shawn DuBravac, Futurist and Chief Economist of Global Electronics Association shares insights from the event and explores what it all means for the manufacturers.
Moderated by John Mitchell, President & CEO, Global Electronics Association
"Automation, Collaboration, and Future Workforce Strategies”
Three short presentations and a moderated debate that explore the future of talent acquisition and retention from a company, association and industry standpoint.
Philip Stoten Interviews IMI CEO Lou Hughes
"Coffee Break and Live Recording of EMS @C-Level Podcast ”
Grab a coffee and a pastry and listen to Philip Stoten talk to Lou Hughes, CEO of Integrated Micro-Electronics, Inc. (IMI Global)
Moderated by Trevor Galbraith, Journalist & Publisher, Global SMT & Packaging
"Why The SMT FUTURE EXPERIENCE Is So Important Right Now?”
Guests and Founding Partners of THE EXPERIENCE Tom Zabkiewicz of Fuji America, Dr. Bill Cardoso of Creative Electron, and Joel Scutchfield of Koh Young America explain why this collaborative concept seems so important right now.
Moderator TBC
"Let's Get Started”
Practical advice on building an operational roadmap that has immediate impact, is scalable and leverages fierce collaboration between manufacturers and their strategic suppliers.
With Industry Journalists Eric Miscoll, Trevor Galbraith & Philip Stoten
"What Did We Learn, And What Can We Do With That Knowledge?”
Three of the industry's leading journalists explore the day's content and the key takeaways, including what can be put into action and how everyone present can collaborate to drive greater operational excellence in the electronics manufacturing supply chain.