Napier was delighted to learn from Electronic Specifier that its Women in Tech forum will return at electronica 2026, bringing renewed focus to leadership development, workforce dynamics, and collaboration across the electronics sector.
Framed against a backdrop of one of the industry’s biggest global events, the forum is designed to spark practical discussion on how a more inclusive and balanced leadership pipeline can strengthen long-term business performance.
electronica 2026 will take place in Munich from 10–13 November 2026, reinforcing its role as a major meeting point for the international electronics industry. In that high-profile setting, the return of the forum signals continued momentum behind industry conversations around inclusion, representation, and leadership.
The programme will feature a keynote address, a panel discussion, and dedicated networking opportunities. Together, these sessions aim to combine data-led insight with lived experience, exploring how accountability, collaboration, and balanced leadership can help organisations build stronger teams and deliver sustainable growth.
Sponsored by Rochester Electronics, the forum typically attracts engineers, senior leaders, HR and DEI professionals, and emerging talent interested in building more inclusive workplaces across the technology ecosystem.
Keynote to spotlight leadership data and lived experience
This year’s session is scheduled to open with a keynote address from Jackie Mattox, Chief Executive Officer of WE United, who will present findings from the inaugural Lead Forward Report. The report examines leadership progression through six connected areas: representation, compensation, workforce participation, corporate initiatives, access to capital, and policy, offering attendees a broad view of the structural factors shaping career advancement in the sector.
By framing the conversation around experience-based evidence, the keynote will set the tone for a forum that aims to be both reflective and action-oriented.
Panel to explore disruption, leadership, and practical change
Following the keynote, a panel moderated by Paige Hookway, Managing Editor at Electronic Specifier, who will convene a range of industry voices to discuss the shared responsibility of strengthening leadership pipelines and addressing systemic barriers that continue to affect performance, progression, and retention across the industry.
According to Paige, the panel will explore a range of strategic and practical themes, including:
- Leadership progression and addressing gaps in representation, compensation, and access to opportunity
- Measurable progress and the key performance indicators that matter
- Leadership accountability and collaboration can contribute to stronger business outcomes
- Practical approaches to building balanced, high-performance teams
With insightful discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and perspectives from leaders across the industry, Women in Tech promises to be a highlight of electronica 2026. Whether you are an engineer, business leader, HR professional, or emerging talent, the forum will offer a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and help shape a more inclusive future for the electronics sector. Attendees are encouraged to join the conversation and be a contributor to the industry’s continued progress and enlightenment.
