The 2022 WHMA conference has several noted industry experts and thought leaders that will take to the keynote stage to deliver insight on the industry, economy, geopolitical issues, manufacturing technologies and more.

Keynote presenter, John K. Coyle, CEO Design Thinking and Olympic Medalist with his presentation “Resiliency 2.0 – Applying Design Thinking to Stress and Resiliency.” Coyle is one of the world’s leading experts in “Design Thinking” and Innovation. He is a world-class athlete in two sports (cycling and speedskating) and an Olympic silver medalist.

As a speaker and writer, Coyle’s special talent is weaving facts, examples, and business principles into engaging, accessible stories that bring his topics and frameworks to life. People leave Coyle’s programs inspired and empowered to make significant, positive changes in their business and personal lives. In this keynote, Coyle discusses how to perform better under greater stress (and enjoy it), instead of trying to manage or reduce stress or get work-life balance back! Explore a new model of resiliency, one where proactive challenges are designed to build capacity for ever greater performance under pressure, while learning the latest neuroscience of recovery. Change your relationship with stress by using the 3R method – Reduce, Recover and Reframe.

Keynote presenter, Cynthia A. Watson, Ph.D., Dean of Faculty and Academic Affairs, National War College, National Defense University will present “What Keeps China’s Leadership Awake at Night?”  Watson writes and speaks widely on the professional military education, China’s modernization challenges, and U.S. military trends.

In this keynote, Watson will discuss why most international focus highlights China’s behavior abroad with an understanding that the intention is on global expansion at all costs. Evidence exists that the fear of internal threats really motivates the Party’s behaviors in a vast array of areas. This conversation will focus on why that is likely indeed the case. With many issues on its plate, the Party cannot simply commit to international goals without always keeping its eye on how the domestic environment is shifting.

Keynote presenter, Peter Zeihan, Geopolitical Strategist will present “Manufacturing a New Age.”  Zeihan combines an expert understanding of demography, economics, energy, politics, technology, and security to help clients best prepare for an uncertain future.

In this keynote, Zeihan will discuss the world we have known for decades — insatiable global demand, endlessly complex supply chains, sacrosanct international commerce — isn’t simply in decline. For reasons geopolitical and demographic, it is over. And that is good news. Join  Zeihan as he guides us through the deglobalization whirlwind. Learn how changes in consumption and labor will play out, in particular for the industries we depend upon and support, most notably metals processing, automotive, aerospace, semiconductors and electronics.

If this keynote leaves you with concerns, questions and ideas, WHMA has allotted a time for a “One-on-One with Peter Zeihan: Q&A with a Kick.” Be ready to discuss the ins-and-outs of massive industrial relocations and retoolings, with an emphasis on labor and all things Mexico. To ensure extra honesty, Peter will have a margarita. Plan accordingly.

Keynote speaker, Shawn Dubravac, Chief Economist, IPC will present “Economic Report and Future Outlook for WHMA Members.” Dubravac is a WHMA member favorite with his insight on issues facing the global electronics industry, including supply chain resiliency/uncertainty, trade wars, skilled workforce shortage, and the expanding role of electronics in the global economy.

In this keynote, Dubravac will provide a detailed economic report and outlook for WHMA members.

On Tuesday, February 15, WHMA will hold a free workshop from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm entitled “Doing Business with the Federal Government”. This workshop will be given by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Participants will learn information on small business certifications available in the federal marketplace.

The keynotes are impressive, but WHMA is also known for its peer-to-peer networking. One of the major highlights of the WHMA conference is the Annual Golf Outing. WHMA 2022 Golf Outing is being held at the illustrious Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf at La Paloma Country Club on February 15. Enjoy the beautiful grounds and enjoy some friendly competition with our fun golf contests.

Another fantastic networking event is being held at the Savoy Opera House on Wednesday, February 16. The Old West lives again in the streets of Trail Dust Town; a reconstructed town depicting the late 1880s. Browse in the trading post of galleries, have a tintype souvenir photograph taken, or enjoy the majestic sun setting in the West. Enjoy an unforgettable dinner, listen to a great local band  “The Whiskey River Dogs Band” and more importantly have a cold beverage served by a cute and gentle donkey! We cannot wait for you to experience this unique and memorable networking event.

Don’t forget to stop by and see the latest innovations from the top suppliers in the industry at the exhibit hall and attend our best practice roundtables. The networking, learning, discovering and, of course, the fun never ends at 2022 WHMA Annual Conference.

“From keynotes, technical education workshops and roundtable sessions to an exhibition with industry leading suppliers showcasing their cutting-edge products and services and peer-to-peer networking, the annual WHMA wire harness conference offers leaders in the global cable and wire harness industry opportunities to learn, grow, share and connect,” said Rick Bromm, WHMA Board Chair/ALTEX President. “And, after nearly a two-year hiatus, we’re looking forward to connecting with everyone in person!”

For more information on the conference including schedule, exhibition, speaker profiles, sponsorship opportunities, or to register for event, visit https://annualconference.whma.org.

This article can be found in the Nov/Dec Issue of Wire & Cable Technology.