Women in Electronics Keynote Review: A Life and Career Filled With Humor

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

In an industry that was dominated by male comedians, Jan McInnis quickly learned an important tip to help her succeed in the business: Don’t ask for permission to be yourself.

“Don’t try to be something you’re not,” she said after headlining the Women in Electronics event at APEX EXPO 2026. “They’re paying for you and what you bring to the table, so put your blinders on, and just do your thing.”

These were wise words from the longtime comedienne whose career started in Virginia right after college and has provided steady work for more than 25 years in a tough male-dominated industry. When she broke into the business, very few women were doing comedy. Bookers wouldn’t put two women on a show at the same time or it would look like a “woman’s show.” If she had a bad show, “it was like you were bombing for every woman in the industry, but if I was killing it, they’d think, ‘Oh, women aren’t that bad.’”

McInnis’ jokes often found their way onto Jay Leno’s Tonight Show through a fax system: He would give out his fax number to comedians, and they could fax in a joke. If he liked it, he would use it on the show.

These stories felt familiar to the 100 or so attendees at the Women in Electronics event, who are finding their place in the electronics industry, often as the only woman on their team.

“You do stand out as a woman, so use it to your advantage,” McInnis said. “People will remember you for that.”

She entertained her audience with a style of comedy she calls the “set up and punch,” preferring quick jokes over long storytelling. It suits her personality and she’s used that to her advantage. McInnis has written jokes for television, and now most of her gigs are for corporate events like this one.

“Humor has so many great benefits,” she said. “It can make you more approachable, and opens up lines of communication. Listen to the type of humor that people use, and try to match that.”

Throughout her keynote, McInnis encouraged the audience to find ways to use humor in the workplace or when meeting someone new. Don’t try to be a comedian, but help someone take a breath in new situations.

The methods include: good news/bad news, taking a survey, pulling out the ironies in a situation, asking funny questions and coming up with outrageous answers, practicing your “humor muscle,” and staying present.

“There are so many benefits to using laughter in everyday situations,” McInnis said, “but use common sense. People appreciate it when you’re trying to lighten the situation.

She centered her jokes during the Women in Electronics event on everyday things, like siblings, family road trips, pets, “laughter yoga,” and even her size 12 shoes. She kept the laughs quick and easy.

“The only signage I understood here was the one for the free ice cream social,” she quipped after reading through some of the names of the technical sessions offered at APEX EXPO.

Having a comedian as a guest speaker at the Women in Electronics event is a bit of a departure from previous years, but one that has changed the atmosphere.

"I chose to feature a comedian at the Women in Electronics Reception to create a more relaxed, engaging atmosphere that encourages connection beyond traditional networking," said Alicia Balonek, senior director of trade shows and events for the Global Electronics Association. "Incorporating humor adds a fresh dynamic to the event, making it more memorable, in a way that feels both meaningful and fun."