Rockwell Automation has opened its annual event, Automation Fair, in Boston with members of its global PartnerNetwork, bringing together more than 10,000 participants from around the world to access the latest innovations, expertise and strategies
Automation Fair, held this year at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6-9 November, offers an immersive experience showcasing Rockwell’s expertise and best-in-class solutions powering resilience, agility and sustainability. For the first time ever, Rockwell is combining Automation Fair, its flagship event, with the best of Rockwell’s popular ROKLive Americas, PowerPlex, and Process Solutions User Group events.
Robin Saitz, chief marketing officer, Rockwell Automation, said, “We’ve reimagined this year’s event to be even bigger, better, and more valuable for attendees. This includes more of everything – more keynotes, tours, networking opportunities, and much more learning. I’m looking forward to bringing our customers, partners, distributors, and Rockwell employees together from all over the world to experience this year’s event.”
The event schedule features three inspirational keynotes focused on innovations in industrial technology, the future of manufacturing, and inspiring resiliency and sustainability. Keynote speakers include Blake Moret, chairman & CEO, Rockwell Automation; Cyril Perducat, chief technology officer, Rockwell Automation; Tessa Myers, senior vice president Intelligent Devices, Rockwell Automation; Judson Althoff, chief commercial officer, Microsoft; Dean Kamen, founder, DEKA Research & Development Corporation; Nick Thompson, CEO, The Atlantic, Anousheh Ansari, CEO, XPRIZE Foundation; and Ali Bessette, manufacturing engineer and FIRST Robotics Competition Alum.
More than 325 sessions are being delivered by experts from Rockwell, its partners, and its customers to help attendees move their manufacturing journey forward. With learning opportunities at discovery theatres, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing sessions, and panel discussions, attendees can tailor their experience with guided tracks by industry, role, and interest area.
For the first time ever, the show floor has expanded to a 500,000 sq ft interactive expo featuring more than 120 booths, virtual production lines, and guided expo tours. Attendees will access the hottest innovations and the latest approaches to optimise production, empower workers, build resiliency, drive sustainability, and achieve digital transformation.
New half-day summits bring together like-minded individuals to problem solve, build community, and share successes. There are four summits for attendees to choose from: Process Solutions User Group (PSUG) Summit, Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Net Zero Now Summit, Plex Customer Summit, and OEM Leader to Leader Summit. All summits offer exclusive access to keynote speakers and subject matter experts, roundtable collaboration, and topical breakouts.
The programme also offers offsite tour experiences, allowing attendees to witness cutting-edge technology showcasing Rockwell and partner solutions in real-world applications; and advanced training sessions with new three-hour labs.
Speaking exclusively to the media at a press briefing, Moret said, “This is an expanded format over four days, first and foremost for training. There are so many sessions for our customers and potential customers to learn more about how to get their projects done with technologies they may not be aware of. Customers in specific industries have the opportunity learn about how the technology and expertise can help their specific problems. This is about a best-in-class ecosystem.
