I first attended Rockwell Automation’s answer to the old trade shows in the control and automation market, Automation Fair, in 1997. I’ve hit almost every one since. They’ve expanded from a trade show just for them and their partners (no competitors to divert attention like the old IPC and ISA shows) to becoming more like the process automation and IT companies who have classes and sessions.
It was always interesting to see old acquaintances and see what was new. Although most people I knew are gone (all big companies churn people regularly), the experience of taking the train in to Chicago to visit McCormick Place and see what’s the latest.
Rockwell Automation announced registration is now open for Automation Fair 2025, returning to McCormick Place in Chicago from November 17-20. More than 10,000 professionals from across the world will come together for four immersive days packed with insight, innovation and hands-on discovery.
This global event sets the stage for what’s next in industrial operations. It’s where groundbreaking technologies make their debut, where never-before-seen innovations are unveiled and where fresh thinking emerges – sometimes even before they’re on the roadmap. Major product reveals and meaningful connections all come together to drive real breakthroughs.
Hosted in collaboration with Rockwell Automation’s PartnerNetwork, the event offers attendees direct access to real-world solutions and the specialists driving digital transformation across industries. Every moment is engineered to inspire progress and fuel momentum.
A brief look at all that’s happening this year:
Step onto the expo floor and explore more than 140 exhibits featuring live demos and working applications. Take a guided tour and catch a session at the Discovery Theater. Hear big ideas and fresh perspectives in the half-day summits built around today’s most relevant topics. Attend the daily keynotes to hear what’s next from leaders shaping the future of industrial operations.
Choose from more than 275 educational sessions and gain insights from over 400 industry specialists. Go deeper with 450+ hours of advanced training, designed to sharpen technical skills and unlock new capabilities.
Step inside cutting-edge facilities during eight exclusive off-site tours spanning industries from life sciences, food and beverage and advanced manufacturing. The lineup also includes a visit to an academic institute focused on preparing the next generation of industrial talent. These behind-the-scenes experiences offer a rare look at how leading operations are pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks across the industrial landscape.
