Top 5 Reasons To Attend Automation Fair 2022

drivers thrive at van meter

Automation Fair is the biggest event of the year in the automation industry, and this year, it is coming to the Midwest in Chicago. This should be enough to get you excited to attend, but if you need more convincing, here are the top five reasons to attend Automation Fair from previous attendees.

#1. EXPLORE WHAT IS NEW IN AUTOMATION

Automation Fair is a great place to see the latest innovations in automation technology – all under one roof. This includes new Rockwell Automation products and products from Rockwell partners. When Steven Eckels, automation engineer at Independent Can Company, first attended Automation Fair, he quickly realized that attending Automation Fair unlocked a great deal of potential. “Our company has standardized on Rockwell Automation based controls, so the ability to see the latest from the Encompass Partners is essential to optimizing control and machine designs,” he said. Now, he has his sights set on continuing to improve his operations. “I am looking forward to Automation Fair 2022 to continue the trend that started with the first one—learning about new products that help optimize our designs for economy, rapid deployment, future growth, ease of use for operations and sustainability,” said Eckels.

steven eckels - independent can company

“Our company has standardized on Rockwell Automation based controls so the ability to see the latest from the Encompass Partners is essential to optimizing control and machine designs.”

– Steven Eckels
Automation Engineer, Independent Can Company

#2. LEARN NEW SKILLS

Seeing how new products can improve your operations is important, but you can also improve your own skills. Jamie Leonard, now a technical specialist at Van Meter, used to attend Automation Fair as a customer and always looked forward to the hands-on labs. “The last Automation Fair that I attended afforded me the opportunity to learn about some new software applications that we could utilize in a test booth,” he said. “I was able to talk to the product manager and members of the development team to determine the validity of our project.”

Jason Tentis, project manager at Egan Company, also uses Automation Fair as an opportunity to keep himself sharp. “The hands-on labs are always a great way to keep yourself up to speed by picking up a new skill,” he said.

#3. ACCESS AUTOMATION EXPERTS

Do you have an issue you cannot seem to find a solution for? Attending Automation Fair grants you access to the brightest minds in the business. Mark Kraft, director of client success at ESCO Automation, has found answers to several problems at past Automation Fairs. “It seems like we always have an application that extends beyond the realm of technical support or the normal sales channel,” he said. “It is nice to have actual product development people to talk to on the show floor. We can often quickly get to the nitty-gritty on a particular subject matter.” Leonard agreed, saying, “It gives you access to the people behind the products."

jamie leonard - van meter

“It is nice to have actual product development people to talk to on the show floor. We can often quickly get to the nitty-gritty on a particular subject matter.”

– Jamie Leonard
Technical Specialist, Van Meter

#4. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

While you are building your skills, you can also build relationships and network with other attendees. Some of those relationships just might help you down the road. Michael DeBoer, director of automation at Interstates, has seen the value in building his network. “Automation Fair has given me opportunities to meet different people in the industry and build relationships I can use when delivering projects for our customers—from product engineers, peers in the industry and distributors,” he said. DeBoer said he is looking forward to working with partners, like Van Meter, to come up with new solutions to help his customers be successful. His advice to new attendees is to go “for the training and opportunity to see what’s new, but also connect with people in the industry. It’s a great networking opportunity.”

#5. HAVE FUN!

Automation Fair is a great opportunity to learn and grow, but it is also an opportunity to get out of your normal routine, explore and have fun. Kraft acknowledged the value he gets from attending Automation Fair. “In today’s automation space, there is no single event that has a greater cross-section of peers and clients than Automation Fair,” he said. “It gives me and our teams a venue to research products, see new technology and network.” But he also said he is looking forward to having a good time. “Anyone in the automation community can benefit from a visit to Automation Fair. It is always a fun time. I look forward to it every year!”

mark kraft - esco automation

“In today's automation space, there is no single event that has a greater cross-section of peers and clients than Automation Fair.”

– Mark Kraft
Director of Client Success, ESCO Automation

If you are planning to attend Automation Fair, make sure you register to stay with Van Meter before October 1 for the best rates. We have five different packages with hotel accommodations and travel to and from the event while in Chicago. We cannot wait to see you there!