October 7, 2008 - More than 10,000 manufacturers, business partners and analysts are expected to meet in Nashville, Tenn. during the week of Nov. 17 for the 17th annual Automation Fair event hosted by Rockwell Automation. The educational event will offer workshops, technical sessions, industry forums, hands-on labs and exhibits that provide attendees with opportunities to learn about the latest trends, issues and solutions for manufacturers worldwide.
“The Automation Fair event provides ways for our customers, integrators, OEMs and other decision makers to improve time to market, profitability, optimize assets and plant-wide performance, and reduce manufacturing risk,” said Keith Nosbusch, Rockwell Automation chairman and CEO. “It brings together the largest collection of advanced automation solutions with the industry’s most valuable continuing education forum, all in one location.”
As market pressures continue to drive companies to improve productivity, innovation, globalization and sustainability, the Automation Fair event offers a wide range of solutions. Specialists will explore how manufacturing convergence – the merging of separate automation disciplines and systems across the enterprise – can help improve business performance. Manufacturers also will discuss how sustainable production makes their operations cleaner, safer and more energy efficient. Attendees will learn about a wide range of solutions for these and other challenges through a variety of activities.
The Automation Fair exhibit is a free event that will be held on Nov. 19 and 20, and will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about the latest developments in advanced automation products, engineering services, and integrated control and information architecture. Over 100 exhibitors will showcase their newest automation solutions, including Encompass Partner companies, OEMs, systems integrators and partners such as Cisco, Dassault Systèmes and Endress+Hauser.
Executives from Rockwell Automation and Cisco will give a manufacturing convergence keynote address to customers on Nov. 19. Rockwell Automation executives will highlight how the integration of automation disciplines and systems is driving a new era for manufacturing and production, and helping drive higher levels of business performance, as well as discuss the company’s vision for manufacturing convergence. In addition, a Cisco senior executive will speak about the company’s “Manufacturing Vision,” enabled by Unified Communications.
At industry forums throughout the event, attendees will hear firsthand from specialists who will discuss relevant business opportunities and best-suited automation solutions for the machine builder, automotive, oil and gas, consumer packaged goods, pulp and paper, tire and rubber, water wastewater, and mining, aggregates and cement sectors.
On Nov. 17 and 18, user group events – including the Process Solutions Users Group, the Vibration Users Group and the Safety Automation Forum – will facilitate peer discussions and provide an environment where manufacturers can exchange ideas, learn best practices and seek solutions to the most important issues affecting their businesses.
Industry executives, analysts and the media also will have the opportunity to attend Manufacturing Perspectives, a full-day forum, held on Nov. 18. Attendees will hear presentations and panel discussions from industry specialists, including Keith Nosbusch, chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation; Dr. Sam Pitroda, chair of India’s National Knowledge Commission, and business leaders from Cisco, Microsoft, General Mills, Coca-Cola and The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) among others.
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. The company brings together leading global brands in industrial automation that include Allen-Bradley controls and services, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
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