As a part of the International Society of Automation (ISA) community—I see firsthand how our Society needs your help to continue to grow. The innate desire for growth propels us forward as individuals and organizations alike. At ISA, our journey of growth is intertwined with the continued expansion of our membership base: the lifeblood of our organization. The ISA community drives our standards, training and technical knowledge, fueling innovation and progress in the field of automation. As our membership expands, so does our ability to deliver value to our community and the industries we serve.
With broader resources, increased influence in setting automation standards expanded networking opportunities, and diverse perspectives—we can collectively tackle the challenges and opportunities of our ever-evolving landscape. Reflecting on ISA's history, we have experienced fluctuations in membership over the years. While we have seen shared global challenges like the rise of online information accessibility and economic instability, we remain steadfast in our commitment to growth and resilience. We have learned valuable lessons from our past, and now, we are charting a course for a thriving future.
Encouragingly, we have seen steady growth in membership in recent years— even approaching 15,000 members in 2023. This momentum is a testament to the dedication of our professional staff and the unwavering support of our members. When our membership grows, it is a clear sign that what ISA is offering in terms of programs, services and events is resonating with our audience. In other words, we are on the right track and delivering what our community needs most. But our growth journey does not end here—it is a collective effort that requires every member of Team ISA to contribute.
I ask each of you to play a role in promoting ISA within your networks and deepening your engagement in the Society. Here are some ideas for how to demonstrate to your colleagues that ISA is a vibrant and welcoming community:
- Follow ISA on LinkedIn and other social media platforms, and like, comment, and share our posts
- Attend an ISA event—we will be in London for the OT Cybersecurity Summit on 18-19
- Contribute to a technical conversation on ISA Connect
- Check out ISA training offerings—including our popular cybersecurity training based on ISA/IEC 62443—and consider the ISA Business Academy to learn the fundamentals of people management and business finance (the next cohort begins on 28
- Recruit a colleague from your organization—imagine the impact if each ISA member brought a friend along
June and in Charleston, SC, for the Automation Summit & Expo on 30 September–3 October
March)
With concerted efforts, we could achieve significant growth and further solidify our position as leaders in automation standards and practices. Together, let us make it a priority to foster growth, diversity, and opportunity within our community. By expanding our membership and nurturing an environment for personal and professional development, we are not just building a stronger ISA—we're shaping a better world through automation. This piece originally appeared on ISA Interchange.
