Your Insider Guide to the 2025 A3 Business Forum: Agenda Highlights & Must-Attend Events

See what’s in store for you at this year’s A3 Business Forum, from inspiring keynotes and economic forecasting to lively networking opportunities and beyond.

Kick off the new year in the most productive way by attending the A3 Business Forum in Orlando, Florida from January 20–22. Join over 700 of the automation industry’s top executives for three days of unparalleled networking and expert insights shaping the future of the industry. 

Exceptional Networking Opportunities at Every Turn

Open to all employees of the 1,300+ Association for Advancing Automation (A3) member companies, the Forum offers unmatched networking with top industry leaders in the robotics, vision & imaging, motion control & motors, and industrial artificial intelligence communities. While there, you can forge meaningful connections with future customers, suppliers, and partners in a friendly and engaging environment.

“The A3 Business Forum is THE networking event of the year for automation professionals,” says Juan Luis Aparicio, founder and CEO of Reshape Automation. “No other event comes close to chances to meet and network with this amount of high caliber leaders in the automation industry. Mix of highly inspirational and data-rich presentations with lots of networking opportunities. I believe this event is a key reason why the automation community is so alive in this country.” 

Alex Shikany, A3 vice president of membership and market intelligence, shares more on why the A3 Business Forum is one of the most special events each year. 

 

 

 

 

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With opportunities to gather and socialize built into each day’s agenda, there are a few fun standouts that will be sure to make your time in Orlando memorable.

Tee Off at the A3 Golf Scramble

Take full advantage of this beautiful setting by heading outdoors on day one for a round of 18 holes at the Waldorf Astoria Golf Club, hailed as one of Golf Magazine’s "Top Courses You Can Play." This event sells out every year, so secure your spot today! 

Rise and Shine for the A3 Wellness Walk/Run

Unwind and Enjoy at the A3 Sports Night Networking Party

And now for everyone’s favorite event — Sports Night! Come decked out in your team gear (think sports jerseys, hats, or t-shirts) and settle in for a lively night of games and good times with your colleagues and new connections on Tuesday. Enjoy some friendly competition at corn hole, hit the pool table, or simply mix and mingle amongst automation’s finest. 

Inspiring Keynotes and Expert Analysis on the Agenda

Beyond networking, the A3 Business Forum delivers key information and industry analysis to set your business up for a successful year ahead. Each day includes keynote addresses and general sessions to inspire and inform. Here are some of the highlights, and stay tuned for more session announcements leading up to the event.

Chasing Space: An Astronaut's Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances

To start the Forum, we’ll hear from Leland Melvin, engineer, educator, author, former NASA astronaut, and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on mission STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station.

Leland will share his personal journey from the gridiron to the stars, and examines the intersecting roles of community, perseverance, and grace that align to create opportunities for success.

2025 Global Economic Update

The much-anticipated “Global Economic Update” from Alan Beaulieu is a can’t-miss session each year at the A3 Business Forum. With a reputation as an accurate, straightforward economist, Alan has been delivering award-winning workshops and economic analysis seminars in countries across the world to thousands of business owners and executives for the last 30 years.

In Tuesday’s keynote address, Alan will reveal the leading indicators affecting the economy while sharing his perspective on how to capitalize on the current market. 

The Global Business Climate: Navigating What You Can’t Control

Geoff Colvin, Fortune senior editor at large, will continue the economic conversation later in the day. Geoff will show the interconnectedness of the economic, regulatory, and geopolitical risks and how winning businesses are strategizing for a new environment. Geoff is analytical and will focus on regions and industries most important for automation. He'll also describe actionable takeaways you can put to work immediately.

Stay Tuned for More Session Announcements

Dean of Engineering at Ohio State University, Ayanna Howard, will also deliver a keynote. Dr. Howard is an innovator, entrepreneur, leader, and international expert in robotics and AI. She is also the author of the best-selling audiobook, “Sex, Race, and Robots: How to be Human in the Age of AI.” 

Don’t miss Alex Shikany’s presentation on “The Latest Automation Statistics, Trends & Key Market Drivers.” He’ll discuss the different technologies and share market outlooks so that your business can anticipate how the year will unfold.

Plus, there’s so much more! Check out the full agenda lineup here. 

Register Now

Register now before prices go up on November 20, 2024. Have a colleague who wants to join, too? Additional registrants can sign up for a discounted price! Looking forward to seeing everyone in sunny Orlando, Florida at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek from January 20–22.