Conference Agenda

Select Your Track:

Filter the conference agenda by selecting the track(s) you are interested in to see only sessions in that track. Below the track buttons, you can also filter by day.

Agenda subject to change. More sessions coming soon.

Monday, January 15, 2024
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Optional Activity Golf Outing

Kick off your networking early in the Florida sunshine at the A3 Golf Scramble! This event sells out every year, so be sure to sign up today to secure your space!

Waldorf Astoria Golf Course, 18 holes
Monday 8:30 AM Tee Off

Fee: $175 (inclusive of taxes and fees)

Club rental: $60 +tax per set
Shoes: $15 per pair (payable directly to the Club House)

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
First-Timers Reception

Step into a world of connections and opportunities at our exclusive First-Timers' Reception, the perfect start to your Forum experience! This reception is designed especially for those attending the conference for the first time. Come, join our vibrant community, and let this reception set the stage for a conference filled with inspiration, growth, and meaningful connections. Your journey starts here!

4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
Tech Sector Updates and Happy Hour

Exciting times are ahead as we gear up to bring you a series of exclusive networking opportunities tailored to your tech sector interests! We understand the power of connecting with like-minded professionals who share your passion and curiosity. Introducing our upcoming Tech Sector Happy Hours, a unique chance for you to delve into discussions, forge connections, and get updates on the latest developments in your sector.

6:00 PM - 6:15 PM
Welcome
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
KEYNOTE: Becoming an Idea Factory

Kyle Scheele, The Patron Saint of Crazy Ideas

If there’s one belief that is holding you back from getting the most out of your team, it’s this one: some people are creative, and some people aren’t.

That belief is based on outdated ideas about what creativity means, where it comes from, and who gets to harness it.

The truth is, creativity is a skill like any other: it can be learned.

In the same way that we teach employees how to track expenses, process invoices, and jiggle the lock just right to get into the supply closet, we can teach them how to be more creative, how to have better ideas, and how to build a culture where innovation is a natural byproduct.

Kyle Scheele

Kyle Scheele

The Patron Saint of Crazy Ideas

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Opening Networking Reception and Dinner

Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection and camaraderie at the Opening Networking Reception and Dinner of our membership conference. Let's spark conversations and build fellowship in a welcoming atmosphere.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024
6:30 AM - 7:15 AM
Optional Activity A3 Wellness Walk/Run

Take a step towards well-being with our invigorating Wellness Walk/Run. Lace up your shoes, breathe in the fresh air, and embrace a healthier you. Start your morning on the right foot with our friendly 5k! We'll meet in the hotel lobby and provide the route.

Fee: Complimentary

7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Welcome and A3 Update
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
KEYNOTE: 2024 Global Economic Outlook

Alan Beaulieu, Principal, ITR Economics

Alan Beaulieu

Alan Beaulieu

Principal
ITR Economics

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
Automating the Future: Exploring Emerging Applications in Robotics and Automation

Chetan Kapoor, Head of Optimization and Automation, Tyson

Gary Chen, Co-Founder, Raise Robotics

Martin Buehler, Global Head, Robotics R&D, Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Sarah Mendelowitz, Manager, MADE Automation and Robotics, New Balance

Chetan Kapoor

Chetan Kapoor

Head of Optimization and Automation
Tyson

Gary Chen

Gary Chen

Co-Founder
Raise Robotics

Martin Buehler

Martin Buehler

Global Head, Robotics R&D
Johnson & Johnson MedTech

Sarah Mendelowitz

Sarah Mendelowitz

Manager, MADE Automation and Robotics
New Balance

12:15 PM - 2:00 PM
Networking Lunch
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Humanoid Robotics: The Convergence of Machine Vision, Motion Control, and AI

Jeff Cardenas, CEO, Apptronik

Jeff Cardenas

Jeff Cardenas

CEO
Apptronik

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Building Your Workforce Pipeline

Katie Surkamer, President, 3P Mechatronics Group

Katie Surkamer

Katie Surkamer

President
3P Mechatronics Group

3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Automate Update
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Networking Break
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
KEYNOTE: Cybercrime, Identity Theft and Scams

Frank Abagnale, Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Expert

Frank Abagnale

Frank Abagnale

Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Expert

5:00 PM - 5:15 PM
Celebrating 50 Years of A3

Join us as we commemorate five decades of growth, innovation, and collective achievements. From humble beginnings to remarkable milestones, our journey to this golden anniversary has been extraordinary. Let's honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision an even brighter future ahead!

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The A3 Sports Night Party and 50-Year Celebration

Get ready to play and party as we mark our 50-Year Celebration with an energetic Sports Night! Join us for an evening of friendly competition, memories, and jubilation. Remember to wear your favorite sports jersey, vintage or current, and let's make history together on this milestone night!

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
7:30 AM - 8:45 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
KEYNOTE: Navigating the AI Landscape

Henrik Christensen, Director, Contextual Robotics Institute, UC San Diego

Henrik Christensen

Henrik Christensen

Director, Contextual Robotics Institute
UC San Diego

9:45 AM - 10:45 AM
KEYNOTE: The Latest Automation Statistics, Trends, and Key Market Drivers

Alex Shikany, Vice President - Membership & Business Intelligence, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Robert McElmurry, Director of Business Intelligence, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Alex Shikany

Alex Shikany

Vice President - Membership & Business Intelligence
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

Robert McElmurry

Robert McElmurry

Director of Business Intelligence
Association for Advancing Automation (A3)

10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Networking Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
The Users Speak: The Next Automation Challenges

Adi Leviatan, President - Abrasive Systems Division, 3M

Gregory Brown, Vice President of Strategy and R&D, UPS

Stephen Fischer, Operations Administrator, Mayo Clinic

Adi Leviatan

Adi Leviatan

President - Abrasive Systems Division
3M

Gregory Brown

Gregory Brown

Vice President of Strategy and R&D
UPS

Stephen Fischer

Stephen Fischer

Operations Administrator
Mayo Clinic

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
Closing Remarks