Brian Beaulieu
CEO and Chief Economist, ITR Economics
Follow on LinkedInBrian Beaulieu has served as CEO and chief economist of ITR Economics™ since 1987, where he researches the use of business cycle analysis and economic forecasting as tools for improving profitability. Brian has shared his highly valued research results via presentations, workshops, and seminars in numerous countries to hundreds of thousands of business owners and executives for the last 38 years.
He is coauthor of Prosperity in the Age of Decline, a powerful look at how to make the most of the US and global trends over the next 20 years, as well as Make Your Move, a practical and insightful guide to increasing profits through inevitable business cycle changes. Brian also coauthored But I Want It!, ITR Economics’ first children’s book.
As a speaker and consultant, Brian has provided valuable and practical advice to companies in need of domestic and global perspectives to increase profits through business cycle trend analysis, forecasting, and effective planning.
Brian serves on the board of directors for the Ariens Company, a leading global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, and on the board for Bellwether Wealth, an investment management and strategic wealth planning firm based in Lincoln, NE.
Brian has shared his expertise through various media outlets, including: USA Today, Knight Ridder, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, The Washington Post, Kudlow and Friends, First on Fox, Canadian television, and numerous other outlets.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: Importance of ITR Economics’ Outlook for 2026 and Early 2027 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 9:15 AM (EST)
Mike Cicco
President and CEO, FANUC America
Follow on LinkedInMike Cicco is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of FANUC America Corporation. As President and CEO, Cicco has responsibility for all the company’s operations in North and South America. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of FANUC CORPORATION (Japan).
Cicco joined FANUC in 1999 and has held a variety of management positions over the years including software/controls manager and district sales manager at the company’s Southern California facility. In 2005, Cicco transferred to FANUC’s headquarters in Rochester Hills, MI to take on the role of national account manager of the company’s Authorized System Integrator sales group. As his career progressed, he was named general manager of several robot division groups including Material Handling Engineering, Authorized System Integrator sales, and Domestic Automotive/Michigan Regional sales. In 2015, Cicco was promoted to vice president of FANUC’s North and South American sales and execution. In April 2016, Cicco was named President and CEO.
Before joining FANUC, Cicco served as lead automation engineer for Northrop Grumman in the Automation and Information Systems group.
Cicco holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA. In addition, he is First Vice Chairman of the Association for Manufacturing Technology (AMT).
Session(s):
Executive Roundtable: Technology, Trends, & What’s Ahead for 2026 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM (EST)
Renelito Delos Santos
Staff Technical Program Manager, Google
Follow on LinkedInRenelito Delos Santos is a Staff Technical Program Manager at Google Research and co-leads research exploring new paradigms for human-computer interaction and accessibility. Previously, Renelito led the Strategy & Operations team within Responsible AI and researched the applications of safety engineering frameworks to build responsible machine learning systems. He has also served as the technical lead overseeing the deployment of networking and machine learning hardware across Google's global data center fleet. Prior to Google, Renelito held leadership positions in the aerospace industry, overseeing the development and launch of communication satellites that provide critical infrastructure across six continents. Renelito holds both a MBA and BS in Electrical Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Session(s):
AI Collaboration & AI Automation | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 2:45 PM (EST)
Brian Heater
Managing Editor, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Brian Heater is A3’s Managing Editor. During his 20+ year career in technology journalism, he has worked as Hardware Editor at TechCrunch, Managing Editor at Tech Times, and Director of Media at Engadget. He is the host of the RiYL podcast and lives in New York’s Hudson Valley with his two rabbits, June and Flash.
Session(s):
The Automated Podcast: Live on Stage with GM’s Director of Robotics | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:15 AM (EST)
Brittany Hodak
Customer Experience Keynote Speaker and Author of Creating Superfans
Follow on LinkedInBrittany Hodak is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and customer experience expert who helps businesses turn customers into superfans. Her SUPER Model™ framework has empowered thousands of organizations’ employees to transform customers’ apathy into advocacy.
When her debut book, Creating Superfans, was released, Forbes declared: “If you have customers, you need this book. Period.” A recognized authority on customer experience, Brittany has authored more than 350 articles for top media outlets, including Success, Adweek, and Inc.
As an entrepreneur, Brittany founded and scaled an entertainment agency to eight figures, collaborating with global icons including KISS, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton. She created 250 unique collectibles, which collectively sold over 10 million copies worldwide and won dozens of awards. Her work even landed her on Shark Tank, where she received four investment offers.
Brittany’s agency clients included Walmart, Disney, Amazon, and Johnson & Johnson, among other Fortune 100 brands. She was the first Chief Experience Officer at Experience.com and previously led marketing initiatives at Sony Music.
Brittany’s high-energy keynotes blend research-backed insights, compelling storytelling, and real-world applications to inspire attendees at every level of an organization to leverage customer experience as their ultimate competitive advantage.
Her deep pre-event customization and interactive delivery ensure that no two keynotes are alike—yet every one is memorable, actionable, and fun. That’s why organizations including American Express, Keller Williams, Mathnasium, PURE Insurance, and PrimeLending have invited her back to speak time and time again.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: From Customers to Superfans: Creating Loyalty Through Standout Experiences | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 3:45 PM (EST)
Dex Hunter-Torricke
Emerging Technologies Expert, Former Communications Executive at Google, SpaceX, & Facebook
Follow on LinkedInIn his daily work, Dex plays a critical role in writing the next chapter on science, tech, the economy, and society across the globe, and spearheads efforts to bring the stories of how the world is being moved forward to light.
Through the last 15 years, Dex has advised global leaders including as head of communications for SpaceX, where he reported to Elon Musk, head of executive communications for Facebook, and Google DeepMind. At Google, he rebooted the company's global AI communications and marketing and led the go-to-market for Gemini, Google's flagship AI system.
Dex was also Google's first executive speechwriter. He began his career as speechwriter and spokesperson for the office of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
A New York Times-bestselling ghostwriter, he is a frequent public speaker on technology's impact on society.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: What Comes Next: Navigating the Kaleidoscopic Futures of AI and Security | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 9:05 AM (EST)
Robert Huschka
Vice President of Education Strategies, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Robert Huschka is the Vice President of Education Strategies at the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), where he leads the development of educational programs and identifies emerging technology trends to integrate into A3's offerings. Before joining A3 in January 2018, Huschka spent 18 years at the Detroit Free Press, including serving as Executive Editor, where he was recognized for his expertise in audience growth, community building, and content strategy. He holds a degree from the University of North Dakota.
Session(s):
Executive Roundtable: Technology, Trends, & What’s Ahead for 2026 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM (EST)
Deb Kling
VP Marketing, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Deb Kling is the Vice President of Marketing for the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) and a key member of the A3 Leadership Team. In this role, Kling leads a dynamic marketing team and advocates for the transformative benefits of automation across all industries. With a strong 1400-member foundation, they are committed to driving awareness and growth in the fields of robotics, vision, motion control and AI. Before joining A3, Deb spent her career in the motion control and robotics sectors with advancing technical and commercial roles at Parker Hannifin and Lenze. She holds an engineering degree from the University of Illinois and an MBA and executive credentials from Northern Illinois, Northwestern, and Harvard Business School.
Session(s):
The Age of Automation: Enabling Industrial Transformation, a More Resilient Future, & a Healthier World | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 2:30 PM (EST)
André Marino
Senior Vice President Industrial Automation North America, Schneider Electric
Follow on LinkedInAndré Marino is Senior Vice President Industrial Automation North America, and a member of the Global Executive Leadership Team at Schneider Electric.
André leads the industrial automation business in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, leveraging his over two decades of industrial technology expertise to drive efficiency and productivity for Schneider Electric customers. His passion is driving industrial resilience and agility while reducing the environmental impact of the sector through digital and automation innovation.
Throughout his career with Schneider Electric, André has held several pivotal roles in software, industrial automation, and energy management. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Digital Buildings, where he led key business transformations and acquisitions, both globally and locally. Prior to that, Andréa was Global Vice President of Industrial Automation. In this role, he spearheaded end user and software go-to-market efforts worldwide. Earlier, André led the Schneider Electric Industrial Automation and Software Hub in Brazil.
Before joining Schneider Electric, André co-founded Lar Plásticos, a market leader in the circular economy in Brazil, where he continues to serve as a board member. His career in IoT (Internet of Things) began with SoftBrasil, and he later co-founded Envisia Gerenciamento de Ativos, an IoT asset management company. André is also a board member of Clockworks Analytics.
André holds a BS in Electronic Engineering, an MBA, and recently completed the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at MIT Sloan School of Management.
His extensive experience and leadership in the field make Andréa a prominent figure and sought after spokesperson in industrial technology.
André resides in Boston, Massachusetts.
Session(s):
Executive Roundtable: Technology, Trends, & What’s Ahead for 2026 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM (EST)
Peter Sheahan
C-Suite Advisor, Author, Speaker, Peter Sheahan, LLC
Follow on LinkedInAfter decades of standing in the fire with leaders of high-performing organizations, Peter Sheahan has come to believe that an organization will only go commercially where its leaders first go personally.
Having grown his own companies by accelerating the growth and transformation for clients that include: Apple, Chick-fil-A, DeBeers, and AT&T — Peter will provoke you to get bigger, by getting better! When leaders are true to their purpose, they gravitate towards doing work that matters and solving higher-order problems. The journey to get there requires that they have the courage to tell themselves the truth, take intelligent risks, and assume ownership for driving the alignment necessary to build an organization which behaves in ways worthy of its leadership position.
In being true to his own ambitions and relentless pursuit of growth, Peter has published seven books, built three global companies, and delivered more than 2,500 presentations in 40+ countries. Today he is focused exclusively on inspiring leaders to do the hard work required to accelerate growth and transformation.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: Turn Challenge into Opportunity & Change into Competitive Advantage | Monday, January 19, 2026 - 5:30 PM (EST)
Alex Shikany
Executive Vice President, Association for Advancing Automation (A3)
Follow on LinkedInAlex Shikany is the Executive Vice President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), the leading trade association for robotics, vision and imaging, motion control, and artificial intelligence. In this role, he oversees A3’s internal operations, serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, and leads strategic initiatives to enhance member value and industry impact. Since joining A3 in 2012, Alex has been instrumental in driving growth, including the rebranding that unified four organizations under the A3 umbrella and expanding membership to over 1,300 companies worldwide. A recognized thought leader and sought-after speaker, Alex is passionate about advancing the global adoption of automation technologies. He holds an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Michigan State University and brings over a decade of experience in market strategy, brand development, and industry leadership to his role.
Session(s):
KEYNOTE: The Latest Automation Statistics, Trends, & Key Market Drivers | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 9:45 AM (EST)
Anoop Sinha
Research Director, Google
Follow on LinkedInAnoop Sinha is a Research Director in Google's Paradigms of Intelligence team, where he leads long-term research into new experiences. His work focuses on developing experiences with beneficial societal impact, particularly in the areas of multimodal agents, accessibility, and society-centered AI. Prior to Google, Anoop was a lead in new experiences research at FAIR (Meta) and founded the Machine Learning team for Siri at Apple. He also co-founded the venture-backed company RMGN (now Korbyt). Anoop holds a PhD in Computer Science with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction from UC Berkeley and a BS from Stanford University.
Session(s):
AI Collaboration & AI Automation | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 2:45 PM (EST)
Paul Stephens
Global Strategy Manager, Ford Motor Company
Paul Stephens is a next-generation manufacturing strategist who is rewriting the playbook for automotive production. As Global Strategy Manager at Ford Motor Company, Paul is building a new business unit that deploys autonomous robotics and AI-driven logistics solutions to streamline operations and achieve breakthrough value for customers.
Previously, Paul authored the Blue Oval City automated-material logistics strategy and spearheaded multiple Industry 4.0 programs that raised efficiency and trimmed over $100 million in lifecycle cost.
Paul brings a fresh approach to a traditional industry, challenging the status quo and driving next-level growth in automation, process strategy, labor relations, investment optimization, and industry partnerships.
Paul’s journey with Ford began in 2015 as a co-op student, prior to coming onboard full-time. Prior to his current assignment, he held positions in Quality, Industrial Engineering, Final Assembly, Vehicle Launch, and Technology Development.
Paul holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University, and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business.
Paul holds multiple US and global patents, and is a frequent speaker at international automotive and manufacturing conferences. Outside his professional schedule, Paul enjoys exploring new cultures through travel, bringing global perspective to his Michigan home.
Session(s):
Beyond the Pilot: Scaling Robotics for Manufacturing Excellence | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 1:30 PM (EST)
Mikell Taylor
Director, Robotics Strategy, General Motors
Follow on LinkedInMikell Taylor has spent two decades making useful robots - from a robotic senior prom date to autonomous underwater vehicles to cutting-edge industrial robotic systems. She currently leads robotics strategy for General Motors’ Autonomous Robotics Center; previously, at Amazon Robotics, she led the team that developed Proteus, Amazon’s first AMR. She is passionate about building robots that are practical, reliable, and good partners for the people that work with and around them. Mikell was named one of the "Women Shaping the Future of Robotics" by the International Federation of Robotics in 2026 and one of the Boston Globe Tech Power Players 50 in 2023. Outside of work she volunteers for various STEM outreach and education initiatives. She holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Olin College, where she was a member of the first class of graduates.
Session(s):
The Automated Podcast: Live on Stage with GM’s Director of Robotics | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 11:15 AM (EST)
Daisy Walsh
Senior Creative Producer, BBC Studios
Follow on LinkedInDaisy Walsh is an experienced international journalist and documentary filmmaker, with two decades of experience at the BBC. With a passion for human led storytelling, she is currently crafting cinematic, authentic documentary style branded content for BBC SotryWorks based in London.
Session(s):
The Age of Automation: Enabling Industrial Transformation, a More Resilient Future, & a Healthier World | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 2:30 PM (EST)
Gabe Zingaretti
Chief Operating Officer, OSARO
Follow on LinkedInGabe Zingaretti is the Chief Operating Officer at OSARO, where he leads operations for one of the most innovative companies in warehouse automation. With a background in the medical device industry and a strong foundation in robotics, AI, and product development, Gabe brings deep operational and commercial expertise to scaling advanced technologies in complex, high-stakes environments.
Throughout his career, Gabe has worked across startups and high-growth companies, building teams, launching products, and driving business development efforts that bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation and real-world application. He successfully completed two M&A and one IPO.
At OSARO, Gabe is helping reshape the future of logistics. OSARO delivers robotic piece-picking and robotic mixed-SKU depalletization systems designed for e-commerce environments where challenges include high SKU variability, complex packaging, and handling fragile items. The company’s AI-powered vision software enables seamless integration with proven automation hardware supporting scalable, goods-to-robot workflows.
Session(s):
Executive Roundtable: Technology, Trends, & What’s Ahead for 2026 | Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - 11:00 AM (EST)
Johannes Zurin
Chief Marketing Officer, Allied Vision
Johannes Zurin has been active in the machine vision and imaging industry since 2014, building a career that combines engineering depth with global strategic leadership. He began at SVS-Vistek and later moved to Allied Vision, where he took on increasingly broad responsibilities across branding, digital marketing, and international go-to-market strategy.
Today, Johannes serves as Chief Marketing Officer at Allied Vision and across the TKH 2D Vision group, where he leads the strategic alignment of six machine vision brands within the TKH ecosystem. His scope covers market intelligence, modern digital marketing, business development, and group-wide strategic transformation. A central focus of his work is integrating multiple organizations into a unified, globally positioned brand architecture while driving measurable commercial growth.
Johannes has led major rebranding initiatives, built global digital marketing frameworks, and helped expand product lines from niche technologies into multi-million-euro businesses. His work across EMEA, the Americas, and APAC gives him a detailed understanding of regional customer needs, ecosystem structures, and innovation cycles throughout the machine vision market.
With an engineering background and executive education, Johannes combines technical insight with a data-driven, market-oriented leadership style. His open, collaborative mindset and strong focus on translating technology into meaningful customer and business value define his contribution to the global machine vision and imaging community.