A3 Business Forum 2024

KEYNOTE: Navigating the AI Landscape

As a renowned expert in robotics, Henrik Christensen will guide you through the current state of AI, its transformative impact on robotics and automation, and the emerging trends shaping its trajectory. Gain a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges within the AI landscape and discover how it is reshaping the way our businesses will operate and innovate.

Henrik Christensen - Professor and Director, Contextual Robotics Institute, UC San Diego

KEYNOTE: The Latest Automation Statistics

A3's Alex Shikany and Robert McElmurry will unveil the most up-to-date insights into the rapidly evolving outlook of automation and the key factors driving this dynamic revolution. This session promises an in-depth exploration of current automation statistics, emerging trends, and the pivotal drivers shaping the market.

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

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

ROUNDTABLE: The Users Speak

Hear from users at 3M, UPS, and Mayo Clinic on the challenges ahead in automation.

Adi Leviatan - President - Abrasive Systems Division, 3M

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

Stephen Fischer - Operations Administrator, Mayo Clinic

KEYNOTE: Cybercrime, Identity Theft and Scams

Frank Abagnale takes you behind the scenes to show you how simple strategies can thwart today’s cyber criminals. With vivid examples, Abagnale reveals how cybercriminals and identity thieves work, why passwords are not keeping you safe, and why safeguarding yourself is particularly important today. Audiences praise his entertaining and informative sessions brimming with practical takeaways for attendees wanting to better protect themselves and their organizations from ever-increasing fraud.

Frank Abagnale - Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention Expert

Building Your Workforce Pipeline

Learn how to identify and nurture emerging talent, bridge the skills gap, and ensure a steady influx of skilled professionals into your organization. With a wealth of experience in mechatronics and workforce dynamics, Katie Surkamer will guide you through the essential steps to future-proof your workforce and position your organization for sustained success.

Katie Surkamer - President, 3P Mechatronics Group

ROUNDTABLE: Automating the Future

These industry leaders will delve into the impact of automation across diverse industries. From optimizing processes in the food industry to redefining manufacturing standards and advancing medical technology, this session will explore how cutting-edge applications are expanding the footprint of automation and shaping the future.

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

KEYNOTE: 2024 Global Economic Outlook

Conflicting trends characterized much of 2023. Some leading indicators were rising; others remained in decline. Interest rates remained perilously high, and people tended to make a certain assumption: “If nothing bad has happened by now…” Join us as we look at the trends for 2024, including a weakening economy, lower inflation, and a shift in consumer spending. We will also take a look at key domestic and global markets. With this presentation, you will have the time to develop tactics and strategies to beat the cycle and prepare for the inevitable business cycle rise ahead. Knowing what to watch for and the probable timing of the reversal to rise will give you confidence as you lay out your plans.

Alan Beaulieu, Principal, ITR Economics