Automation Business Forum

Details on A3's upcoming gathering in Orlando

Alongside of EA's January Robotics and Automation issue, readers can consider augmenting their knowledge of those industries with attending an upcoming forum, either online or in person. The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) announced the A3 Business Forum 2026, one of the automation industry's premier annual networking events for professionals in robotics, vision & imaging, motion control & motors, and artificial intelligence (AI). The forum will take place from January 19-21, 2026, at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida. Register for the event here.

Bringing together over 700 global automation leaders, the A3 Business Forum "offers unparalleled opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and business development," per the association. Attendees will engage with top industry executives, gain practical insights into automation applications, and explore emerging opportunities shaping the future of automation.

“In today’s uncertain business climate, staying informed on key market issues is crucial. There is no better place to gain that insight than the A3 Business Forum,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “We’ve gathered the leading experts in automation, economics and business to guide us through the challenges, show us the path to success and encourage meaningful discussions amongst our participants.”

It also involves some fun events. After the 18-hole Golf Scramble and Women’s Empower Hour on January 19, the event officially launches with a keynote by c-suite advisor, author and speaker, Peter Sheahan, “Turn Challenge Into Opportunity and Change Into Competitive Advantage.” Other keynotes, sessions, and panels include:

• “Importance of ITR Economics’ Outlook for 2026 and Early 2027” from ITR Economics CEO and chief economist, Brian Beaulieu

• “From Customers to Superfans: Creating Loyalty Through Standout Experiences” from customer experience keynote speaker and author of Creating Superfans, Brittany Hodak

• “AI Collaboration & AI Automation,” with Renelito Delos Santos, staff technical program manager, Google and Anoop Sinha, research director, Google

• “Technology, Trends, & What’s Ahead for 2026,” an executive roundtable with Mike Cicco, president and CEO, Hany Fouda, SVP process automation, Schneider Electric, FANUC America, Rashmi Misra, A3 tech strategy board chair, Johannes Zurin, chief marketing officer (CMO), Allied Vision / TKH 2D Vision, and Robert Huschka, vice president of education strategies, Association of Advancing Automation (A3)

A3 will also share its latest data on automation statistics, trends and key market drivers, and preview its new film series, “The Age of Automation: Enabling Industrial Transformation, a More Resilient Future, & a Healthier World,” produced by BBC StoryWorks. The Forum will conclude with a live recording of Automated, A3’s newly launched podcast spotlighting the people shaping the future of automation, as A3’s Brian Heater sits down for an in-depth conversation with Mikell Taylor, director, robotics strategy, General Motors.

The full agenda for the A3 Business Forum can be found here.

NOTE: All attendees should bring their favorite sports jersey for the A3 Sports Night Networking Party on January 20.