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About this event
ISA Automation Summit & Expo (ASE)
The ISA Automation Summit & Expo is ISA’s flagship gathering focused on how automation is reshaping operations across modern industries. Held at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA, the event runs from 27–29 September 2026.
ASE brings automation leaders, technology teams, security professionals, and industry builders together under the umbrella theme “Automation Reimagined.” The program is structured to support both high-level learning and hands-on engagement, combining conference sessions with an expo, workshops, and additional networking and feature programming.
Event format and on-site programming
- Conference experience: ASE highlights learning across multiple tracks—covering cybersecurity for automated environments, digital transformation topics, and career skills for building and leading high-performing teams in automation.
- Expo component: The expo runs alongside the conference activities and provides an additional layer of engagement where attendees can connect with companies delivering technologies, services, and solutions aligned to automation and industrial modernization.
- Workshops and private programming: Workshops and private meetings are scheduled around the core event dates, enabling deeper engagement formats beyond standard sessions.
- Featured program elements: The event includes special programming such as an Honors & Awards Gala and the Student Simulation Showdown, adding broader community participation to the technical agenda.
Core themes and conference tracks
ASE’s conference tracks are designed to address real operational priorities for automation organizations today. The event’s conference track framework focuses on:
- Cybersecurity: Topics include supply chain security, ransomware protection, and safeguarding the safety and integrity of automated systems.
- Digital Transformation: Content centers on generative AI, smart manufacturing, cloud technology, and digital twins.
- Career Skills: Sessions focus on career transitions, mentorship, networking, leadership development, and trends affecting teams working across automation initiatives.
Who the event is built for
ASE is positioned as a diverse automation-focused event, welcoming leaders and practitioners who shape, secure, modernize, and scale automation programs. The track selection reflects the reality that automation decision-making often spans both technology and operating models—requiring security readiness, transformation capability, and talent development.
Recent event scale (reference data)
ASE 2025 included 630 attendees, 65 exhibitors, and 67 speakers. This indicates an event with meaningful exhibitor participation and a sizable audience for education, networking, and solution discovery.
Additional highlights
- Keynote programming: The event features keynotes including a NASA perspective and a cybersecurity-focused viewpoint, reinforcing ASE’s blend of technology innovation and security awareness.
- Track-driven agenda navigation: Lanyards, ribbons, and stickers are color-coded to help attendees route through the conference, expo, and private activities.
Overall, ISA Automation Summit & Expo is designed for teams seeking practical, cross-functional insight into automation modernization—connecting cybersecurity, digital transformation, and workforce development in one focused destination event.
Data sheet
ISA Automation Summit & Expo – Event Attendee & Buyer Profile Analysis
Event Date: 27–29 September 2026
Location: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Lake Buena Vista / Orlando metro area, Florida, United States
Event Status: Upcoming
Research Date: 1 July 2026
Event Overview
| Event Name | ISA Automation Summit & Expo |
| Event Date | 27–29 September 2026 |
| Event Status | Upcoming |
| Venue | Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin |
| City | Lake Buena Vista / Orlando metro area |
| State / Region | Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Organizer | International Society of Automation (ISA) |
| Official Event Website | ase.isa.org |
| Event Type | Conference + Expo + Workshops + Training |
| Primary Category | Industrial Engineering |
| Secondary Applicable Categories | IT & Technology; Security & Defense; Science & Research |
| Audience Reach | National, with meaningful international relevance for automation, control systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation stakeholders |
| Estimated Attendance / Expected Footfall | Attendance figure not publicly confirmed by the organizer. |
| Attendance Data Reliability | Medium. Official site confirms 2025 attendance and exhibitor/speaker counts, but current-year attendance has not been publicly confirmed. |
| Main Purpose of Event | To connect automation professionals, technology suppliers, and industry leaders around automation strategy, cyber resilience, digital transformation, training, and equipment/software solutions. |
About the Event
ISA Automation Summit & Expo is the flagship annual meeting for automation, control systems, digital transformation, and industrial cybersecurity stakeholders. The 2026 edition is scheduled for 27–29 September 2026 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in the Lake Buena Vista / Orlando area, bringing together practitioners, technology vendors, and solution buyers across industrial and infrastructure sectors.
The event matters because it sits at the intersection of plant operations, engineering, OT/IT convergence, cybersecurity, and workforce development. It is especially relevant for organizations evaluating automation modernization, securing operational technology environments, adopting AI-enabled manufacturing tools, and sourcing control, instrumentation, software, and integration services. The expo and conference format supports B2B lead generation, partner development, procurement conversations, and technical education.
1. Who Attends: Buyers / Attendees
| Buyer / Attendee Segment | Typical Organizations | Buying Role or Influence | Relevance to Exhibitors / Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial automation / controls leaders | Manufacturers, processors, utilities, integrators | Define automation roadmaps, approve equipment and software standards | Core target for control systems, sensors, software, and integration services |
| OT / ICS cybersecurity teams | Industrial enterprises, critical infrastructure operators | Assess cyber risk, architecture, and incident response needs | Strong fit for cybersecurity, monitoring, segmentation, and resilience vendors |
| Procurement and sourcing teams | Large industrials, utilities, EPCs, OEMs | Vendor selection, commercial terms, RFQs, supplier qualification | Important for lead capture on hardware, software, services, and systems contracts |
| Operations and plant management | Manufacturing, process industries, utilities | Budget holders and operational decision-makers | Interested in uptime, productivity, maintenance, and reliability improvements |
| Engineering and project teams | System integrators, plant engineering groups, EPC firms | Specify technical solutions and implementation requirements | Valuable for technical selling, demos, and solution qualification |
| Technology leaders | Industrial enterprises, platform providers, integrators | Influence cloud, data, digital twin, analytics, and architecture choices | Best for software, data, AI, and connectivity suppliers |
| Training, HR, and workforce development | Industrial organizations, associations, education partners | Build talent pipelines and reskilling programs | Relevant for training, certification, and professional development providers |
| Association leaders and consultants | Industry associations, advisory firms, analysts | Influence market education, partnerships, and thought leadership | Useful for sponsorship, alliances, and content-driven outreach |
2. Event Location and Attendee Geographic Origin
| Geographic Area | Likely Attendee Origin | Buyer Concentration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Host city / venue area | Lake Buena Vista, Orlando metro, Central Florida | Medium | Convenient for Florida-based manufacturers, utilities, and system integrators |
| Florida and Southeast U.S. | Regional industrial buyers, EPC firms, utilities, food & beverage plants | High | Strong regional corridor for manufacturing, logistics, water, energy, and process industries |
| Nearby business hubs | Atlanta, Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami, Charlotte, Houston, Dallas | High | Hub-to-hub travel supports strong attendance from decision-makers and channel partners |
| National U.S. reach | Industrial operators, OEMs, integrators, and technology suppliers nationwide | Very High | ISA is a national professional association with broad industry coverage |
| International reach | Automation and cybersecurity professionals from Canada, Latin America, Europe, and APAC | Medium | Likely strongest where ISA chapters, partners, and global suppliers have active relationships |
3. Audience Reach
| Reach Level | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| National | Primary classification | The event is anchored in the U.S. industrial automation market and attracts buyers, practitioners, and suppliers from across the country. |
| Global | Secondary reach | Automation, OT cybersecurity, and digital transformation are globally relevant topics, and the event can attract international suppliers and technical professionals. |
4. Sample Buyer Companies and Websites
| Buyer Company / Organization | Buyer Type | Why It Is Relevant | Website | Best Job Titles to Target | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schneider Electric | Industrial technology / automation buyer | Large automation and OT/IT ecosystem participant; strong fit for software, hardware, and services buying conversations | schneider-electric.com | VP Procurement, Product Manager, Partner Manager, Engineering Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Rockwell Automation | Automation OEM / solutions buyer | Highly aligned with control systems, industrial software, and connected operations | rockwellautomation.com | Director of Procurement, Technical Director, Channel Manager, Program Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Emerson | Process automation buyer | Relevant for instrumentation, analytics, OT security, and digital twin solutions | emerson.com | Strategic Sourcing Manager, OT Security Lead, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Honeywell | Industrial automation / control buyer | Potential buyer and partner for industrial control, cybersecurity, and digital transformation solutions | honeywell.com | Procurement Manager, Security Architect, Product Leader, Engineering Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Siemens | Industrial technology buyer | Key automation ecosystem company with interest in industrial software and OT security | siemens.com | Category Manager, Business Development Director, Solutions Architect | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| ABB | Automation / electrification buyer | Relevant for control systems, robotics, and industrial electrification decision-makers | abb.com | Procurement Lead, Automation Manager, Operations Director | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Beckhoff Automation | Controls and automation buyer | Strong fit for industrial PC, motion control, and machine automation audiences | beckhoff.com | Technical Director, Channel Manager, Product Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Yokogawa | Process automation buyer | Relevant to instrumentation, control, and industrial cybersecurity solutions | yokogawa.com | Business Development Director, Procurement Manager, Systems Engineer | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| BASF | Industrial end user / buyer | Global process manufacturer likely to value OT security, automation modernization, and reliability improvements | basf.com | Director of Procurement, Plant Manager, OT Security Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Cargill | Food / process industry buyer | Automation, safety, and supply chain resilience are highly relevant in food production environments | cargill.com | Operations Director, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Plant Engineering Lead | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| Duke Energy | Utility / infrastructure buyer | Utilities are strong buyers for control systems, cyber resilience, and industrial networking | duke-energy.com | CIO, OT Security Lead, Procurement Director, Operations Manager | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
| ExxonMobil | Energy / process buyer | Large-scale automation and cybersecurity investment environment | exxonmobil.com | Operations Director, Category Manager, Automation Architect | Strong Market Fit, Attendance Not Confirmed |
5. Job Profiles, Industries and Event Type
| Priority | Job Title / Function | Department | Seniority Level | Why This Role Matters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chief Procurement Officer | Procurement | C-Level | Sets vendor strategy and approves major automation and cybersecurity buys |
| 2 | Director of Procurement | Procurement | Director | Owns sourcing for automation hardware, software, and services |
| 3 | Strategic Sourcing Manager | Supply Chain / Procurement | Manager | Evaluates suppliers and manages RFQ/RFP processes |
| 4 | Operations Director | Operations | Director | Influences plant productivity, uptime, and modernization priorities |
| 5 | OT Security Manager / ICS Security Lead | Cybersecurity / Engineering | Manager / Senior Manager | Directly responsible for securing industrial systems and network architecture |
| 6 | Plant Manager | Operations | Manager / Director | Decision-maker for factory upgrades, reliability, and automation investments |
| 7 | Automation Manager | Engineering / Manufacturing | Manager | Hands-on owner for control systems, instrumentation, and OT integration |
| 8 | CIO / IT Director | IT | C-Level / Director | Relevant for OT/IT convergence, cloud, data, and integration strategy |
| 9 | Category Manager | Procurement | Manager | Owns supplier categories tied to systems, software, and support services |
| 10 | Business Development Director / Partnerships Director | Commercial / Strategy | Director | Important for sponsors, channel partners, and alliance-building |
| Priority | Apollo Industry | Why It Fits the Event | Best Buyer Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial Automation | Core alignment with controls, instrumentation, and plant modernization | Automation hardware/software, integration, services |
| 2 | Information Technology & Services | OT/IT convergence and digital transformation demand IT stakeholders | Cloud, data, integration, platforms |
| 3 | Computer Software | Event content includes AI, digital twins, analytics, and software-defined operations | Industrial software, MES, SCADA, CMMS, analytics |
| 4 | Computer & Network Security | Cybersecurity is a featured track and a major concern for OT buyers | OT security, monitoring, segmentation, response |
| 5 | Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing | Strong overlap with sensors, PLCs, drives, and industrial components | Components, equipment, and OEM supply |
| 6 | Machinery | Machine builders and equipment providers are natural attendees/exhibitors | Machine automation, controls, motion |
| 7 | Mechanical or Industrial Engineering | Engineering teams influence system design, integration, and plant upgrades | Engineering services, design, integration |
| 8 | Utilities | Utilities use automation and OT security at scale | Grid automation, reliability, cyber resilience |
| 9 | Food & Beverages | Process automation, packaging, and traceability are key topics | Food plant automation, quality, safety |
| 10 | Oil & Energy | High-value automation, cybersecurity, and reliability needs | Asset reliability, OT security, process optimization |
| 11 | Logistics & Supply Chain | Supply chain security and automation resilience are conference themes | Warehouse automation, visibility, resilience |
6. Estimated Attendance
| Metric | Figure | Status | Source / Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total footfall | Not publicly confirmed | Confirmed unavailable | Organizer website does not publish 2026 attendance | Use lead-capture assumptions based on prior-year scale |
| Historical attendance | 630 attendees (2025) | Confirmed historical | Official event homepage | Useful benchmark for prospecting and staffing assumptions |
| Exhibitor count | 65 exhibitors (2025) | Confirmed historical | Official event homepage | No current-year exhibitor count publicly confirmed in provided source text |
| Speaker count | 67 speakers (2025) | Confirmed historical | Official event homepage | Supports content-heavy audience and knowledge-sharing format |
| Buyer count | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | No official buyer list provided | Can be inferred only at segment level, not company level |
| Sponsor count | Not publicly confirmed | Unavailable | No sponsor count in provided source text | Use sponsor prospecting from official sponsor/exhibit pages if needed |
7. Key Focus Areas and Buyer Engagement
| Focus Area | Typical Buyer Need | Buyer Engagement Opportunity | Relevant Supplier Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automation modernization | Replace legacy systems, improve uptime, standardize platforms | Plant assessments, demos, migration roadmaps | PLCs, SCADA, MES, integration services |
| OT cybersecurity | Protect industrial networks and control environments | Risk briefings, architecture reviews, compliance sessions | Monitoring, segmentation, endpoint security |
| Digital transformation | Adopt cloud, analytics, digital twins, and data platforms | Use-case workshops and executive conversations | Industrial software, analytics, cloud connectors |
| Smart manufacturing / AI | Increase productivity and predictive decision-making | AI-enabled workflow demos and ROI discussions | AI analytics, predictive maintenance, digital twins |
| Supply chain security | Reduce operational disruptions and vendor risk | Supplier-risk assessments and resilience messaging | Security consulting, asset visibility, continuity tools |
| Career skills / workforce development | Upskill teams and attract automation talent | Training packages, certification, mentoring | Professional training, certification, coaching |
Lead Quality Assessment
| Factor | Assessment | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer relevance | Very High | Core audience includes automation, OT security, operations, procurement, and engineering decision-makers. |
| Decision-maker availability | High | Conference/expo/training format attracts directors, managers, and technical leaders. |
| Data collection potential | High | Strong for attendee list building, sponsor targeting, and account-based outreach. |
| Apollo targeting potential | Very High | Clear industry, function, seniority, and keyword filters exist for the event’s audience. |
| Geographic targeting potential | High | Useful for U.S.-wide targeting plus Florida/Southeast regional campaigns. |
| Best outreach approach | Consultative / technical | Lead with uptime, security, ROI, modernization, and workforce outcomes. |
| Overall lead quality | High | Strong event for industrial and technology B2B prospecting. |
| Best use case | Attendee list sales, exhibitor targeting, account-based marketing, sponsorship prospecting | Highly suitable for solution providers selling into industrial automation ecosystems. |
| Limitations / risks | No current-year exhibitor or attendee list in provided source text | Prospecting should distinguish confirmed participants from likely-fit accounts. |
Apollo.io Targeting Recommendation
| Filter Type | Recommended Filters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo industries | Industrial Automation; Computer Software; Information Technology & Services; Computer & Network Security; Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing; Machinery; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering; Utilities; Food & Beverages; Oil & Energy | Aligns to automation, OT security, and digital transformation buyer pools |
| Departments | Procurement; Operations; Engineering; IT; Security; Supply Chain; Product; Partnerships | Targets the functional teams most likely to influence purchase decisions |
| Seniority | Manager; Senior Manager; Director; VP; C-Level | Prioritize decision-makers and budget owners |
| Job titles | Chief Procurement Officer; VP Procurement; Director of Procurement; Strategic Sourcing Manager; OT Security Manager; ICS Security Lead; CIO; IT Director; Operations Director; Plant Manager; Automation Manager; Category Manager | High-intent titles for event outreach and lead qualification |
| Geography | United States; Florida; Southeast U.S.; Texas; Midwest industrial states; Canada (select accounts) | Balances host-market proximity with national buyer relevance |
| Employee size | 201–500; 501–1,000; 1,001–5,000; 5,001+ | Best coverage for organizations with formal procurement and engineering functions |
| Keywords | automation, industrial control, OT security, ICS, SCADA, PLC, digital transformation, smart manufacturing, cloud, digital twin, generative AI, supply chain security | Captures event-aligned accounts and technology priorities |
| Technologies | SCADA, MES, ERP, cloud, industrial networking, cyber monitoring, data platforms | Useful for cross-sell and account intelligence |
| Company type | End users, OEMs, integrators, industrial technology vendors, utilities, process manufacturers | Prioritize accounts with real buying authority and project demand |
| Revenue range | $10M+ where relevant; prioritize $100M+ for enterprise deals | Improves fit for large automation and cybersecurity opportunities |
Suggested Apollo Search Logic: Use combinations such as (automation OR industrial control OR OT security OR SCADA OR PLC OR smart manufacturing OR digital twin) AND (director OR manager OR VP OR CPO OR CIO). For account-based campaigns, layer industry, geography, and employee size filters to isolate likely buyers with budget authority.
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Sources & Verification Notes
| Source | Type | What It Verified | Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISA Automation Summit & Expo Official Website | Official organizer source | Event name, venue, dates, agenda themes, keynote speakers, and historical 2025 attendance/exhibitor/speaker counts | Very High |
| Organizer homepage content provided in prompt | Primary source text excerpt | Confirmed 2026 dates, venue naming, conference tracks, and 2025 participation metrics | Very High |
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Tell us your work email and our AI instantly builds a buyer list matched to ISA Automation Summit & Expo — the best‑fit companies to target, the exact decision‑maker job titles, and the industry filters that fit what you sell.
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