The 2011 Annual ISA Honors and Awards Gala was held on 17 October in Mobile, Alabama. The Honors and Awards program provides an opportunity for ISA to recognize outstanding individuals for the contributions they have made to the Society and/or the automation industry.

Society and industry leaders from across the world gathered to celebrate and honor the 2011 honorees. It was a spectacular evening that began with an elegant reception followed by an impressive and at times emotional, awards ceremony and concluded with lively dancing at an after gala party. During this year's ceremony we had the privilege of acknowledging the technical and service contributions of 20 individuals, eight Society units, an outstanding company, and we elevated 11 members to the distinguished grade of ISA Fellow.

Following an extended standing ovation, long-time ISA member and leader Gerald Wilbanks graciously accepted the Life Achievement Award presented by ISA President Leo Staples and Master of Ceremonies Gerald Cockrell.

ISA proudly bestowed the distinction of Honorary Member on industry leader Andrew Chatha, President of the ARC Advisory Group in recognition of his leadership contributions to the automation profession.

Photos from the gala and a complete list of the honorees and description of their accomplishments are posted on the ISA website.

But we are not resting on our laurels. In response to changing times and commensurate with the 50th anniversary of the ISA awards program, we are rolling out an exciting new awards program. Watch for the complete unveiling of the new program.