ISA’s mission is to share knowledge. ISA events, webinars and conferences connect members to support that mission. We couldn’t be more appreciative of the in-person experience after several years of only virtual events.

In less than 80 days, the ISA Automation and Leadership 2023 Conference (ALC) will build on last year’s award-winning Best in Class Hybrid event - and we know it will be the automation event of the year. Held in Colorado Springs, CO, USA, in early October, the ALC will bring together digital transformation and cybersecurity sessions together with career skills presentations, our standards meetings in addition to society meetings and our best-in-class training opportunities. Members, industry leaders, and vendors will hear from and have access to technical subject matter experts from across the globe.

Keynote speakers for ALC include:

• Mark Weatherford, CSO and SVP of Regulated Industries at AlertEnterprise and Chief Strategy Officer at the National Cybersecurity Centers speaking about National Cybersecurity Issues and Workforce Development
• Dr. Lauren Goodwin, formerly CISO, NASA Houston White Sands Test Facility speaking on OpenAI Cybersecurity

In addition to the technical presentations, there will be society volunteer meetings, standards committee meetings, and vendor exhibits to show attendees how to get involved in ISA, the benefits of becoming a member, and the benefits of utilizing ISA standards and training opportunities. Finally, you don’t want to miss the ISA Honors and Awards Gala, which includes a rodeo this year at the Flying W Ranch, or our first Golf Tournament at the Country Club of Colorado. These additional activities at the event give recognition to society volunteers and are a great way to network and spend quality time with your friends and colleagues.

There is something for everyone at ALC 2023. To register and view the complete schedule of events, visit www.isa.org/alc.

OT Cybersecurity Summit, Aberdeen, June 2023

This brand-new event brought together experts on OT cybersecurity, which is emerging as a top concern in many sectors. The event took place at a Scottish castle in Aberdeen, symbolizing the need to protect our fortress and the advantages of using the ISA/IEC 62443 standards to strengthen and build our cybersecurity toolset. The event featured Megan Samford, VP, Chief Product Security officer – Energy Management, Schneider Electric and Cheri Caddy, Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director at ONCD/The White House as keynote speakers, had 140 in person attendees as well as virtual attendees, boasted five-star-rated content by attendees, and assisted ISA in growth and development internationally as six new section possibilities emerged from conference attendees.

The conference had two tracks, one on Supply Chain Management and the other one Threat Intelligence. Two popular sessions were the panel discussions on Supply Chain Risk Management and Understanding and Developing ISA/IEC 62443. You can learn more about the event at www.isa.org/otcyber.

Our First Podcast Episode, Recorded Live!

Even if you weren’t able to attend the OT Cybersecurity Summit, you can still be part of the fun by listening to our first podcast episode, which was recorded live from the event. Podomation is a new podcast from ISA covering all things automation and industrial cybersecurity.

The first podcast episode features a discussion focused on supply chain and better understanding the software bill of materials (SBoM). Dr. Allan Freidman with the US Department of Homeland Security started this conversation for ISA at the event, and the podcast continued the conversation with special guests Cheri Caddy, Deputy Assistant National Cyber Director, Steve Mustard, 2021 ISA Society President, and Chris Blask, VP of strategy, Cybeats.

You can stream Podomation from our website at isa.org/podcast or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Digital Transformation Conference Asia-Pacific, Australia, 26-30 November 2023

This dual-track conference will focus on mining and supply chain management issues in the Asia Pacific region. Specifically, we will home in on improved security and efficiency in the energy and mining industries, with an emphasis on predictive analytics, supply chain, and new technology implementation. Held at the Crown Towers Resort in Perth, Australia, this first-of-its-kind ISA event brings together subject matter experts from key end users within Australia’s major industries to share presentations, end-user case studies and best practices for adopting, accelerating and monetizing digital transformation applications.

Join us on this deep dive into technology applications that streamline design, certification, and start-up processes—while improving safety, efficiency, and the bottom line. The metals and mining industry supplies minerals critical to powering a green economy. Sessions will explore ESG, and new safety strategies, along with exciting advances in AI, that will drive a sustainable future. Don’t miss our keynote, Zorba Parer, Executive Director, Zorba Parer Aerospace Consulting and NASA consultant on his Robotics in the Supply Chain: Australia's Impact on the Global Moon to Mars Mission discussion.

Also, this event will have two networking events to have a look at practical applications of automation technologies in the area. One will be a Gin School experience at the Republic of Fremantle and the second will be a dinner cruise through the Sandalford Winery.

ISA Virtual Webinars, OnPoint and Connect Live Events

ISA webinars, Division-led presentations and Connect Live panel discussions cover a variety of topics through virtual technologies and can be shared around the world. For members only, these sessions might put you in a panel discussion with four to five subject-matter experts (SMEs) in a field and help you gain the knowledge required to become a future SME to further your career. Check back at this event page or modify your profile to receive ISA communications within ISA Connect, Profile, Community Notifications. Your Notifications can be configured to a consolidated daily digest for particular topics or committees and weekly notifications for the remaining notifications.

Register immediately for the Automation and Leadership Conference: October 2023

I’ve been fortunate to be able to attend a number of these events over the years. ISA continues to work hard to develop conference sessions, workshops, and training opportunities to share knowledge and connect people within the global automation community. ISA is committed to bringing the best content and the most exciting, enriching experiences to all our conferences and events.

The value I've received from attending ISA technical conferences and leadership meetings has been significant. I would recommend these events for your career, both in your technical journey and for any moves you might want to consider on your leadership or management path.

And, where your manager or company will be able to support you, ask for workforce or professional development time or funding, to support your professional development.  The benefit to the company is significant to improve the value that automation brings to the corporation.  ISA is your professional society and supports your goal to "Create a better world through Automation."

Regards,
Marty Bince, ISA 2023 Society President