This year’s Automation Fair took place in the Windy City and there was plenty of innovation in the air. From digital transformation to manufacturing excellence, there were many exciting moments throughout the week. Here’s a few from Plex that stood out:
1. A Sold-Out Plex Summit
Event attendees kicked off Automation Fair bright and early with the Plex Summit this year gathering to hear directly from Plex leadership and learn more about Rockwell Automation’s MES road map. Standing room only, Monday’s summit was packed with innovative programming – attendees learned more about Rockwell’s Elastic MES solutions, how to leverage Plex’s purpose-built solutions for success, and even had the chance to hear from a current Plex user!
2. Daily Keynotes
Automation Fair offers a chance to hear directly from industry-leading experts throughout the week. Tessa Myers’ keynote dove into the 2025 Start of Smart Manufacturing Report and highlighted key takeaways, including AI technology and cybersecurity—along with what they mean for the future. If you missed her keynote, or want to revisit the conversation, head here. This year’s keynotes are available on-demand.
3. The Plex Welcome Event
There’s no better way to start Automation Fair week than with the Plex Community, right? On Sunday night Plex users gathered at Duneyrr Wine and Beer Company to connect ahead of the week. Beyond dinner and conversation, attendees could enjoy a tour of the onsite brewery and hear directly from the Duneyrr team. It was definitely a night to remember!
4. Plex Sessions & Hands-On Labs
This year, there were 25+ Plex sessions and hands-on labs for Automation Fair attendees to choose from. Sessions provide a dedicated space for attendees to learn more about specific applications, new features, and learn more about the success of fellow users. The focus of these sessions was wide ranging, covering topics like sustainability, supply chain management, workforce challenges, and more.
5. Innovation on the Expo Floor
One of the most immersive experiences at Automation Fair is the Expo floor. Filled with product demos, new solutions, partners, and Rockwell Automation team members, the Expo showcases the latest advancements in manufacturing technology. Plex was sprinkled throughout the Expo, as Plex staff and partners made themselves available to chat with attendees about digital transformation.
It was hard to choose only five highlights from Automation Fair—there were plenty of stand-out moments that took place throughout the week! If you joined us for this year’s event, we hope you enjoyed your time in Chicago. Mark your calendar for Automation Fair 2026 and get ready to join us in Boston, Massachusetts, November 16-19!
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