Orlando, FL — Sunny weather greeted more than 10,000 manufacturing professionals and analyst for Rockwell Automation's 13th Annual Automation Fair. It might have been a great chance to duck out of the new wing of the Orange County Convention Center and skip on over the Magic Kingdom, but the action inside was too hot to miss.

Billed as the world's largest free educational forum for manufacturing technology, the fair, which travels to different cities around the country on an annual basis, was full of tutorials and technical sessions, demos, hands-on labs, and exhibits — all designed for manufacturers who want to use automation to their global competitive advantage. It was a chance for engineers working in the areas of automation and motion control to learn about the latest trends in the industry and to see the newest products and technologies in the automation field first-hand. It also allowed industry professionals to compare notes on the latest trends and innovations with their peers.

For three days, attendees took advantage of specific industry tracks focusing on the automotive, food and beverage, life sciences, packaging, and water treatment fields. In addition, long lines of waiting attendees gathered to register for a number of hands-on lab experiences. The labs taught attendees the finer pints of subjects such as designing safety systems and working with communications protocols such as DeviceNet. In all, 20 separate labs were filled to capacity. Attendees also got a fair bit of knowledge from the 49 technical sessions held on the upper floors of the convention center.

And for those still filled with thoughts of Mickey and the gang just a short cab ride away, Fair organizers offered a backstage look at Walt Disney World and all of it automation "magic." For those attendees that were looking for a little different kind of fun, representatives from InBev and Latrobe/LaBatts Brewing offered an in-depth look the brewing industry. Members of the two groups discussed the challenges they face on a daily basis and the contemporary solutions that help them improve financial performance, develop brand equity, and increase customer satisfaction within an industry that continues to experience consolidation.

Meanwhile, a packed show floor offered plenty in the way of new technologies and products to help engineers develop better automation systems. In order to see the exhibits, one had to make his way through crowded aisles and often jockey for position at the booths. But in the end, attendees got to see 130 exhibits from manufacturers and even several university organizations.

Next year's show is scheduled for Nov. 16 and 17 in St. Louis.