The largest robotics and automation trade show in North America, Automate, achieved record-breaking attendance and exhibitor participation, according to show host the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). A3 said 42,895 registrants convened at Chicago’s McCormick Place from May 6-9, 2024, to explore the latest advancements in robotics, artificial intelligence and automation technologies, a 40% increase over last year's event.
Automate 2024 marked another historic milestone with 867 exhibitors—up 13% from previous year—spanning over 320,000 square feet of exhibit space.
“The tremendous attendance and engagement at Automate 2024 will help stimulate increased adoption of robotics and automation technologies,” said Jeff Burnstein, president of A3. “Driven by labor shortages, companies throughout the world now seek automation solutions to remain competitive and grow their businesses. Automate has emerged as the one show that offers valuable solutions and real-world expertise designed for users in every industry and application area.”
When asked about the exhibitor experience, first time exhibitor Maik Peters, CEO of Pitco Engineering LLC, added “We were expecting some leads, but we’re surprised by how many quality leads we got at this show—and how fast it happened. Everyone told us Monday was going to be a slow day. But Monday and Tuesday were the best days. And even on the last day, we were still collecting quality leads. It was a blast!”
Economic Impact and Future Events
Notably, Automate 2024 brought a significant economic impact to Chicago, generating an estimated $49.8 million in local spending, according to Choose Chicago.
Looking ahead, Automate 2025 will take place in Detroit, Michigan, from May 12-15, 2025. Booth space for this highly anticipated event is already over 80% reserved. Companies interested in reserving space or exploring sponsorship opportunities can click here.
Automate Rewind
For those unable to attend Automate 2024, Automate Rewind is now available. This digital library will feature recordings of keynote sessions, theater talks, Automate LIVE interviews, and exhibitor spotlights, ensuring that the wealth of knowledge and innovation shared at the event remains accessible. Automate Rewind will be available at http://www.automateshow.com.
Key Highlights from 2024
A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done. Members of A3 represent over 1,300 automation manufacturers, component suppliers, system integrators, end users, academic institutions, research groups and consulting firms that drive automation forward worldwide.
A3 hosts a number of industry-leading events, including the International Robot Safety Conference (October 1–3, 2024, Cincinnati, OH); the Humanoid Robot Forum (October 7, 2024, Memphis, TN); the Autonomous Mobile Robots & Logistics Conference (October 8–10, 2024, Memphis, TN); AI & Smart Automation Conference (November 12-13, 2024, Atlanta, GA), A3 Business Forum (January 20-22, 2025, Orlando, FL).