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International Society of Automation News Release
Contact: Becky Schneider
1-919-990-9266
bschneider@isa.org

ISA Introduces PathFinder, a New Conference-Schedule Selection Tool

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA (6 August 2010)—The International Society of Automation (ISA) introduces PathFinder, a unique selection tool designed to assist ISA Automation Week attendees in developing a personalized conference schedule based upon individual job function and professional goals. ISA Automation Week 2010 is scheduled for 4-7 October at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston, Texas, USA,.

PathFinder targets five professional groups:

  • Engineers
  • Technicians
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Academia/R&D/Scientists

PathFinder allows attendees to navigate their way through dozens of conference sessions covering seven technical tracks: Automation and Control, Energy, Environmental, Human Asset Optimization, Safety, Security, and Wireless and Networking. While all sessions in general appeal to automation professionals across all functions, each session has been identified as containing content specifically for one or more job functions, or career “paths.” 

The technical program is available online at www.isaautomationweek.org and illustrates sessions and options for each technical track.

Using the PathFinder tool, attendees will be able to personalize a conference agenda to help them gain knowledge and insight into a broad variety of topics pertaining to their job functions. In addition, conferees can choose to build their schedules based upon a particular technical track or combination of tracks.

“An engineer at a power plant, for example, can look at the conference schedule and select sessions in the Energy Track for an in-depth look at today’s energy topics relevant to his industry. He can also choose to follow the Engineer Path; where he might attend a Smart Grid panel discussion in the Security Track, an alarm management session in the Safety Track, a social networking session in the Human Asset Optimization Track, and so on,” said ISA Automation Week Program Committee Co-chair, Gerald Cockrell of Indiana State University.

“In a tough economy, it can sometimes be hard to justify attending a technical conference, especially if the program is vague and not clearly defined. ISA Automation Week’s strong technical program clearly outlines the content and purpose of each session, and PathFinder easily identifies who benefits from attending it, making the approval and justification process for both the employer and employee easier,” Cockrell concluded.

ISA Automation Week is a content-rich automation conference spanning 2 ½ days of technical sessions, includes two keynote addresses, networking and social events, and boasts over 10,000 net square feet of technical exhibits featuring 100+ exhibitors.

Conference registration also includes hospitality, meals, and more. Register on-lone at www.isaautomationweek.org/register or call ISA for assistance at +1 919-990-9406.

About ISA

Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of the Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).