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

Control Systems Legends Charlie Cutler and Béla Lipták to Give Keynote Talks at ISA Automation Week 2011 

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA-- (25 March 2011) - The International Society of Automation (ISA) announces the keynote speakers for ISA Automation Week 2011: Technology and Solutions Event. Charlie Cutler  will discuss real-time optimization on 18 October and Béla Lipták will discuss the future of automation on 20 October. ISA Automation Week 2011 will take place in Mobile, Alabama, USA, on 17-20 October 2011 at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center. 

Cutler, in his presentation entitled, “The Status of Real Time Optimization and Multivariable Predictive Control,” will discuss his observation of real-time optimization as a fading technology, the problems control engineers face with its use and his insights into the need for revitalizing the application, so it gets the right attention from management. 

Lipták will present “The Present and Future Role of Automation (the Maturing of a Profession).” His presentation will include a description of the latest developments in industrial automation, covering sensors, valves, controllers, optimization of unit operations, safety and displays. He will also provide his explanation of how the control and modeling techniques developed for industry are also applicable to build models for non-industrial processes. 

“This is an incredible ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to gain the insights and experience of leading innovators in process optimization,” said Greg McMillan, ISA Automation Week 2011 program committee chair. 

Charlie Cutler holds a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Lamar University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston. He worked for Shell Oil Company for 23 years in a variety of assignments in refineries, chemical plants, research and central engineering. In 1984, Cutler started his own company and was CEO and president for 12 years until it was sold to Aspen Technology in 1996. He is currently an adjunct professor in the Chemical Engineering Department at Texas Technology. 

More information about Charlie Cutler can be found online.

Béla Lipták is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) who attended the Technical University of Budapest and holds an ME from the Stevens Institute of Technology, a Masters degree from the City College of New York (CCNY) and has completed graduate courses in computer science at the Pratt Institute. For 16 years, he was Chief Instrument Engineer at Crawford & Russell Inc. (John Brown Ltd.), an engineering design firm, serving the processing industries.  Lipták was also an adjunct professor at Yale University and course director at the Center for Professional Advancement. He is currently President of Lipták Associates P.C., where he works as an automation, optimization and safety control consultant for the traditional and newly emerging industries, including energy conservation, pollution prevention and safety-related projects. 

More information about Béla Lipták can be found online.

Held at the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center in downtown Mobile, ISA Automation Week is a technical conference that includes three full days of sessions, including poster sessions; a dedicated Technician Day; solutions theaters on the exhibit floor offering standards briefings, author briefings and supplier presentations; networking and social events; and a 75,000-square-foot exhibit floor.

Several registration options, including exhibits-only passes, are available. Registration will open in April 2011. Visit www.isaautomationweek.org or call +1 919-549-8411 for more information. 

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).