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Right now is a fascinating time to explore the latest innovations in the world of automation and motion control technology. I am therefore excited to invite you to attend Industrial Automation North America (Industrial Automation NA) and the first-ever Motion Drive & Automation North America (MDA North America) trade shows and conferences co-located at IMTS 2014. Both events are an extension of the world’s largest business-to-business manufacturing exhibition, Hannover Messe, based in Hannover, Germany, and the founding platform of a network of global automation and motion control events. Overall, Industrial Automation NA 2014 and MDA North America 2014 will feature more than 170 exhibitors from 16 countries, including the United States, China, Germany, Italy and Taiwan. 

As the U.S. continues to expand its global manufacturing footprint, Industrial Automation NA 2014 and MDA North America 2014 offer you access to a wealth of production and process efficiency solutions, which are a prerequisite for integrating the factory of the future. The two shows promise to feature a host of new components and devices that play a prevalent role in the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, a key theme of this year’s Hannover Messe events.

I am thrilled to report that we successfully launched our first Industrial Automation NA trade show and conference two years ago at IMTS. This year, we quickly sold out exhibit space with many global providers returning. Upon entering Industrial Automation 2014 in the East Building, you will find a vast array of the technology drivers of Industry 4.0, such as networked intelligence where micro sensors enable individual automated systems to “think” as well as act more like the skilled human operators. Automation control systems, measurement and diagnostic systems and robotics, as well mobile devices from tablets to smartphones, and PCs for monitoring and controlling anything across the plant floor will all be on display. Other highlights include energy control devices, such as software tools, advanced lighting and power monitoring for the efficient factory, and solutions for secure data collection.

Across the aisle, in the MDA North America 2014 show floor and dedicated IFPE Fluid Power Zone, you will encounter groundbreaking mechanical power transmission, fluid power transmission and motion control technologies from leading global companies. Products ranging from linear drives, gears, motors and bearings to hydraulics and pneumatics, condition monitoring and vibration reduction, sealing technology and lubrication, as well as compressed air and vacuum technology will be on display. 

Also as part of this year’s Industrial Automation NA, I want to encourage you to attend our “Global Automation and Manufacturing Summit.” This one-day series of conference programs will connect you with top level speakers employing cutting-edge solutions who will discuss the latest trends and challenges for the manufacturer. Topics range from Connecting the Plant Floor to Maintaining Excellence in Process, as well as Securely Integrating Mobility into the Plant and Integrating Logistics and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). 

Our inaugural MDA North America show will also feature a dedicated MDA conference. High level speakers from leading German- and North American-based technology and solutions providers will discuss topics ranging from Trends in Industrial Communications for the Factory of the Future to The Practical Application of 3D Machine Vision in Robotic Guidance, Motion and Inspection, as well as The Best Practices for Specifying Linear Actuators and The Various Time Savings that “Function Integration” Can Provide.

I can promise you that attending Industrial Automation NA 2014 and MDA North America 2014 will point you in the right direction, placing you well on your way to accessing the latest innovations in today’s dynamic, flexible manufacturing environment.  

Larry Turner is President and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA (HFUSA), the U.S. division of Deutsche Messe that develops and manages marketing programs at Deutsche Messe events in Hannover, Germany and the United States, as well as in such key emerging markets as China, India and Turkey. Working closely with its clients, HFUSA helps them maintain their competitive position on and off the event floor. The company’s programs reflect the global scope of Deutsche Messe’s activities and include such world-renowned B-to-B trade fairs as CeBIT (information and communications technology), Domotex (floor coverings), Hannover Messe (industrial technology), and Ligna Hannover (forestry and wood industries).