Automate 2026 brings together the people, technologies, and ideas shaping the future of automation under one roof at McCormick Place. Across four days, you can explore industry leaders and game-changers, see technologies in action, attend keynotes and conference sessions, and connect with people solving real automation challenges. It’s a lot to take in, and that's part of the excitement.
The attendees who get the most out of Automate come with a plan. That's why we created our itinerary builder. Get ideas and tips on how to maximize your Automate 2026 schedule. Happy planning!
→ Download your Automate 2026 itinerary template
STEP 1: IDENTIFY YOUR ATTENDEE PERSONA
There are over 1,000 exhibiting companies to see and plenty of activities to attend. The best itinerary starts with knowing your goals. See which of the four common Automate personas you fit — and what’s recommended for that attendee type.
The Curious
Student, educator, or early-career professional. You’re here to see what’s possible, figure out where this industry is heading, and where you might fit into it. Automate is your most direct line to the people building the future of automation.
- Priorities: Show floor discovery + Education Pavilion featuring A3 NextGen Theater and Student Challenge
- Bonus: Educator Day + A3 NextGen Student Tours
Show or Conference? The show and special events will probably provide the most value right now.
The Evaluator
You’re evaluating automation for your operation. Maybe you’re just getting started. Maybe you’re further along and need to validate a direction before you commit. Either way, you’re here to find solutions and talk to the people behind them.
- Priorities: Exhibitor Booths, Keynotes, Show Theater + Humanoid Pavilion
- Bonus: Networking Party
Show or Conference? The show is a definite. However, the conference can level up your learning with sessions highlighting how to build a case for automation, get started, or trends to know.
The Builder
You're someone who already works with automation technologies and is coming to Automate to go deeper. Overviews aren’t useful to you. You want specs, integration details, live demos, and inspiring conversations.
- Priorities: Demos, Keynotes, Show Theater, Innovation Stage, Humanoid Pavilion + Competitions
- Bonus: Networking Party + Humanoid Robot Forum
Show or Conference? Both! Pair conference sessions with floor time. What you learn in a session will make your booth conversations more precise and productive.
The Strategist
You're here for the big picture: where automation is headed, what your competitors are doing about it, and what the ROI case looks like for your organization.
- Priorities: Demos, Keynotes, Show Theater, Innovation Stage, Humanoid Pavilion + Competitions
- Bonus: Networking Party + Humanoid Robot Forum
Show or Conference? The show is a definite. Pair it with the conference to get a larger picture of how to move your business forward, efficiently and effectively.
STEP 2: PLAN FOR THE SHOWSTOPPERS
Your registration comes with access to more than just exhibitor booths. There are theater sessions, demo areas, and special experiences waiting for you. See what’s included and what’s right for you.
Stages & Programming
There are four main theaters or stages this year. All of which are free to attend.
- Keynote Speakers – Big-picture thinking and inspiration from industry leaders
- Show Theater – Panels, presentations, and expert sessions on trending topics
- Innovation Stage – Startups, new technologies, and live showcases from exhibitors
- A3 NextGen Theater – Designed for students and emerging professionals
Zones & Areas
The show floor features dedicated zones that highlight key technologies and support the future of automation.
- Humanoid Robot Pavilion – New pavilion spotlighting the latest humanoid advancements
- AMR Demo Area – See autonomous mobile robots operating in real conditions
- Education Pavilion – Resources and programming specifically for educators and students
Special Events
Most of these events require advanced registration or additional fees. However, they are crowd favorites and a powerful opportunity to further your experience and value of attending.
- Networking Party – The social anchor of the week
- Empowerment Forum – Conversations around building a more inclusive automation industry
- Humanoid Robot Forum – Deeper look at the evolving humanoid robotics landscape
- Innovation Awards – Celebrating the most exciting technologies showcased at Automate
- Startup Challenge – Early-stage companies presenting bold new ideas
- Educator Day – Programming and networking specifically for education professionals
- Engelberger Awards – Recognizing leaders who have made lasting contributions to robotics
PLUS-UP: SEE KEY TOPIC PATHS FOR 2026
The show floor lets you see automation in action. The conference helps you understand how and why it works. Attending both can help see demos differently, ask better questions, and leave with more ideas on how to move forward strategically.
There are 20+ topic paths and 140+ sessions to choose from at the conference. The best part is, you can mix and match to meet your needs. Here are the top themes to explore this year:
AI & Smart Automation
Explore how artificial intelligence is transforming automation, from intelligent robotics to AI-driven decision making. While there is an “AI & Smart Automation” path, you’ll see this theme pop up across many of the paths.
Robotics Innovation
Discover advances in robotics, collaborative systems, and emerging manufacturing technologies. There are multiple topic paths that spotlight different types or aspects of robotics.
Safety & Security
Learn about compliance, risk management, and evolving industry standards. These are critical topics for anyone implementing or developing automation.
STEP 3: FIRST TIME OR RETURNING VISITOR?
This year, we’re expanding our footprint in McCormick Place and introducing new experiences. Whether this is your first Automate or your fifth, get a deeper dive on what to expect. Our attendee guides are a great resource when building your Automate 2026 schedule.
First time at Automate? This is your guide.
Coming back? This is your guide.
LET’S BUILD YOUR AUTOMATE
The floor is massive. The programming is deep. And the conversations you have here make a difference. A little preparation goes a long way. Let's build you a plan that delivers on all the reasons people come to Automate!
→ Download the Automate 2026 Itinerary template
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