It’s more than a trade show. It’s a career move.
Automation is growing across industries, and with it, so are the career opportunities. Whether you’re just getting started in automation or looking to find your next adventure, Automate is where the automation industry shows up in full force. Engineers, hiring managers, founders, integrators, startups, global brands — essentially, it’s an automation career fair.
If you approach it right, you won’t just learn what’s happening in automation, you’ll start building a network and finding your place in it.
The following are some tips on how you can prepare, connect, and follow through so your time at Automate turns into a real opportunity to get a job in automation.
Here’s why Automate is ideal for job seekers.
You won’t find many environments like this.
- 50,000+ attendees
- 1,000+ exhibitors in robotics, AI, vision, and motion control
- Direct access to the people doing the hiring
- Live demos that show how work actually gets done
- Interactive Conference and Forum sessions
- Conversations that go deeper than job postings ever could
You’re not sending applications into a void. You’re stepping into an ecosystem where connections spark the future. Take a look at why attendees come to the Automate Show each year.
1. Prep before you arrive.
Most attendees skip this step. But if you want to get a job in automation, it’s where the competitive advantage is.
Know what you’re looking for. Get specific.
Types of automation:
- Robotics
- Motion control
- Vision
- AI
Roles:
- Robotics and automation engineers
- Machine vision and AI specialists
- Manufacturing and operations roles
- Software, data, and IIoT professionals
- Systems integrators and MES / ERP specialists
- Applications engineers and technical sales
- Product, business development, and solutions roles
- Technicians, interns, and early-career talent
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics
- Healthcare
- Food & beverage
Clarity makes every conversation easier.
.jpg "“If I had to describe Automate, I would describe it as having all of the world of automation come together, from hardware to AI. You can see the integration happening between them. When you come here, you see it in real time — not on your phone, not on the internet. It is happening here.” -Automate Exhibitor")
Build a Target List
Use the exhibitor directory to target the companies you want to visit.
- Identify 15–25 companies
- Know what they do
- Know why you’re interested
Find the speakers presenting from your targeted companies and be at their sessions.
You don’t need a script. Just a reason to talk.
Get your materials tight.
- Resume: clean, relevant, easy to scan
- LinkedIn: updated and aligned with your goals
- Intro: a simple 20–30 second overview of who you are and what you’re after
Lock in on key sessions early.
Some opportunities fill up, especially Conference sessions. So have a plan and arrive early. Here’s an itinerary builder that can help you create a schedule.
- Conference sessions
- Certification programs (CVP, CMCP)
- Human Robotics Forum
The Automate Conference and Humanoid Robot Forum require separate registrations. You can add them to your show registration at any time. An All-Access Conference Pass includes all days of the conference and admission to the Humanoid Robot Forum.
2. Work the Show Floor With Intent.
Walking the floor without a plan burns time fast. Start with your priorities. Hit your target companies early. Then explore.
Open conversations the right way:
Skip the generic opener. Try:
- “What kinds of roles are you hiring for right now?”
- “What skills make someone successful on your team?”
- “What projects are you most excited about?”
You’ll get better answers — and better conversations.
Look for signals.
- “We’re growing”
- “We’re expanding into…”
- “We’re building out this team”
That’s where opportunity lives. See what Automate exhibitors have to say:
3. Plug into built-in networking moments.
Automate makes it easier to meet people by creating many opportunities to connect — if you use what’s there.
- Designed for students and early-career professionals
- Built-in introductions to peers and industry leaders
Show Floor Theater & Free Talks
- Learn something useful
- Start conversations with people sitting next to you
- Smaller sessions, more access
- Easier to talk with speakers and attendees
- Strong signal that you’re serious about the field
Humanoid Robot Pavilion & Forum
- One of the fastest-moving areas in automation
- Great entry point for forward-looking conversations
Don’t Miss These Moments
- Startup Challenge
- Early-stage companies. High growth. Often hiring.
- Student Challenge
- Students, mentors, sponsors — all in one place.
- Women’s Empowerment Forum
- Focused conversations. Strong networking energy.
- Automate Networking Party
- Joseph F. Engelberger Awards Dinner and Ceremony
- Global Business Opportunities for Automation International Trade Reception
- Latin America Business Networking Reception
These settings remove the awkwardness. Use them.
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4. Make connections that go somewhere.
This is where most people either stand out — or disappear.
Lead with curiosity.
Don’t start with “Are you hiring?” Start by showing interest in what they’re building.
Be present.
Listen. Ask follow-ups. People remember good conversations.
Capture what matters.
After each conversation:
- Jot a quick note
- What you talked about
- Why it matters
Connect right away.
Ask to connect on LinkedIn while you’re there. It’s easier in the moment than later.
5. Turn learning into leverage.
What you learn can be just as valuable as who you meet.
Choose sessions that build perspective.
Whether you’re attending the conference or taking in sessions at the Automate Theater, seek out the sessions that will help you form a unique and marketable POV.
Focus on:
- Real-world applications
- Case studies
- Emerging trends in AI, robotics, and vision
Now you have something to talk about.
- Certified Vision Professional (CVP)
- Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP)
These show commitment — and can give you an edge.
6. Follow up within 48 hours.
This is where opportunities actually take shape.
Keep it short and personal.
Reference the conversation:
- Who you are
- What you discussed
- Why do you want to stay in touch
No long emails. No generic messages.
Stay visible.
- Engage with their content
- Share what you learned at Automate
- Keep showing up in a natural way
Consistency beats intensity.
7. What sets you apart.
Hiring teams notice patterns. You stand out when you:
- Understand applications, not just theory
- Ask thoughtful, specific questions
- Show genuine interest in the industry
- Follow up like a professional
That combination is rare and memorable.
Make the most of the moment.
Automate puts the industry in one place. That doesn’t happen often.
Show up prepared. Be intentional with your time. Follow through after the show.
Do that, and you won’t just leave with contacts, you’ll leave with momentum. Register for the Automate Show for free today, and start prepping to get a job in automation. Add on the Automate Conference and Humanoid Robot Forum to gain deeper expertise and level up your career prospects.
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