Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
How much does it cost to attend Automate?
Walking the show floor and visiting exhibitor booths is FREE! Conference sessions, exams, and social events are an additional fee.
Where is the show?
McCormick Place
2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 USA
What are the show hours?
Monday, May 6, 2024: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm (Central Time)
Tuesday, May 7, 2024: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday, May 8, 2024: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 9, 2024: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Who will be exhibiting at the show?
750+ exhibitors will be showing off their technology at the show. For a complete list of exhibitors, check out our online listing or floor plan for contact details and company descriptions.
Can I bring my children with me?
Due to safety concerns, we do not allow children under the age of 12 on the show floor. We do allow pre-registered, chaperoned high school groups (students over the age of 12 only) to attend. If your school is interested in attending Automate, please email [email protected].
Are there discounted hotels for the show?
Yes, we have many discounted hotel blocks throughout the city available to our attendees. OnPeak is the official hotel booking partner for Automate. Hotel booking opens early October 2024. Please beware any other hotel offers to avoid scams. Check back soon to see
the most up-to-date list of participating hotels.
How do I get a Visa Invitation letter?
Please fill out our Visa Letter Request form. Allow 72 business hours for a response. If you need the letter mailed, please indicate that on your form and allow adequate time for mailing. Visa letters will only be provided once you have registered for the show.
Who organizes Automate?
Automate is organized by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), a global advocate for the benefits of automating. A3 promotes automation technologies and ideas that transform the way business is done.
What Is the badge pick-up process?
You will be able to pick up your badge on-site at the Automate registration desk. Your confirmation email includes a QR code which can be scanned for quicker badge pick-up or we can look you up by name.
Registration
You can register for the tradeshow, conference, and networking events online. Don’t forget, walking the show floor is FREE!
I’ve already registered, but I would like to change something. How do I edit my registration?
You can edit your registration through your confirmation email. At the top of your confirmation email there is a “Modify Your Registration” button that will allow you to add the certification exams, keynote sessions (complimentary!), and networking events.
If you are signed up for a show only pass and would like to add a conference pass, please email us and we will be happy to add the conference pass for you. You will be billed for the remaining balance.
Is there Wi-Fi available?
Free Wi-Fi will be available on the show floor!
Conference
What is the Automate Conference?
Whether you are seeking entry level training for a basic understanding of automation (including robotics, machine vision, motion control, assembly automation, sensors and more) or are looking for more advanced courses, the conference has something to offer you. You’ll be able to take what you learned in class and have a better understanding of the technology on the show floor. Check back often to see the most up-to-date conference agenda.
What is included in the All Access Pass?
Your All Access Pass gains you entrance into all the conference sessions, access to the conference proceedings, and allows you to walk the show floor to view exhibitor booths. All keynotes and show floor theater sessions are included. If you would like to sign up for one of our certification exams, there is a separate exam fee.
Does a conference pass get me into the show?
Yes, any conference pass will also allow you onto the trade show floor.
Do you have any conference discounts?
We do not offer any discounts on attending our conference sessions.
How do I cancel my conference pass?
Paid registrants can cancel until Monday, April 8, 2024, without charge. After that date, a $100 cancellation fee applies. No refunds for cancellations received after Saturday, April 27, 2024. Attendance substitutions are permitted anytime without penalty.
Do I need a Conference Pass to see the keynote speakers?
No. All show attendees, conference attendees, and exhibitors can attend the Automate Keynotes free of charge.
I want to become a Certified Vision Professional (CVP) Basic, what do I need to sign up for?
You will need to sign up for an All Access Pass ($1095), and the CVP Basic Exam with Classes ($175). The basic classes are Monday through Wednesday morning, with the exam taking place on Wednesday, April 5 from 11:00am – 12:00pm.
I want to become a Certified Vision Professional (CVP) Advanced, what do I need to sign up for?
You will need to sign up for an All Access Pass ($1095), and the CVP Advanced Exam with Classes ($175). The basic classes are Monday through Friday morning, with the exam taking place on Friday, April 7 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
I want to become a Certified Motion Control Professional (CMCP), what do I need to sign up for?
You will need to sign up for Tuesday/Wednesday Conference Pass ($750), and the CMCP Basic exam with classes ($325 for members of MCMA, $475 for non-members). The basic classes are Tuesday through Wednesday morning, with an exam review form with a two hour exam review starting at 1:45pm on Wednesday, and the exam taking place on Wednesday, April 5 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm.
Exhibitors
What are the move-in and move-out times?
Move In
Thursday, March 30, 2017 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Friday, March 31, 2017 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 01, 2017 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Sunday, April 02, 2017 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Move Out
Thursday, April 06, 2017 3:00 PM To 7:00 PM
Friday, April 07, 2017 8:00 AM To 5:00 PM
Saturday, April 08, 2017 8:00 AM To 2:00 PM
Where can I find the exhibitor manual?
https://ordering.ges.com/071671353/welcome
I am an exhibitor, how do I sign up my staff for badges?
The exhibitor portal is available through the Exhibitor Resources page. We have already set up a login for you. If you do not know your login, you may call us at +1 734.994.6088 in order to find out what your information is.
Still have questions? Email us at [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to assist you further.