ABB Automation and Power World announces June 4, 2014 online education event: Optimizing technology for the changing face of industry 

The digital conference agenda reflects results of ABB’s recent survey of customer concerns; Aging workforce, cost pressures and infrastructure are chief worries

CARY, N.C. (May 12, 2014) – ABB’s Automation and Power World (APW) announces a new online education series. The first SmartStream Digital Conference, Optimizing technology for the changing face of industry, will take place live online on June 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. EDT. The conference grants exclusive access to ABB’s industry-leading global experts as they share their knowledge and experience virtually, making the information available around the world in real time.

Online presentations will offer best practices and practical guidance on today’s most pressing business and operational issues in automation and manufacturing. ABB recently conducted a survey among customers to determine their top concerns. The most pressing issues within electric utility and industry were found to be an aging workforce, cost pressures and infrastructure. In fact, more than 70 percent of respondents identified an aging workforce as their chief concern.

From adapting to constantly changing economic conditions to navigating challenges associated with an aging workforce and infrastructure, the digital conference will provide audiences with information and ideas that can be put to use immediately to improve operations and influence effective business decisions.

Participation in the live, digital conference provides networking opportunities with ABB subject matter experts and industry peers, as well as an opportunity to earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs).
The conference will feature 25 sessions and 60 speakers. All sessions will be archived and available for on-demand viewing so those who are unable to attend live sessions of interest can still benefit from the valuable educational content at any time following the events. Registration is free for industry professionals.

Keynote speaker, Richard Worzel, best-selling author of “Who Owns Tomorrow?” will address how the world is changing and what manufacturers need to do about it.
The conference is organized around six timely learning tracks:
•    Reliability
•    Asset management
•    Safety and compliance
•    Productivity
•    Best practices
•    Doing more with less

Individual sessions are developed with an industry or discipline focus including:
•    Process industries
•    Discrete manufacturing
•    Operations
•    Technology integration
•    Big think trends

June’s event will focus on automation, with a second power-focused SmartStream Digital Conference scheduled for November 2014.

[an error occurred while processing this directive] About ABB
ABB (http://www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people. The company's North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about 20,000 people in multiple manufacturing, service and other major facilities.

About APW
This year’s ABB’s Automation and Power World (APW) features three different elements, an online conference series, a conversation series and an exhibition series. The online educational SmartStream Digital Conference provides exclusive access to ABB’s experts as they provide a glimpse into what is happening within the industry, allowing users to ask questions and interact with ABB experts in real time. A conversation series will take place throughout the year at industry events and through other platforms, such as blog posts and interviews, leading up to APW. The conversation series gives industry leaders, media and the general public the opportunity to join the experts in napkin chats and personal discussions about the latest industry trends. The conference and exhibition serious includes Automation and Power World Mexico, taking place in August 2014, and Automation and Power World North America, taking place in Houston, Texas in 2015. 
For more information, please contact:
Claire Simmons    On behalf of ABB
csimmons@fwv-us.com