Automation Fair Event Attendee Information

Attend

Collaborate with over 10,000 tech-savvy professionals at Automation Fair.

November 16-17 | Chicago, Illinois, USA | #ROKevents

The Automation Fair Experience

Get ready for two full days of awe-inspiring ideas and solutions to drive your operation’s results to new levels! This year’s event is amping up to bring you the most immersive, hands-on experience focused on optimizing your business. From inspiring presentations, interactive labs, technical sessions, industry-centric forums to the Expo, you’ll be able to explore the newest innovations in action from Rockwell Automation and members of the PartnerNetwork™ program.

Check out the event schedule, registration details and the helpful travel information to learn more about the Automation Fair event. If you have any questions, please review our event FAQs or send us an email. We are happy to help.

Two people looking at exhibit wall at Automation Fair 2021

If you need approval to attend the event, we put together this helpful document of why you need to attend Automation Fair. Simply copy and paste the text into an email to your manager or supervisor! Don’t forget to personalize the message.

Subject Line: Requesting approval to attend Automation Fair 2022

Hi [First Name],

I’d like to request your approval to attend this year’s Automation Fair event in Chicago, IL, from November 16-17. Automation Fair is a two-day event that brings together industrial automation experts and leaders from around the globe focused on the latest breakthroughs, strategies, and proven best practices on how to enhance your operation and achieve results.

By attending Automation Fair, I’ll get amazing hands-on learning opportunities, endless moments to network, and tons of business insights to bring back to the company, such as:

Vision: Industry leaders and technology experts will present big picture strategies and inspiration.
Interactive training and education: Automation Fair offers more than 150 interactive technical sessions and hands-on labs centered around the newest industrial automation solutions and best practices.
Innovation: The Expo features the newest and proven IT and OT innovations from Rockwell Automation and more than 100 members of their PartnerNetwork.
Interaction: Connect with my peers in the Industry Forums and discuss industry specific challenges with leading experts about how they conquered these issues.

If you’d like more information about Automation Fair, I’d be happy to discuss it with you. The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Sessions fill up quickly, so I hope to hear from you soon.

If given approval to attend the event, I’ll share a summary of major takeaways, best practices, and recommendations to drive our operations to new levels.

Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to your reply.

Regards,

[Insert Name]

Quick Links

Event Schedule

Travel

Transportation

Hotels

FAQs

Health & Safety Guidelines

Mobile App

Event Schedule

Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Thursday, November 17, 2022

Wednesday,
November 16, 2022

6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Registration
7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.	Automation Fair Opening Ceremony
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Hands-on Labs
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.	Expo
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Industry Forums
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Product & Technology Sessions
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Industry Forums
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Products & Technology Sessions

Thursday,
November 17, 2022

7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Registration
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Hands-on Labs
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.	Expo
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Industry Forums
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Product & Technology Sessions
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.	Industry Forums
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Products & Technology Sessions

Events ROK Mobile App

Events ROK Mobile App

The Events ROK mobile app provides helpful information, the event agenda, session catalog and daily messages and reminders. You can build your session schedule, network with others, and share your thoughts on social media, in polls, and surveys. Download the Events ROK app prior to the event and stay up-to-date on event news!

Visit your app store, download the Events ROK app, select Automation Fair 2022, and follow the login instructions.

Please note, you must be registered to attend Automation Fair in order to login to the mobile app.

Travel

Get ready for Automation Fair

Advanced planning will help you make the most of your time in Chicago. Learn about local attractions, the weather, the event hotels, and details about ground transportation. 

Travel Notice

We strongly recommend our guests refer to the U.S. Department of State and the CDC website for the latest travel and visa requirements. 

About Chicago

Chicago has been voted the Best Big City in the U.S for the 5th year in a row! Located on the shores of freshwater Lake Michigan, the city is filled with landmarks, museums, theatre, comedy, food and so much more to discover.

Explore Chicago

Weather

The average daily temperature for Chicago in November is a chilly 48°F/9°C, and this can drop as low as 32°F/0°C on average. When traveling to Chicago at this time of year, be sure to pack warm clothes and a sufficient coat and umbrella. 

Event Hotels

Reserve your hotel room(s) at one of the event hotels, located near McCormick Place – West, after you complete the registration process. The official event hotels include the Marriott Marquis, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Sheraton Grand Chicago, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Hilton Chicago, and the Palmer House. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from these hotels and the event at McCormick Place – West, with the exception of the Marriott Marquis and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

Note: When you request a hotel reservation through Automation Fair Housing, you will be required to provide a credit card to guarantee your room. All hotel room fees are the responsibility of the attendee.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to arrival at Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Hilton Chicago, Marriott Marquis, Palmer House & Sheraton Grand Chicago to avoid a penalty of one night’s room & tax.  

Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours prior to arrival at Hyatt Regency Chicago & Hyatt Regency McCormick Place to avoid a penalty of one night’s room & tax.  

Chicago, Illinois, USA downtown skyline from Lincoln Park at twilight.

Exterior view at sunset of the Marriott Marquis hotel in Chicago Illinois USA

2121 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA
0.3 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the Hotel Fitness Center

Exterior view of the Chicago Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel in Chicago Illinois USA at sunrise

2233 South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616-9985 USA
0.1 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center

exterior view of the Sheraton Grand Chicago hotel in Chicago Illinois USA during the day with boats going under the bridge in the Chicago River next to hotel.

301 East North Water Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601 USA
3.1 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi for Marriott Reward Members 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center 
Event shuttle service to and from McCormick Place - West

Outside view at night from Chicago River of the Chicago Hyatt Regency hotel in Chicago Illinois USA There are tour boats in the water .

151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601 USA
3.0 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center
Event shuttle service to and from McCormick Place - West

Outside view of the Embassy Suites hotel at night in Chicago Illinios USA

511 N Columbus Dr ive, Chicago, Illinois 60611 USA
3.4 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center 
Complimentary Daily Breakfast Buffet 
Complimentary Daily Lobby Reception from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Event shuttle service to and from McCormick Place - West

Dramatic view from the grounnd looking up towards the sky of the Chicago AGA Hilton hotel in Chicago Illinois USA

720 South Michigan Avenue , Chicago, IL 60605 USA
1.6 miles from McCormick Place
Website
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center
Event shuttle service to and from McCormick Place - West

streetview of the Palmer House hotel in Chicago Illinois USA during the day

7 East Monroe Street , Chicago, Illinois 60603 USA
2.4 miles from McCormick Place
Website 
Hotel features: 

Complimentary in-room Wi-Fi 
Unlimited local calls 
Complimentary access to the fitness center
Event shuttle service to and from McCormick Place - West

Transportation

Chicago is easily accessible by air, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) offers multiple options for ground transfers to the downtown convention center area. 

Note: Automation Fair attendees are responsible for their own transportation and parking costs. 

Complimentary Hotel Shuttles

Complimentary shuttle service is available to and from McCormick Place-West and the following event hotels:

Hyatt Regency Chicago (Curbside on Wacker Drive) – Route 1
Sheraton Grand Chicago (Front Entrance, Across N. Water Street) – Route 2
Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile (Columbus Drive, Front of Hotel) – Route 2
Palmer House (Wabash Avenue Entrance) – Route 3
Hilton Chicago (8th Street Entrance) – Route 4

Shuttle Schedule:

Monday (30 Minute Service)

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Tuesday (20 Minute Service)

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Wednesday (20 Minute Service)

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thursday

6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (20 Minute Service)
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (30 Minute Service)

*Last shuttle from the Hotels to the Convention Center is 1 hour prior to the end of service.

If you need to arrange wheelchair-accessible transportation, please call (678) 849-3101 and allow at least 60 minutes prior to pick-up.

Area Airport Service

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) 

Estimated taxi fare: $55-65 plus gratuities one way to the convention center
Estimated Uber fare: $40-50 plus gratuities one way to the convention center

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Estimated taxi fare: $35-45 plus gratuities one way to the convention center
Estimated Uber fare: $25-35 plus gratuities one way to the convention center

*Pricing will adjust based on day/time

Event FAQs

What is Automation Fair 2022? 

The Automation Fair event is an immersive experience showcasing the value and power of our IT/OT expertise. This two-day event brings together industrial automation experts and leaders to guide you through the latest breakthroughs, strategies, and proven best practices, and work with you on how to enhance your operation and achieve greater results.

The 2022 event will feature engaging keynote presentations, interactive training and learning, industry-centric discussions, and our signature show floor featuring the latest innovations from Rockwell Automation and members of our PartnerNetwork™ program.

Who attends Automation Fair 2022? 

The Automation Fair event expects to draw over 10,000 attendees involved in industrial automation, from implementers, managers, executives and distributors. The event offers opportunities for anyone in any level of your operation.

Where will Automation Fair take place? 

Automation Fair 2022 will take place at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Illinois. 

Is there an age requirement to attend Automation Fair?

Yes. All attendees must be 18 years of age or older to register for the event. An event badge is required for access to any of the event functions including sessions, the Expo and activities.

What is the hotel cancellation policy for hotels booked through Automation Fair Housing? 

Cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to arrival at Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, Hilton Chicago, Marriott Marquis, Palmer House and Sheraton Grand Chicago to avoid a penalty of one night’s room & tax. 

Cancellations must be received at least 72 hours prior to arrival at Hyatt Regency Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place to avoid a penalty of one night’s room & tax. 

What is your health and safety policy?

Your health and safety is our priority at Automation Fair. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 conditions and adjust our health and safety protocols following all CDC and local health recommendations as we approach the event. Currently, vaccinations and face masks are highly recommended.

Are Professional Development Hour credits offered? 

Professional Development Hour (PDH) credits are available for all Rockwell Automation presented sessions, including hands-on labs and the product and technology training sessions. You are eligible to receive two (2) PDH credits for each hands-on lab and one (1) PDH credit for each product and technology training sessions you attend. You will get an email on how to access your PDH credit certificate(s) after the event. 

When will I be able to build my session schedule? 

Registered attendees can build their session schedule now by logging into to their registration account. 

Can I get copies of the material presented at the event? 

Yes, the presentations will be posted and available for no cost in the Events ROK mobile app following the conclusion of the event.

How can I book a room at one of the Automation Fair event hotels? 

You will be able to book your room(s) at an event hotel after you register to attend the event. You can access hotel booking by clicking on the “Book Room” link on the registration confirmation page or from the link in your registration confirmation email. 

Is a credit card required to make a hotel reservation? 

When you request a hotel reservation through Automation Fair Housing, you will be required to provide a credit card to guarantee your room. All hotel room fees are the responsibility of the attendee. 

Where can I find hotel costs for Automation Fair 2022? 

Automation Fair 2022 hotel costs vary by property and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please see our event hotel information. 

Is transportation provided from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport to the event hotels? 

No, transportation is not provided. Please see our transportation options, including rideshare and taxis.

Health and Safety Guidelines