Forum breaks records and reports strong growth in automation company bookings in 2014.

MCAA’s 2015 Industry Forum broke all previous attendance records. 240 attendees enjoyed two days of expert speakers, networking opportunities and roundtable discussions surrounded by the desert beauty of Scottsdale (AZ USA).

Attendance increased 14% over last year. Dane Maisel, General Manager of ABB’s Instrumentation Division, delivered the keynote address on the topic of trends and challenges in industrial automation.

Doug Hall energized a capacity crowd with his discussion of how to inspire innovation in everyone. Breakout sessions focused on digital age issues of social media, website traffic, and 21st century negotiating tactics.

Oil & Gas Journal Chief Editor Bob Tippee provided an honest and insightful assessment concerning this often-volatile segment of the commodities market. Entrepreneur Dave Berkus looked at the upcoming technological trends on the horizon. ITR Economist Jeff Dietrich also looked into the future with his economic analysis and forecasting across several industry sectors.

Attendees viewed the premiere of a MCAA-produced video featuring Schneider Electric Vice President, Peter Martin. The video encourages young people to help solve substantial problems facing the entire planet by pursuing a rewarding career in process controls. The video can be seen on both YouTube and Vimeo via MCAA’s “MeasControl” channel.

2014 Bookings Data
The organisation also reported on 2014 bookings in the process measurement and automation industry. These grew approximately 14.2% according to data reported by MCAA members in various bookings reports.

MCAA collects data from its member companies for a variety of reports. On a monthly basis, we collect Domestic and Direct Export bookings information for the US, Canada and Rest of World. Quarterly, the Association collects more detailed information by product category as well as by end user industry. Bookings are also collected on a monthly basis from the distribution companies that are Channel Partner members of the Association.

Looking at data from companies that participated in the bookings reports consistently over the past 10 years, bookings continue on an upward trend following the “Great Recession” bottom in 2009. Over the five years since, bookings are up a total of 110%. 2014, however, represents the third highest growth rate of the five previous periods at $3.9 Billion. Only data from companies that reported consistently over the 10-year period was used. Total actual bookings reported by all members participating in the bookings reports as of December 2014 was $5.5 billion.

• MCAA exists to help the management teams of process and factory automation product and solution providers run and grow successful businesses by offering timely, unique and highly specialized resources acquired from shared management benchmarks where proprietary company information is secure.