A Message from the MCA Chairman - Bill Allai
(posted 04/02/2010)

Our first permanent board was recently elected and we are all very excited about our plans to both grow our membership and enhance the existing benefits for our members.  We started 2010 on a high note with the well-received MCA Business Conference in Orlando.  The speakers were of the highest caliber and received rave reviews from the attendees.  Collocated with the Robotics Industry Forum and the AIA Business Conference, the event attracted 265 automation industry leaders in total.

The 2011 MCA Business Conference, set for January 19-21, 2011 in Orlando, will provide improved networking opportunities as the MCA continues to grow and add members.  The MCA, RIA, and AIA independently provide the largest trade group within any of their respective industries.  The combination of the three provides an unparalleled opportunity to network with automation industry players both large and small.  We have plans to make the networking experience for the 2011 Business Conference even more valuable and will provide details as the date draws near.

The MCA from its inception has endeavored to help our membership stay current with the latest motion control trends and technologies.  We have opted for quality over quantity as evidenced by the monthly newsletter featuring our applications spotlight and technology beat which continually receives very positive feedback.  If you are not receiving the newsletter I highly encourage subscribing at this link.  I realize we are all inundated with information but I’m confident you’ll find this an excellent return for a few minutes invested each month.  We plan to expand our technical content with upcoming webinars for both stepper and servo technologies featuring some of the industry’s most recognizable and innovative vendors.  We hope you will take advantage of these events to grow your knowledge of the industry and stay abreast of current trends.  Look for more details to come.

Lastly, we are now gearing up for the Automate 2011 event, the new name for the International Robots, Vision, and Motion Control Show and Conference.  It takes place March 21-24, 2011 at McCormick Place in Chicago and is collocated with ProMat, the premier material handling and logistics industry show.  MCA members receive discounts on exhibiting and we also will have several MCA sessions as part of the conference.

I look forward to a highly successful 2010; we encourage both members and non-members alike to provide any suggestions on improving the MCA.  Please contact me or our ATC president Jeff Burnstein.

Best Regards!
Bill Allai
Chairman