Share this
by Katie Reid on Tue, Nov 21, 2023 @ 08:11 AM
ISA Edmonton, a local chapter of the International Society of Automation (ISA), has been a fixture in the Edmonton industrial community for 30 years. The organization's primary mission has been to provide local automation professionals with access to top-tier education, technical resources, and networking opportunities, thus significantly bolstering the region's industrial capabilities.
Swagelok Edmonton has been involved with ISA Edmonton since its inception. Different members of our team have been active over the years; currently, we are proud to have Account Managers Derek Green and Andrew Worthington represent us. They co-chair ISA Edmonton’s Student Section and help book speakers for the chapter’s Technical Talks.
The chapter is deeply involved in mentoring the future minds of Edmonton's industrial sector. “Helping the next wave of professionals and students get oriented is what I’m most passionate about with this group,” says Andrew. “We have experienced members sharing valuable advice and insights, shaping the industrial leaders of tomorrow. This is an opportunity to give back.”
ISA Edmonton's latest Automation Expo & Conference (AEC) opened and closed with sold out sessions. It drew 1,300 attendees and 110 exhibitors.
ISA Edmonton's commitment to knowledge sharing extends to their series of Technical Talks. Each talk features one industry expert delving into a topic in their area of automation expertise. These events have become a vital forum for networking and the exchange of ideas.
“We get industry people with similar applications in the same room,” explains Derek. “A lot of times you’ll leave with more info than you had when you got there. Even if it's a connection, a new contact, maybe you learn a best practice you can take back to your own group of people, your own project.”
ISA Edmonton’s Technical Talks, mixers, and trade shows are where people from different industry backgrounds and levels of experience come together to share best practices, celebrate progress, and help steer the sector’s growth.
“This year we reached out to Heidelberg for example,” adds Derek, referring to Heidelberg Materials, which has a pilot project at their Edmonton plant to develop the world’s first carbon neutral cement plant. “They are more than happy to share what they are working on with the ISA community. Everyone will benefit from their upcoming technical talk.”
|
Derek Green (left) and Andrew Worthington (right) of Swagelok Edmonton are serving as co-chairs of ISA Edmonton's Student Section. Contact us → |
Opportunities to be aware of:
AEC 2025⸺The chapter's flagship event is the Automation Expo & Conference (AEC), and each has been bigger than the last. The bi-annual tradeshow is a platform for automation industry stakeholders to showcase their latest products, technologies, and solutions. It provides an opportunity for professionals to explore cutting-edge innovations and establish valuable business connections.
Technical Talks⸺ISA Edmonton regularly hosts technical seminars and workshops on emerging trends and technologies in industrial automation in Alberta. Typically held in October, November, February and March, these sessions facilitate knowledge sharing and keep regional automation professionals updated on the latest advancements.
Scholarships and student engagement⸺The organization actively promotes STEM education by offering scholarships to local students pursuing careers in automation and control systems. This initiative not only supports the growth of future talent but also strengthens the local industrial ecosystem.
Directory⸺Knowing the importance of staying connected, ISA Edmonton offers resources like a print and online directory. The newest version of the directory is appearing shortly, and can be accessed at www.isaalbertadirectory.ca. The goal: help those in the industry find and collaborate with each other; and help those outside the industry find the automation products and services they need.
Part of Swagelok's ISA ad, showcasing how we support clean energy and hydrogen applications, is shown at right here. “The ISA Alberta Directory of Automation is your most comprehensive resource for finding Alberta-based instrumentation, control systems and automation suppliers,” says the chapter website.
"Our trade show is a great way to dip your toe in the water,” adds Andrew. “We get vendors and end-users from across the energy industry coming out to this event. It also provides a great opportunity to learn from experts through technical talks offered. It's very highly reviewed by attendees and exhibitors."
Swagelok Edmonton has been involved with many excellent groups on and off over the years. ISA Edmonton stands out. It’s an organization we are deeply aligned with in terms of vision and values. Here's to the next 30 years of collaboration.
About ISA Edmonton
The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a non-profit professional association founded in 1945 to create a better world through automation. ISA empowers the global automation community through standards and knowledge sharing, driving the advancement of individual careers and the overall profession. ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its members and customers around the world.
The ISA Edmonton Section is proud to be one of the most active and largest ISA (International Society of Automation) sections in the world. In fact, we were #1 in 2021! All thanks to hundreds of members, an impressive roster of sponsors and a dedicated group of volunteers. Visit ISA Edmonton website →
About Swagelok Edmonton
Swagelok Edmonton is an authorized Swagelok Sales and Service Centre serving parts of Canada. With locations in Edmonton, Drayton Valley, and Fort McMurray, we serve northern and central Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, the Yukon Territory, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Our local team includes dozens of Swagelok-certified assembly technicians, field technicians, trainers, technical support representatives, and other professionals. Our field technicians and assembly solutions specialists earn certification by completing hundreds of training hours with internationally renowned experts and passing dozens of exams. To contact us, please call 780-437-0640 or send us a message:
Also see: