View by Topic
View by Type
View by Day
Monday
October 6, 2025
08:00-08:45
To Infinity and Beyond: Innovation in Spaceflight
Douglas Hurley , Retired Astronaut , NASA
Topic(s): Aerospace Digital Transformation Leadership
Type(s): Keynote Stage 1

Uniquely accomplished and decorated aerospace executive, astronaut, test pilot and engineer with over 30 years of specialized experience operating, managing and leading the most innovative aerospace and aviation technologies in service to NASA’s human spaceflight program and the U.S. Marine Corps., Doug Hurley has logged over 5,500 hours in more than 25 aircraft and two space vehicles as well as logging over three months in space.
A veteran of three spaceflights, Doug served as Pilot of the last Space Shuttle flight in 2011 and Commander of the first test flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon in 2020. He became one of the first two astronauts in history to launch aboard a commercial orbital spacecraft. For five years before the successful launch, he served as a liaison, consultant and test pilot on behalf of NASA to the company’s operations and development teams.
In January 2023, the vice president of the United States awarded him the Congressional Space Medal of Honor for his bravery in commanding the first NASA Commercial Crew mission to the International Space Station.
Monday
October 6, 2025
09:00-09:30
Session Sponsored by Honeywell: Exploring the Future of Automation
Joe Bastone , Director, Growth Initiative Leader , Honeywell Process Solutions
Type(s): Stage 2

Monday
October 6, 2025
09:30-10:00
Reducing Commissioning Time with Digital Twins
Franklin Ruffin , Technical Manager, Simulation and Emulation , Kalypso: A Rockwell Automation Business
Type(s): Stage 2

Monday
October 6, 2025
09:30-10:00
Designing In and Designing Out: Reducing Cybersecurity Risk and Technical Debt in Critical Infrastructure
Susan Peterson Sturm , Senior Director, Business Development and Strategic Partnerships , Wabtec
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
Type(s): Stage 1
This session will explore how critical infrastructure industries can integrate cybersecurity practices into operational technology to enhance efficiency and reduce technical debt. It will focus on embedding security into system requirements from the outset, minimizing labor-intensive maintenance and avoiding costly bolt-on solutions. By drawing from examples in other industries, this presentation will highlight the importance of lifecycle planning, security automation and addressing challenges like aging systems and vendor roadmaps. Attendees will gain insight into designing resilient, secure systems that align with operational demands for sustainable and efficient outcomes.
Keep the conversation going on risk reduction and other cybersecurity topics in Connect Forum: Industrial and Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

Susan is an operational technology leader with 20 years of experience scaling industrial software businesses, including cybersecurity. She has led P&Ls with over 150 million USD and excels in product management, M&A and strategic growth.
She mentors early-stage cybersecurity professionals and is the champion of a diverse cybersecurity workforce. Susan leads cybersecurity strategy for a critical infrastructure technology company, serves as board chair of One Warm Coat and is a board advisor to Navigating Grey.
Monday
October 6, 2025
10:15-10:45
The Future of Automation
Joe Bastone , Director, Growth Initiative Leader , Honeywell Process Solutions
Topic(s): Digital Transformation Aerospace Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Type(s): Stage 2
Share digital transformation strategy thoughts and feedback with peers in the Connect Forums:

Monday
October 6, 2025
10:30-11:00
Transforming Automation with Industrial Wireless
Type(s): Expo Stage
Monday
October 6, 2025
11:00-11:30
Strawberries, Chatbots, and Lawyers: How Your Enterprise Can Deploy Real AI Solutions Effectively Without Pitfalls
Dr. Johnathan Mell , Assistant Professor , University of Central Florida
Topic(s): Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Type(s): Stage 2
Engineering teams are under increasing pressure to integrate large language models and other generative AI tools into real-world workflows as AI continues to proliferate across enterprise systems. While these systems can accelerate productivity, they can also fail in surprising and costly ways when deployed without guardrails or domain adaptation.
This talk explores the practical realities of deploying AI in human-centered domains, where ambiguity, emotion and contextual nuance dominate. I begin with a set of cautionary industry examples—including a misconfigured airline chatbot that resulted in a small claims court loss and an AI-generated legal brief
that fabricated case law—illustrating how generative systems can propagate errors that pass surface-level inspection but fail under scrutiny.
I then present two applied case studies from ongoing research: Healthcare Conflict Resolution Training: An AI-powered system used to train workers on managing emotionally sensitive caregiver conflicts, where the goal is not just information delivery but simulating de-escalation strategies.
AI for Negotiation Skills: A dialogue-based AI platform for negotiation training, where trainees engage in strategic conversations with adaptive agents to practice persuasion, signaling, and deal-making under pressure.
These systems highlight where AI succeeds: not in replacing humans, but in creating adaptive, semistructured environments that enhance learning, resilience and performance. I’ll discuss design lessons on human-AI interaction fidelity, edge-case failure handling, model interpretability, and how to think critically about when not to automate.
Attendees will leave with concrete insights into how to scope, test, and deploy AI responsibly, especially in high-stakes contexts where automation meets judgment.
Trade lessons learned on responsible AI deployment, governance and more in Connect Forum: Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Johnathan Mell is a professor, researcher and technology innovator working at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, human behavior and engineering. Dr. Mell is a tenure-track professor at the University of Central Florida, where he lectures on AI in video games, and leads the ScionAI lab, which researches topics relating to making and understanding more human-like AI systems. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California and holds further degrees from Wharton School of Business and Penn Engineering. Dr. Mell has appeared at numerous global conferences and is also regularly invited as a panelist or speaker to both academic conferences and popular science venues to discuss AI. He aims to connect business, gaming and cutting-edge artificial intelligence in a fully integrated way utilizing modern techniques to make consistent, trustworthy and useful AIs. His current work is focused on artificial negotiation and human-AI communication.
Monday
October 6, 2025
11:00-11:30
Cyber Hardening of OT/SCADA Systems: A Roadmap to Successful Implementation
Rufus Handsome , Solution Engineer II , GICSP, InSource Solutions
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Incident Response
Type(s): Stage 1
Securing Operational Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems is increasingly critical as they become prime targets for malicious attacks across industries. Rufus Handsome will discuss how cyber hardening, the process of fortifying systems through tailored security measures, is essential yet often challenging due to the divergence between IT-centric security protocols and the unique requirements of OT\SCADA environments.
Rufus will discuss practical strategies for implementing effective cybersecurity measures in OT/SCADA systems without disrupting operations. He will draw on insights and experiences from InSource's work with its clients, covering the importance of cybersecurity, common vulnerabilities, consequences and a collaborative project-based approach involving various professionals.
Discuss cyber hardening and implementation in Connect Forum: Industrial and Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

Monday
October 6, 2025
11:30-12:00
How to Upgrade Your Cybersecurity, Incident Response and Training with Gamification and AI - A Practical Guide
Clint Bodungen , Founder , ThreatGEN
Topic(s): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Transformation
Type(s): Stage 1
Are you not getting the expected value out of your incident response exercises? Is your cybersecurity training outdated and boring? Can gamification help? What is gamification? What about the latest trend, generative AI? Can I use it, safely and securely, to improve my cybersecurity training and even my overall OT cybersecurity program? In this presentation, Clint will answer these questions with practical advice, strategies and actionable examples of how you can use gamification and generative AI to solve some of your most pressing cybersecurity issues.
Swap playbooks on IR readiness and cybersecurity in Connect Forums:

Clint is a globally recognized ICS cybersecurity professional and thought leader with 30 years of experience focusing primarily on industrial cybersecurity, red teaming and risk assessment. He is the author of two best-selling books, "Hacking Exposed: Industrial Control Systems" and “ChatGPT for Cybersecurity Cookbook.” He is a United States Air Force veteran and has worked for notable cybersecurity firms like Symantec, Booz Allen Hamilton, Kaspersky Lab and is currently the Founder/Head of Product Innovation at ThreatGEN as well as the Director of Cyber Innovation at MorganFranklin Cyber.
Renowned for his creative approach to cybersecurity education and training, Clint has been at the forefront of integrating gamification and AI applications into cybersecurity training. He created “ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue,” the world's first online multiplayer computer designed to teach real-world cybersecurity, and “AutoTableTop,” which uses the latest generative AI technology to automate, simplify and enhance IR tabletop exercises. As AI technology continues to evolve, he hopes to help revolutionize the cybersecurity industry using gamification and generative AI.
Monday
October 6, 2025
11:30-12:00
Automation Applications for Theme Parks: Stingrays, Roller Coasters and Simulated Bird Droppings
Steve Pflantz , Fellow Process Automation & Safety , CRB Engineers and Consultants
Type(s): Stage 2

Monday
October 6, 2025
12:30-13:00
State of the Society Address
Topic(s): Leadership
Type(s): Stage 1
Monday
October 6, 2025
13:15-14:00
Panel Discussion: Industrial Connectivity - Successful Implementation of Wireless and 5G
Mark Kraeling , Director , Wabtec, Inc.
John Brand , Senior Program Manager , Aeronix
RC Cofer , Technical Solutions Manager , BLT
Topic(s): Connectivity 5G Digital Transformation
Type(s): Stage 2
This panel discussion brings together speakers who have expertise in the application of wireless technology to industrial environments. The panel will cover topics around the latest in 5G technologies, contrasting against wireless communications used in satellite and aircraft communications. Attendees will learn more about specific applications of wireless technologies, hopefully learn how they can be applied to their specific needs and have a little fun learning.
Dive deeper into architectures, spectrum choices and reliability tradeoffs across Connect Forums:



Monday
October 6, 2025
13:15-14:00
Panel Discussion: IT/OT Convergence
Moderator: Patrick O'Brien , Cybersecurity Team Lead , exida
Katherine Hutton , Product Manager, Cybersecurity , Fluence
Tim Staney , Senior Technical Program Manager , Tampa International Airport
Mike Clark , Director , OPC Foundation North America
Lennart Koopman , Founder , nzyme – Close Access Denial
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence
Type(s): Stage 1


.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Tim%20Staney%20(1).jpg)
Tim Staney is a Senior Technical Program Manager at Tampa International Airport, where he leads initiatives at the intersection of information technology, security and public safety. He plays a central role in IT/OT governance by convening the Cybersecurity Council and collaborating across Operations, Maintenance, Risk and IT teams to strengthen security in highly interconnected environments. Tim also guides product intake and contract security reviews, ensuring new systems and sensors are introduced in ways that balance business objectives with risk management and safety.
Trained in HSEEP (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program) and CIPR (Cyber Incident Planning and Response), Tim applies these frameworks to enhance preparedness, resilience and governance. He also advances IT/OT shared governance using standards such as NIST and ISA/IEC 62443.
Nationally, Tim contributes to the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA) Business Information Technology Committee and its Artificial Intelligence Working Group and is an active member of InfraGard. Tim lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his husband of 20 years and an embarrassing number of dogs.


Lennart is the creator of the nzyme Network Defense System, a free and open solution that empowers organizations to protect their networks from close proximity attacks. Prior to nzyme, he founded the Graylog project in 2010 and led the development of its commercial counterpart in 2013.
Monday
October 6, 2025
14:00-14:30
Session Sponsored by Control Station: Beyond Traditional Metrics: Unlocking Plant Performance with Overall Controller Effectiveness
Bob Rice , Vice President, Engineering , Control Station
Topic(s): Digital Transformation Automation Control
Type(s): Stage 2
Compare experiences, discuss control methods and more in Connect Forum: Industrial and Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

Monday
October 6, 2025
14:00-14:30
It's Coming from Inside! | A Fabric Approach to Zero-Trust in OT Security
Matt Bolick , Principal Technical Marketing Engineer , Fortinet
Topic(s): Cybersecurity
Type(s): Stage 1
For years, OT security has focused on building a strong perimeter to keep threats out. Yet, the most damaging attacks often originate from within the network—from a compromised device, a phishing victim, or a vulnerable third-party connection. In today's interconnected industrial environments, where IT and OT systems converge, the old model of a trusted internal network is no longer viable. The threat is already inside the gates.
This session will challenge the traditional security mindset and introduce a modern, effective strategy: applying a Zero Trust model through an integrated security fabric. We will explore how to shift from a "trust but verify" approach to a "never trust, always verify" philosophy for every device, user and connection within your OT network. We will detail how a security fabric provides the necessary visibility, control and automation to make Zero Trust a reality.
Key takeaways will include:
- Adopting a Zero Trust Mindset: Why the principle of "never trust, always verify" is essential for protecting modern OT networks from the reality of internal threats.
- Implementing a Security Fabric: How an integrated and automated security architecture overcomes the limitations of siloed security tools to enforce consistent Zero Trust policies across the entire OT environment.
- Actionable Strategies: Key steps to implementing Zero Trust, including deep asset visibility, micro-segmentation to prevent lateral movement and securing all access to critical industrial controls.
.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Matt%20Bolick%20(1).jpg)
Monday
October 6, 2025
14:15-14:30
Panel Discussion: The Many Faces of Digital Twin
Moderator: Steve Mustard , President , au2mation
Peter Baxter , Vice President Operations , visCo, US
M. Dominique Pouliquen , CEO , Cintoo
Julie Robinson , Business Director , Rockwell Automation
Dr. Brian Romano , Director of Technology Development , The Arthur G. Russell Co., Inc.
Colin Yellowley , Managing Director , Igloo Vision
Type(s): Expo Stage

Steve Mustard, PE, CAP, GICSP, CMCP, has over 35 years of experience in the automation industry. He has developed embedded software and hardware for military applications and created products for industrial automation and control systems. Currently, much of his work focuses on assessing the cybersecurity readiness of organizations in critical infrastructure.
In addition to being the former 2021 ISA President, Mustard holds multiple certifications and professional engineering licenses. These include being a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), a UK-registered Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, a European-registered Engineer (EUR Ing), a Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), and a Certified Mission Critical Professional (CMCP).


.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Julie%20Robinson%20(1).jpg)

Dr. Romano, currently the Director of Technology Development at The Arthur G. Russell Co., has been in the process and automation control systems industry for more than 40 years, starting as a bench technician. After serving as president of a division for an automated machine builder, he owned a systems integration company, growing and positioning it as one with expertise in connecting the factory floor to the front office. To keep current with the ever-evolving automation industry, Brian holds an AS, BS, MS and MBA and Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation. He has been designing and implementing Industry 4.0 solutions, starting initially in 2004 connecting factory floor data systems to customer business systems.
Understanding the skills gap and workforce shortage in the control systems engineering profession, Brian leverages his academic knowledge and years of experience to teach the next generation of engineers at two local universities. He also serves as an industrial advisory board member for two technology and engineering universities, as a member of the CSIA Digital Committee and as chair of the ISA Smart Manufacturing Division IIoT committee, where he was awarded the 2022 ISA SM/IIoT Division Leader of the Year Award. Brian has been presenting at trade and professional society conferences for several years, publishes articles and has been quoted and interviewed for several automation publications.

Monday
October 6, 2025
14:30-15:00
Advancing Data Democracy to Dictate Your Success: Leveraging Data Products for Enhanced Decision-Making
Berta Gutierrez Montes , Engineering Data Standardization Program Owner , Eli Lilly & Co.
Topic(s): Digital Transformation Data Management Artificial Intelligence (AI) Standards & Regulations
Type(s): Stage 2
Key principles such as discoverability, quality and security will be discussed, along with the critical role of data democratization in enabling broader access to trusted data. Attendees will gain practical insights into how a data product mindset can drive operational efficiency, empower teams with better data accessibility and support more informed, data-driven decision-making across the enterprise.
Continue the conversation on data products, give reviews or get advice in Connect Forums:

Industrial Engineer with over a decade of experience in the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector. She currently serves as the Engineering Data Standardization Program Owner at Eli Lilly and Company, where she is part of the Digital Manufacturing Engineering (DME) team within Lilly’s Corporate Engineering Tech
Center (ETC).
In her global role, she leads efforts to define and implement standardized data products and data models across Lilly’s manufacturing sites, with a focus on transforming OT/ET/IT data into contextualized, high-value assets. Her work bridges automation systems and advanced analytics applications, supporting key
use cases such as equipment performance optimization, maintenance strategies, data integrity and accelerated troubleshooting. With a strong background in manufacturing automation and a passion for digital transformation, she is committed to advancing data democratization and engineering excellence across the enterprise. Her work plays a pivotal role in enabling consistent, trusted and actionable data to support Lilly’s broader digital manufacturing vision.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
08:00-8:45
Confessions of a Dirty Hacker: Over Two Decades as a Hacking Curmudgeon
Tom Liston , Owner , Bad Wolf Security
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence
Type(s): Keynote Stage 1

Tom is a seasoned cybersecurity professional whose career spans over two decades and is marked by significant contributions to the field. He first gained recognition in the security community with his response to the 2001 Code Red worm, developing LaBrea, the pioneering network tarpit tool. This work led to a nomination for eWeek Magazine's Innovations In Infrastructure (Iᵌ) award, showcasing his early influence in the sector.
At the SANS Internet Storm Center, Tom was known for his engaging and educational article series, Follow the Bouncing Malware. These pieces dissected various types of malware and did so with a unique blend of humor and expertise, making a complex subject accessible and engaging.
During his 15-year tenure at InGuardians, a widely respected security firm, his contributions were multifaceted and groundbreaking. He performed hundreds of penetration tests against organizations within the government and military as well as the financial, healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing and research sectors. As the technical lead for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security-funded project, he developed the first known virtual machine escape, demonstrating a VMware escape at the SANSFire security conference in 2007. Tom also helped create advanced tools and techniques for hardening virtual machines. He played a pivotal role in developing a security testing framework for critical infrastructure, specifically focusing on Smart Grid security.
In response to a significant attack on Sony, Warner Bros recruited Mr. Liston as their Principal Information Security Architect. Here, he rearchitected their network infrastructure, fortifying it against the evolving landscape of cyber threats, demonstrating his capacity to respond to real-world security challenges with innovative solutions.
His career has also focused on cybersecurity education. He worked with a highly skilled team to develop and deliver a comprehensive Security and Penetration Testing curriculum in the United Arab Emirates. His role at Counter Hack Challenges further highlighted his versatility and creativity. At Counter Hack, he performed high-end penetration tests, developed challenges for SANS NetWars, and led Red Team operations against U.S. Army Cyber Protection Brigades in a SANS Situational Training Exercise (STX). His involvement in helping Santa and the Elves create the annual SANS Holiday Hack Challenge is a testament to his commitment to education and practical cybersecurity application.
Tom’s career is characterized by groundbreaking developments, significant educational contributions and practical responses to some of today's most pressing cybersecurity challenges. His work continues to influence and shape the field of cybersecurity.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
09:00-0930
Current OT Trends and Challenges
Michael Bova , Enterprise Account Executive , Acronis
Type(s): Stage 1

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
09:30-10:00
Fireside Chat: Human Creativity & Innovation in the Era of AI
Jeff Winter , President, Business Strategy , Critical Manufacturing
Scott Reynolds , President , ISA
Topic(s): Digital Transformation New Technology
Type(s): Stage 2
Share tactics for change and help further fuel innovation in Connect Forums:

Jeff is a globally recognized thought leader in Industry 4.0 and manufacturing, with over 55 million views of his content and 110,000 LinkedIn followers. Honored more than 25 times as a top expert in his field, Jeff excels at simplifying and communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom. With nearly 20 years of experience in industrial automation, he is a passionate advocate for digital transformation. Jeff is also highly active in the Industry 4.0 community. He serves on the Executive board for the International Society of Automation (ISA), the International Board of Directors for MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association), a U.S. registered expert for the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) as a member of TC 65 and as a Smart Manufacturing Advisor to CESMII.

Scott Reynolds is the Industrial Security Manager at Johns Manville. He has over 15 years of Industrial Engineering experience and is an active member of the OT/IT community.
Scott has held leadership roles in the International Society of Automation (ISA) for over 10 years and is currently serving as president of the society. Scott has an Electrical Engineering Technology degree from the University of Maine and an MBA from the University of South Dakota.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
09:30-10:00
International Port Security (Cyber)
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence
Type(s): Stage 1
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
09:30-10:00
How to Use AI to Make Yourself Better at Work
Wayne Butterfield , Partner - AI, Automation & Contact Center Transformation , ISG
Topic(s): Leadership Career Skills Large Language Models (LLMs) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Robotics
Type(s): Stage 3
Discuss upskilling, new roles and how it all relates to AI in Connect Forum: Artificial Intelligence

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
10:00-10:30
Maximizing Reality Capture ROI (followed by Cintoo product demonstration in Igloo)
Michael DeJesus , Cintoo
Type(s): Expo Stage

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
10:15-10:45
Upcoming Regulation for Users to Test Safety Functions
Joel Ramirez , Process Safety Engineer , Pilz Automation Safety US
Topic(s): Standards & Regulations Artificial Intelligence (AI) Automation Control Instrumentation
Type(s): Stage 2
A new regulation published in 2023 that provides a definition of a “Safety Function” will become mandatory in January 2027. The regulation provides the requirement that machinery or related products be designed and constructed in such a way that it is possible for the user to test the applicable safety functions. The regulation also addresses a requirement for specific functional test procedures, essential to enable machinery and related products to be tested, adjusted, maintained and used safely. The machinery or related product shall be supplied with all the special equipment and accessories to do so. The regulation also addresses a new term, “self-evolving”, which is like saying “artificial intelligence”. Current functional safety good practice in the process sector is to achieve compliance with IEC 61511/ISA84. Proof Testing is a key parameter from IEC 61511/ISA84 relating to the quantification of dangerous random hardware failures for specific Safety Instrumented Functions. IEC 61511/ISA84 is a technical standard which sets out practices in the engineering of systems that ensure the safety of an industrial process using instrumentation. IEC 61511/ISA84 being a standard isn’t mandatory, so it is a step forward to having a regulation stating requirements to test safety functions for the first time in Europe. The new regulation is the Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 and manufacturers of machinery or related products that sell their products in the EU have until January 2027 to familiarize themselves with it. Pilz as leaders in safety technology have developed solutions for Safety Instrumented Systems for the Process Industries.
Discuss changing safety regulations and practices in Connect Forum: Process and Functional Safety

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
10:15-10:45
Network Defense for Close-In Cyber Attacks
Lennart Koopman , Founder , nzyme – Close Access Denial
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Threat Intelligence
Type(s): Stage 1
Continue the conversation on best defenses for cyber threats and attacks in Connect Forums:

Lennart is the creator of the nzyme Network Defense System, a free and open solution that empowers organizations to protect their networks from close proximity attacks. Prior to nzyme, he founded the Graylog project in 2010 and led the development of its commercial counterpart in 2013.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
10:15-10:45
Burnout: Identifying it and Solutions to Reduce/Prevent It
Rajen Patel , Chief Technology Officer , Metis - Radiation Cancer Specialist
Topic(s): Leadership Career Skills
Type(s): Stage 3

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
11:00-11:30
From Reactive to Predictive: How Agentic AI Transforms Industrial Maintenance Operations
Vijay Karthick Baskar , Senior Manufacturing Partner Solutions Architect , Amazon Web Services
Topic(s): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Large Language Models (LLMs)
Type(s): Stage 2
Discuss this topic further to exchange ideas and further innovations in Connect Forum: Digital Strategy

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
11:00-11:30
Protecting the Supply Chain with Maritime Cybersecurity
Marco Ayala , President , Houston InfraGard Members Alliance
Topic(s): Maritime Cybersecurity Supply Chain
Type(s): Stage 1
As maritime operations handle 80% of global trade, the sector is essential yet increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. This session will outline critical cybersecurity challenges in maritime, illustrating why effective protection is vital to maintaining the global supply chain.
We’ll explore the core vulnerabilities unique to maritime environments, such as outdated systems and the complexity of third-party access, while highlighting the importance of robust network segmentation and secure system interdependencies. Attendees will gain concise insights into best practices from standards like ISA/IEC 62443 and NIST to build a layered defense.
Concluding with a streamlined roadmap, this talk will cover actionable steps for advancing cybersecurity maturity across maritime operations, focusing on rapid-response strategies, effective training, and collaborative improvement. By fortifying maritime cybersecurity, we can better protect the supply chain that sustains global trade.
Continue the discussion on port/ship systems and risk and compliance in Connect Forum: Industrial and Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity

Marco has 30 years of field experience, during which time he designed, implemented and maintained process instrumentation, automation systems, safety systems and process control networks. In his role with a large global manufacturing company, he is responsible for applications globally that are specific to plant site operations and corporate governance.
With around two decades focused specifically on industrial cybersecurity, he has led efforts to secure the oil and gas (all streams), maritime port, offshore facilities and chemical sectors supporting federal, local and state entities in securing the private sector.
Marco is highly active in the International Society of Automation (ISA) and is a longtime member and newly elected to the Executive Board. He is a 22-year Senior Member and a certified cyber instructor for ISA/IEC 62443 with volunteering commitments and contributor to the AMSC Gulf of America (Mexico) cybersecurity committee in a sworn-in role to the USCG as Chair of Threat Intelligence and Cybersecurity for the outer continental shelf (OCS).
He has been an InfraGard member since 2014 and is currently serving as President of the Houston Members Alliance.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
11:00-11:30
Building a Personal Brand
Jeff Winter , President, Business Strategy , Critical Manufacturing
Topic(s): Leadership Career Skills
Type(s): Stage 3

Jeff is a globally recognized thought leader in Industry 4.0 and manufacturing, with over 55 million views of his content and 110,000 LinkedIn followers. Honored more than 25 times as a top expert in his field, Jeff excels at simplifying and communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom. With nearly 20 years of experience in industrial automation, he is a passionate advocate for digital transformation. Jeff is also highly active in the Industry 4.0 community. He serves on the Executive board for the International Society of Automation (ISA), the International Board of Directors for MESA (Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association), a U.S. registered expert for the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) as a member of TC 65 and as a Smart Manufacturing Advisor to CESMII.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
11:30-12:00
From Tabletop to Taxiway: Uniting Stakeholders to Secure Airport Innovation
Tim Staney , Senior Technical Program Manager , Tampa International Airport
Topic(s): Cybersecurity Standards & Regulations
Type(s): Stage 1
Airports are among the most complex digital ecosystems, linking IT, IoT and OT across passenger services, security, operations and compliance. This session explores how shared governance and tabletop exercises—drawing on ISA/IEC 62443 and HSEEP frameworks—can balance risk with innovation. Attendees will see how connected devices and new technologies can be introduced in ways that strengthen safety, resilience and alignment with business goals.
Learning Objectives
- Learn how scenario-driven exercises strengthen cross-disciplinary coordination between IT, OT, engineering, vendors and business stakeholders.
- Understand how ISA/IEC 62443 positions tabletop exercises as a core method for validating incident response, governance and security program effectiveness.
- Identify practical ways tabletop exercises expose gaps in roles, communications, and processes and how those findings drive continuous improvement.
- Recognize the role of tabletop exercises in the 62443 security-lifecycle, moving beyond policy to practiced readiness and demonstrable compliance.
- Apply the ISA/IEC 62443 roles-and-responsibilities matrix across the IT/OT lifecycle to clarify accountability and strengthen governance
.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Tim%20Staney%20(1).jpg)
Tim Staney is a Senior Technical Program Manager at Tampa International Airport, where he leads initiatives at the intersection of information technology, security and public safety. He plays a central role in IT/OT governance by convening the Cybersecurity Council and collaborating across Operations, Maintenance, Risk and IT teams to strengthen security in highly interconnected environments. Tim also guides product intake and contract security reviews, ensuring new systems and sensors are introduced in ways that balance business objectives with risk management and safety.
Trained in HSEEP (Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program) and CIPR (Cyber Incident Planning and Response), Tim applies these frameworks to enhance preparedness, resilience and governance. He also advances IT/OT shared governance using standards such as NIST and ISA/IEC 62443.
Nationally, Tim contributes to the Airports Council International–North America (ACI-NA) Business Information Technology Committee and its Artificial Intelligence Working Group and is an active member of InfraGard. Tim lives in St. Petersburg, Florida with his husband of 20 years and an embarrassing number of dogs.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
11:30-12:00
Sponsored Session by ZEDEDA: The Path to Scalable AI-Powered Computer Vision
Sachin Vasudeva , Vice President of Product Marketing , ZEDEDA
Topic(s): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Transformation
Type(s): Stage 2

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:00-13:30
Panel Discussion: Safety and Cyber Concerns for Physical AI Systems
Moderator: Sunil Doddi , CAP, CFSE, CFS , Pennsylvania
Steve Mustard , President , au2mation
Felipe Sabino Costa , Senior Product Marketing Manager - Networking & Cybersecurity , Moxa Americas
Dr. Johnathan Mell , Assistant Professor , University of Central Florida
Clint Bodungen , Founder , ThreatGEN
Topic(s): Cybersecurity
Type(s): Stage 1
There is a rapid expansion of AI deployment in cyber-physical systems like autonomous vehicles, co-bots and smart manufacturing. While AI can provide improved performance in complex tasks, particularly perception and control, the use of AI in these safety-critical and security-critical applications introduces new risks. This panel will discuss common challenges for implementing AI technologies in cyber-physical systems and AI risks for safety and security. The discussion will cover key questions, including:
- How will the emerging AI industry integrate into our physical world?
- What are the safety and security concerns in the physical world when implementing AI?
- Is industry preparing for AI in the physical world?
- What are the future work directions and remaining challenges for AI in the physical world?
- Is the current excitement around AI in the physical world overlooking safety and security risks?
Debate safe autonomy, cyber risks and assurance cases in Connect Forums:

Sunil Doddi, CAP, CFSE, CFS, currently serves as a Senior Principal Process Controls Engineer in Pennsylvania, where he develops process control systems and leads functional safety and cybersecurity initiatives for the global Hydrogen Refueling Systems (HRS) product line.
His career highlights include leading the development of the world's first fully automated hydrogen generation plant product line, a groundbreaking achievement that has garnered significant attention in the hydrogen industry. As a respected professional in his field, Sunil regularly authors papers on cybersecurity and functional safety and is frequently invited to speak at industry events.
His expertise in cybersecurity has earned him recognition in academia, and his work is incorporated into cybersecurity courses in universities.
Sunil is deeply involved with the International Society of Automation (ISA), contributing to standards development and serving in various roles. His recent contributions include:
- Editorial board member for ISA 84.91.03
- Member of ISA 99 Working Group 16 white paper
- Active contributor to ISA 106
He holds below certifications:
- ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP)
- Exida Certified Functional Safety Expert (CFSE)
- ISA Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist certificate
In his leisure time, he indulges in reading about ancient technologies and continues to contribute actively to the ISA community.

Steve Mustard, PE, CAP, GICSP, CMCP, has over 35 years of experience in the automation industry. He has developed embedded software and hardware for military applications and created products for industrial automation and control systems. Currently, much of his work focuses on assessing the cybersecurity readiness of organizations in critical infrastructure.
In addition to being the former 2021 ISA President, Mustard holds multiple certifications and professional engineering licenses. These include being a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), a UK-registered Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, a European-registered Engineer (EUR Ing), a Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), and a Certified Mission Critical Professional (CMCP).


Dr. Johnathan Mell is a professor, researcher and technology innovator working at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, human behavior and engineering. Dr. Mell is a tenure-track professor at the University of Central Florida, where he lectures on AI in video games, and leads the ScionAI lab, which researches topics relating to making and understanding more human-like AI systems. He received his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Southern California and holds further degrees from Wharton School of Business and Penn Engineering. Dr. Mell has appeared at numerous global conferences and is also regularly invited as a panelist or speaker to both academic conferences and popular science venues to discuss AI. He aims to connect business, gaming and cutting-edge artificial intelligence in a fully integrated way utilizing modern techniques to make consistent, trustworthy and useful AIs. His current work is focused on artificial negotiation and human-AI communication.

Clint is a globally recognized ICS cybersecurity professional and thought leader with 30 years of experience focusing primarily on industrial cybersecurity, red teaming and risk assessment. He is the author of two best-selling books, "Hacking Exposed: Industrial Control Systems" and “ChatGPT for Cybersecurity Cookbook.” He is a United States Air Force veteran and has worked for notable cybersecurity firms like Symantec, Booz Allen Hamilton, Kaspersky Lab and is currently the Founder/Head of Product Innovation at ThreatGEN as well as the Director of Cyber Innovation at MorganFranklin Cyber.
Renowned for his creative approach to cybersecurity education and training, Clint has been at the forefront of integrating gamification and AI applications into cybersecurity training. He created “ThreatGEN® Red vs. Blue,” the world's first online multiplayer computer designed to teach real-world cybersecurity, and “AutoTableTop,” which uses the latest generative AI technology to automate, simplify and enhance IR tabletop exercises. As AI technology continues to evolve, he hopes to help revolutionize the cybersecurity industry using gamification and generative AI.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:00-13:30
Revolutionizing Preventative Maintenance: Harnessing IIoT and Industry 4.0 for Reduced Downtime and Increased Efficiency
Dr. Brian Romano , Director of Technology Development , The Arthur G. Russell Co., Inc.
Dr. Ravindra Thamma , Associate Dean , Central Connecticut State University
Topic(s): Digital Transformation
Type(s): Stage 2
Industry 4.0 is transforming the manufacturing landscape by enabling smarter, interconnected systems that enhance operational efficiency. This session explores how cutting-edge Industry 4.0 technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins—are revolutionizing preventative maintenance. Attendees will learn how real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and automated decision-making can reduce unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness. Through case studies and industry examples, this session will provide practical insights into the implementation of these technologies, addressing both their benefits and integration challenges. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to optimize maintenance processes and leverage Industry 4.0 for a more resilient and efficient operation.
Share preventative maintenance wins, strategies and success in Connect Forums:

Dr. Romano, currently the Director of Technology Development at The Arthur G. Russell Co., has been in the process and automation control systems industry for more than 40 years, starting as a bench technician. After serving as president of a division for an automated machine builder, he owned a systems integration company, growing and positioning it as one with expertise in connecting the factory floor to the front office. To keep current with the ever-evolving automation industry, Brian holds an AS, BS, MS and MBA and Ph.D. in Technology and Innovation. He has been designing and implementing Industry 4.0 solutions, starting initially in 2004 connecting factory floor data systems to customer business systems.
Understanding the skills gap and workforce shortage in the control systems engineering profession, Brian leverages his academic knowledge and years of experience to teach the next generation of engineers at two local universities. He also serves as an industrial advisory board member for two technology and engineering universities, as a member of the CSIA Digital Committee and as chair of the ISA Smart Manufacturing Division IIoT committee, where he was awarded the 2022 ISA SM/IIoT Division Leader of the Year Award. Brian has been presenting at trade and professional society conferences for several years, publishes articles and has been quoted and interviewed for several automation publications.

Dr. Ravindra Thamma is a nationally recognized engineering educator and strategist who has built his career on bridging the gap between academic theory and industry practice. As Associate Dean at Central Connecticut State University’s School of Engineering, Science and Technology (SEST), he founded the first ABET-accredited Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Technology program in the U.S., aligning education directly with Industry 4.0 needs.
With over 100 industry partnerships, 4.3M+USD in funding and a global footprint in STEM access, Dr. Thamma has transformed classrooms into launchpads for innovation, employment and entrepreneurship. His pioneering Faculty-in-Residence model embeds faculty and students in live industry projects, while his student-centered philosophy ensures graduates are prepared not just to enter the workforce—but to lead it.
A passionate advocate for equity, he founded CCSU’s Young Engineers Summer Institute (YESI) and delivers free robotics education globally. He serves on the ATMAE Accreditation Board and was recognized with the FANUC Excellence in Robotics Education Award (2023) and nominated for ISA Fellow (2025). Through visionary leadership and deep domain expertise, Dr. Thamma is shaping the future of engineering education—where academic excellence meets real-world impact. Guided by the belief that education must empower students to shape the future, Dr. Thamma continues to bridge academic gaps with industry realities—preparing the next generation of engineers to lead with innovation, vision, and purpose.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:00-13:30
The "Beeness" of Leadership
Leigh-Kathryn Bonner , CEO , Bee Downtown and BDT Leadership Institute
Topic(s): Leadership
Type(s): Stage 3

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:15-13:30
Bridging the Gap Between Data and Insight
Peter Baxter , Vice President Operations , visCo, US
Type(s): Expo Stage

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:45-14:30
Panel Discussion: From Raw Data to Reliable Decisions: Data Governance in Action
Moderator: Steve Mustard , President , au2mation
Nathan Boeger , Compliance Manager , Inductive Automation
M. Dominique Pouliquen , CEO , Cintoo
Jeffrey Schroeder , Product Manager , HighByte
Topic(s): Data Management
Type(s): Stage 2
Compare policies, access control and quality metrics in Connect Forums:

Steve Mustard, PE, CAP, GICSP, CMCP, has over 35 years of experience in the automation industry. He has developed embedded software and hardware for military applications and created products for industrial automation and control systems. Currently, much of his work focuses on assessing the cybersecurity readiness of organizations in critical infrastructure.
In addition to being the former 2021 ISA President, Mustard holds multiple certifications and professional engineering licenses. These include being a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), an ISA Certified Automation Professional (CAP), a UK-registered Chartered Engineer (CEng), a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, a European-registered Engineer (EUR Ing), a Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP), and a Certified Mission Critical Professional (CMCP).

As Compliance Manager at Inductive Automation, Nathan has led major cross-functional initiatives, including the company’s achievement of ISASecure / IEC 62443-4-1 certification, progress toward ISO 9001 certification, and implementation of the NIST Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF). He represents the company during audits, security questionnaires and regulatory requests and is a key voice in external-facing assurance. Nathan authored guidance on Security Hardening, 21 CFR Part 11 compliance and NERC CIP best practices when deploying Ignition.


Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:45-14:30
ATT&CK’ing the Death Star while Bow-TIEs D3FEND
Jim Gilsinn , Principal ICS Cybersecurity Engineer , MITRE
Topic(s): Cybersecurity
Type(s): Stage 1
The MITRE ATT&CK framework provides fingerprints of an attack, but it can lose the context of how attackers chain TTPs together to achieve their objective. Other analysis, like ICS Kill Chain or bowtie, can provide more narrative, but may not include the nuances that ATT&CK provides on the TTPs. Combining these two sets of analysis with the ATT&CK and D3FEND mitigations and the requirements from standards like the ISA/IEC 62443 allows you to better understand how to respond to cybersecurity risks. This talk takes a fun look at linking these models using Star Wars as a backdrop.
Share analyses and mitigations mapped to attacker techniques in Connect Forums:

Jim Gilsinn is a Principal ICS Cybersecurity Engineer at MITRE with over 30 years engineering experience and nearly 25 years ICS/OT cybersecurity experience developing, designing, implementing, and assessing secure and reliable systems. At MITRE, he is assisting rural and municipal utilities increase their cybersecurity posture. Prior to MITRE, Jim was a consultant for 12 years at Dragos and Kenexis and an electrical engineer in the NIST Engineering Lab working on robotics, sensors and cybersecurity.
Jim has been a member of the ISA99 committee developing the ISA/IEC 62443 standard series since its inception in 2002 and was the committee co-chair from 2012-2022. Jim is also an adjunct professor at GMU teaching Critical Infrastructure Protection and ICS Security.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
13:45-14:30
The Technical Expert vs. Business Leader Dilemma: Choosing Your Career Journey
Co-moderator: SherrProfile%3AACoAABh_kgIB8CaUE03hwl5B9kwGW4vY0NQTWOs&lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_search_srp_all%3BBcG4LmbqS2GPBCy LaBonne , Software Product Manager, Industrial Automation & Controls Engineer , Rockwell Automation
Julie Robinson , Business Director , Rockwell Automation
Marco Ayala , President , Houston InfraGard Members Alliance
Dr. Soloman Almadi , Principal Scientist , Aramco
Topic(s): Leadership Career Skills
Type(s): Stage 3

.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Julie%20Robinson%20(1).jpg)

Marco has 30 years of field experience, during which time he designed, implemented and maintained process instrumentation, automation systems, safety systems and process control networks. In his role with a large global manufacturing company, he is responsible for applications globally that are specific to plant site operations and corporate governance.
With around two decades focused specifically on industrial cybersecurity, he has led efforts to secure the oil and gas (all streams), maritime port, offshore facilities and chemical sectors supporting federal, local and state entities in securing the private sector.
Marco is highly active in the International Society of Automation (ISA) and is a longtime member and newly elected to the Executive Board. He is a 22-year Senior Member and a certified cyber instructor for ISA/IEC 62443 with volunteering commitments and contributor to the AMSC Gulf of America (Mexico) cybersecurity committee in a sworn-in role to the USCG as Chair of Threat Intelligence and Cybersecurity for the outer continental shelf (OCS).
He has been an InfraGard member since 2014 and is currently serving as President of the Houston Members Alliance.

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
14:00-14:30
Panel Discussion: Next-Gen SCADA Integrations and Use Cases
Moderator: Dave Ubert , Senior Project Manager , McKim & Creed, Inc.
Francisco Alcala , Automation Engineer , CDM Smith
Karoleen Joseph , Sr. Product Manager , Honeywell
Christine Lee , Sales Engineer , Inductive Automation
Barry Baker , President , VTScada by Trihedral, Inc.
Type(s): Expo Stage





Tuesday
October 7, 2025
14:30-15:00
When Robots Start Acting Crazy (A Security Approach)
Jordan Bonagura , Senior Security Consultant , Secure Ideas
Topic(s): Robotics Cybersecurity Connectivity Artificial Intelligence (AI) Threat Intelligence Automation Control Data Management Incident Response
Type(s): Stage 1
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, robots are becoming integral to business operations, from Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools streamlining workflows to Low-Code/No-Code (LCNC) platforms enabling business users to automate processes without deep programming expertise. But what happens when these robots, designed to improve efficiency and reduce human error, start to behave unpredictably? When automation goes awry, it can lead to vulnerabilities, operational disruptions and even security breaches. In this session, we will explore the intersection of automation and security, focusing on the risks posed by RPA and LCNC technologies. We'll dive into real-world scenarios where robotic automation “goes rogue” and examine the potential impact on your organization’s data, infrastructure and compliance posture. From unexpected behavior in automated workflows to security loopholes in custom-built LCNC applications, we'll cover how to recognize, mitigate and recover from these challenges.
Explore anomaly detection, safety interlocks and response for robotics in Connect Forums:

Jordan is a Senior Security Consultant for Secure Ideas. With more than 20 years of experience in information security, he is passionate about helping companies and clients protect their data and applications from threats and vulnerabilities. As a principal security researcher, he led teams conducting vulnerability management, risk assessments, penetration tests and boundary-setting to comply with standards for companies in different segments. Jordan contributed to significant projects, such as developing an integrated GNSS positioning system and an encryption communication protocol between ground and satellite at the Brazilian National Institute of Space Research. He also has had the opportunity to speak at some of the most important security conferences around the globe, be a college professor and course coordinator, and consult for the Brazilian police in crime solving.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
14:30-15:00
ISA112 SCADA Systems - A Case Study - City of Odessa, TX - Water Utilities
Manoj Yegnaraman, PE , ISA112 Voting Member, Vice President and Chief Instrumentation Engineer , Carollo Engineers
Kaylani Ganesan , Senior Instrumentation Control Engineer , Carollo Engineers
Topic(s): SCADA ISA112 Standards & Regulations Water/Wastewater Instrumentation
Type(s): Stage 2
The upcoming ISA112 SCADA Standard is key to creating efficient, interoperable SCADA systems that meet global best practices. This presentation will showcase how a collaborative SCADA Master Planning process between a Water/Wastewater Utility, Engineer, and SCADA vendor not only maximizes operational efficiency but also results in a SCADA Systems Standards document that aligns seamlessly with the upcoming ISA112 SCADA standard. It's a win-win for all end-users, asset/system owners looking to future-proof their SCADA systems!
Discuss alarm management, HMI and lifecycle considerations in Connect Forum: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)


Tuesday
October 7, 2025
14:30-15:00
Building Your System of Management: Six Tools That Create Clarity, Consistency, and Results
Jeremy Wall , Co-Founder & CEO , GoalMakers
Topic(s): Leadership Career Skills
Type(s): Stage 3

Running a team without a system of management is like trying to steer a ship without a rudder—it leads to confusion, wasted effort and missed opportunities. In this keynote, Jeremy Wall shares six simple but powerful tools that any leader can use to create structure, consistency and momentum for their team.
From one-on-ones and team huddles to leadership meetings, reward programs, and position descriptions, Jeremy reveals how to turn everyday management practices into a repeatable system that drives long-term results. Drawing from his experience training hundreds of businesses across industries, Jeremy shows that building a management system isn’t about complexity—it’s about consistency. Attendees will walk away with a framework they can adapt to their own organization, ensuring less chaos, more clarity and stronger performance at every level.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
15:15-15:45
Next-Gen Water Intelligence: AI-Powered Groundwater Forecasting
Yaroslava Yingling , Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor and University Faculty Scholar , Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE)
Topic(s): Water/Wastewater Digital Transformation Data Management
Type(s): Stage 2
Accurately assessing and managing risks associated with inorganic pollutants in groundwater is imperative. Historical water quality databases are often sparse due to rationale or financial budgets for sample collection and analysis, posing challenges in evaluating exposure or water treatment effectiveness. We utilized and compared two advanced multiple data imputation techniques, AMELIA and MICE algorithms, to fill gaps in sparse groundwater quality data sets. AMELIA outperformed MICE in handling missing values, as MICE tended to overestimate certain values, resulting in more outliers. Field data sets revealed that 75% to 80% of samples exhibited no co-occurring regulated pollutants surpassing MCL values, whereas imputed values showed only 15% to 55% of the samples posed no health risks. Imputed data unveiled a significant increase, ranging from 2 to 5 times, in the number of sampling locations predicted to potentially exceed health-based limits and identified samples where 2 to 6 co-occurring chemicals may occur and surpass health-based levels. Linking imputed data to sampling locations can pinpoint potential hotspots of elevated chemical levels and guide optimal resource allocation for additional field sampling and chemical analysis. With this approach, further analysis of complete data sets allows state agencies authorized to conduct groundwater monitoring, often with limited financial resources, to prioritize sampling locations and chemicals to be tested. Given existing data and time constraints, it is crucial to identify the most strategic use of the available resources to address data gaps effectively. This work establishes a framework to enhance the beneficial impact of funding groundwater data collection by reducing uncertainty in prioritizing future sampling locations and chemical analyses.
Continue the exchange on modeling techniques, data sources and deployment at scale in Connect Forums:

Penn State University. Her research primarily focuses on the development and application of advanced multiscale molecular modeling methods and data-science approaches for investigating the properties and processes in soft, colloidal, biomimetic and biological materials. Dr. Yingling’s work also integrates
artificial intelligence (AI) and modeling techniques to tackle challenges in water quality prediction and environmental sustainability. She has received numerous accolades, including the NSF CAREER Award, the ACS Open Eye Young Investigator Award, the NC State Alumni Association Outstanding Research Award and induction into the NC State Research Leadership Academy.
Tuesday
October 7, 2025
15:45-16:15
SCADA AI Virtual Assistants: Is the Control Room Ready for AI?
Francisco Alcala , Automation Engineer , CDM Smith
Robert Ivanovic , Automation Practice Leader , CDM Smith
Topic(s): Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Transformation SCADA
Type(s): Stage 2
- Natural language interaction for dynamic data queries.
- Predictive analytics for proactive decision-making.
- Flexible, on-demand reporting for real-time and historical data.
- Multimodal engagement through voice, chat, and dashboards.
- Lower integration costs for new applications and features.
- Introduce a framework for a General-Purpose, Multi-Modal AI SCADA Assistant adaptable across industries and vendors.
- Demonstrate how AI and machine learning enhance situational awareness to enhance plant operations.
- Highlight the benefits of flexible, user-tailored SCADA interactions.


Tuesday
October 7, 2025
15:15-15:45
Daily Challenges = Daily Opportunities for Growth
Steve Pflantz , Fellow Process Automation & Safety , CRB Engineers and Consultants
Topic(s): Career Skills Leadership
Type(s): Stage 3

Tuesday
October 7, 2025
16:15-16:45
ISA Standards Overview
Moderator: Scott Reynolds , President , ISA
Vince Mezzano , Chair, ISA96 & Managing Director, ISA75, Fluor Senior Fellow , Control Systems Engineering
Chris Monchinski , Chief Technology Officer , InflexionPoint
Ashley Weckwerth , President-elect Secretary , ISA
Steve Ferguson , Managing Director of Standards and Technical Activities , ISA
Topic(s): Standards & Regulations Leadership
Type(s): Stage 1
This panel will provide an overview of the ISA Standards. Panelists will discuss the purpose and impact of ISA Standards and explain why they are essential for advancing global automation practices. Attendees will also learn how to actively participate in shaping the future of automation by joining an ISA Standards Committee. Whether you're new to ISA or looking to deepen your involvement, this session will offer valuable guidance and actionable steps for engagement.

Scott Reynolds is the Industrial Security Manager at Johns Manville. He has over 15 years of Industrial Engineering experience and is an active member of the OT/IT community.
Scott has held leadership roles in the International Society of Automation (ISA) for over 10 years and is currently serving as president of the society. Scott has an Electrical Engineering Technology degree from the University of Maine and an MBA from the University of South Dakota.


He thrives on tackling complex challenges, offering thought leadership, strategic insight and hands-on guidance in Digital Transformation and Data Analytics. Early in his career, he and his colleagues coined the term "tweeners" for their unique position bridging IT and Operational Technology (OT). Back then, IT and OT were siloed, but they successfully bridged that gap—an endeavor that remains a cornerstone of my work as IT/OT convergence becomes mainstream. He is passionate about leveraging data from all corners of an organization, turning it into actionable insights that drive excellence.
Chris’ commitment to the industry extends beyond the boardroom. He actively contributes to key organizations, serving as a member of the Smart Manufacturing Model Committee at MESA and chairing both the MESA Analytics Working Group and Knowledge Committee. His leadership roles include former Vice President of the ISA Standards and Practices Board (2019-2020), Managing Director of the ISA Standards and Practices Board and Chair of the ISA 95 committee on Enterprise-to-Control System Integration. As the convenor of the IEC/ISO JWG5, he oversees the maintenance of the IEC-62264 standards series.
He is a frequent speaker at industry events, sharing insights at conferences hosted by MESA, ISA and ISPE. Collaborating with fellow experts to advance our industry fuels his passion for innovation and knowledge sharing.

.jpg?width=417&height=417&name=Steve%20Ferguson%20(1).jpg)