SPS Atlanta 2025 Addresses Manufacturing Challenges With Automation-Focused Solutions, Dynamic Education Programs

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The inaugural edition of Smart Production Solutions (SPS) Atlanta is the North American iteration of the SPS in Nuremberg, Germany. SPS Atlanta brings together industry leaders, decision-makers and manufacturing experts across all sectors. With a specialized emphasis on industrial automation, SPS Atlanta is distinct from broader manufacturing events by concentrating solely on the smart technologies and solutions needed to overcome the real-world challenges facing today’s manufacturers.

“Hosting SPS in Atlanta marks a natural evolution of the brand. The U.S. is not only a vital player in global manufacturing, but also a hub for innovation — and even more so in the Southeast region,” says Constantin von Vieregge, president and CEO, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “This event brings global automation expertise directly to American soil, where it’s both urgently needed and wanted.”

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SPS Atlanta supports the reshoring movement by providing a platform for showcasing automation solutions that enable fast, flexible and cost-effective local production — key for companies aiming to regain control over their operations and supply networks.

In addition, SPS Atlanta is a hub for inspiration, implementation and state-of-the-art automation solutions that support the integration of advanced technologies into the nation’s infrastructure. The event will highlight the latest products and equipment — from industrial software and robotics to control systems and sensors.

Attendees at SPS Atlanta 2025 can expect:

• A robust show floor featuring automation providers including Siemens, Bosch Rexroth, Phoenix Contact and more
• An education program designed to provide practical strategies and technical insight across automation sectors 
• 13 well-defined product categories covering a broad range of end-use applications 
• Networking opportunities connecting engineers, R&D, integrators and industry decision-makers with leading manufacturers and suppliers.

In addition, Debra Phillips, president and CEO of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), will headline the keynote stage. Her keynote, “Powering the Electric Future: Technology, Policy and the Path to a Reliable Grid,” will spotlight one of the most urgent issues facing the automation and manufacturing sectors: how to scale, secure and modernize the U.S. electrical grid to meet skyrocketing energy demand.

As electricity demand accelerates across the U.S., her presentation will explore how the electroindustry is positioned at the nexus of technological advancement, economic growth and policy development. Phillips will outline the strategies, innovations and regulatory frameworks essential to building a reliable, secure and affordable energy system that can meet the needs of an increasingly electrified economy.

A Dynamic Education Program

SPS Atlanta 2025 will feature three distinct educational theaters on the show floor — Automation Fundamentals, Expert Exchange and Trend Talks — each designed to deliver targeted content for attendees at any stage of their automation journey.

Designed to tackle the everyday challenges and emerging opportunities in today’s automated manufacturing environments, this year’s sessions will feature knowledgeable professionals with hands-on experience and applicable strategies. From system integration to connected ecosystems and precision automation, these speakers will share real-world perspectives, guidance and lessons learned from the field — making each session a valuable resource.

Education sessions on the agenda include:

• Bridging the Gap: Integrating Legacy Systems with Modern Automation Technologies
  • Speaker: Alicia “Ali G” Gilpin, Process & Controls Engineering LLC
  • This session explores practical, cost-aware strategies to modernize outdated systems while maximizing existing investments.
• Advantages of an Open, IoT Ecosystem for Cost-Effective, Scalable Solutions
  • Speakers: Ken Crawford, Weidmuller USA; Chris Schulze, CODESYS Corp.
  • Learn how open, interoperable ecosystems are transforming connected manufacturing — offering scalability without vendor lock-in.
• Leveraging Force and Vision to Build Accurate and Reliable Automation
  • Speaker: Barry Clark, Bright Machines
  • A deep dive into how advanced sensing and vision systems are redefining quality, repeatability and production speed.
• The Future of Automation
  • Speaker: Chris Liu, Siemens
  • Join the discussion designed for OT professionals who are helping to navigate their companies through the rapidly evolving landscape of automation technologies.

SPS Atlanta 2025 will also introduce its Academic Zone, a dedicated area on the show floor showcasing cutting-edge ideas, fresh perspectives and emerging talent. Attendees can connect with students, professors and research teams who are exploring key topics like smart manufacturing, IIoT, machine learning and sustainable production practices.

Collaboratively organized by Messe Frankfurt Inc., Mesago Messe Frankfurt and The Association For Manufacturing Technology (AMT), SPS Atlanta delivers the essential elements that support the North American manufacturing community’s investment in automation technology. Exhibitors and attendees alike are invited to join the future of manufacturing at SPS Atlanta 2025 — where automation delivers. Registration for SPS Atlanta 2025 is open.