Overview
YNOW2024: Impact Your World took place at the Hilton Americas-Houston in downtown Houston from October 28-30, 2024. The theme for this year’s conference, “Impact Your World”, emphasized how innovation, partnerships, and industrial automation technologies can positively influence operations, businesses, communities, and the environment.
The conference featured a variety of focus areas aimed at providing attendees with insights into transformative technologies and practices. Key topics included the transition from Industrial Automation to Industrial Autonomy, where sessions explored the application of AI, Cloud computing, IIoT, and robotics in creating agile and resilient operations. Additionally, the Operations Management and Production Excellence track highlighted best practices for enhancing safety and operational discipline through advanced process control and effective management strategies.
Another significant area of discussion was Lifecycle Management, which addressed strategies for simplifying system migrations and upgrades while ensuring cybersecurity and minimizing downtime. Attendees also learned about Asset Management, focusing on optimizing performance across various assets from process units to digital IT/OT systems. Furthermore, the conference tackled solutions for the Energy Transition, showcasing cloud-based software that aids in decarbonization efforts amidst evolving regulatory landscapes.
In addition to informative sessions, YNOW2024 featured an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge advancements in industrial automation and digital transformation. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with over thirty sponsor companies presenting their latest innovations in AI, analytics, and instrumentation products. This combination of Yokogawa's expertise and the innovative solutions from sponsors provided a unique platform for attendees to discover new strategies for enhancing operations and driving sustainable growth in their industries.
Attendee Experience
Each morning of the event, registrants received an email and an in-app message (via Whova) highlighting the day's agenda and key activities to look forward to. Upon arrival at the hotel, attendees were guided to the 4th floor for registration through strategically placed floor decals with the event logo. Registration was designed for convenience, allowing participants to either scan a QR code or visit the registration desk.
The exhibition area opened daily at 7am, featuring a complimentary breakfast that provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with 36 sponsors/exhibitors. Sponsors and exhibitors were provided with a 10x10 booth to showcase their products and technologies, complementing Yokogawa’s offerings. Participants could also explore the ten Yokogawa booths, engage with employees, and converse with subject matter experts. Yokogawa’s booths were designed to minimize raw material usage, aligning with the "Impact Your World" sustainability theme. The wood used for the booths was repurposed for future events, and a touch of greenery was added to the top of each booth.
Each day kicked off with keynote sessions presented by industry leaders, followed by a selection of five tracks for attendees to choose from. These tracks included nine panel discussions on captivating topics such as Open Process Automation, Robotics, Space IT/OT Convergence, Artificial Intelligence, and more.
In addition to the five main tracks at YNOW2024, each day was dedicated to a distinct theme highlighting cutting-edge technologies in the fields of Space, Life Sciences, and Water, bringing in not only existing customers but also prospects, business partners and users from other industries, increasing the benefit for attendees of cross-industry learnings.
- Monday, October 28: The focus was on Space Infrastructure and the Future of Industry 5.0. Attendees engaged in a series of dynamic sessions led by prominent companies within the space sector. These discussions illuminated how industry leaders are pioneering autonomous operations in space while drawing parallels to advancements in terrestrial industries.
- Tuesday, October 29: The theme shifted to Life Sciences, where participants explored how emerging technologies are addressing challenges in bioprocessing. Key topics included advancements that enhance drug discovery, facilitate biomanufacturing, and accelerate the transformation of cell therapies.
- Wednesday, October 30: The spotlight turned to Water, examining how the industry is responding to challenges such as population growth, watershed encroachment, and health risks associated with PFAS "forever chemicals." Attendees were treated to an exclusive screening of the documentary "Our Blue World," narrated by Liam Neeson. Sponsored by Yokogawa, this film showcased innovators and pioneers who are creatively tackling global water and sanitation issues.
Key Highlights Experienced by Attendees
Pre and Post Event Workshops: Attendees were offered the chance to attend complimentary in-depth workshops designed to enhance their skills and knowledge pre and post the event. The workshops, offered by industry experts, provided hands-on training and demos to give attendees in-depth insight into the latest concepts and hardware.
Whitepaper Wall: A whitepaper wall was set up in a high-traffic area, showcasing 24 curated pieces of content from Yokogawa, including whitepapers, articles, and eBooks. Each piece featured its front page along with QR codes, allowing attendees to easily scan, read, and download the content on their phones. This initiative supported the "Impact Your World" sustainability theme by eliminating the need for printed materials.
Impact Your World Photo Opportunity: Impact Your World Photo Opportunity: A banner backdrop was created with the letters "MPACT," intentionally leaving out the "I." Attendees were invited to stand in front of the banner to become the "I" in IMPACT. A floor decal next to the banner read, "Be the driving force of change! Stand here and become the 'I' in IMPACT."
Yokogawa History Timeline: A 20-foot timeline was displayed outside the general session venue, taking attendees on a journey through the company's legacy of innovation and excellence. This timeline showcased Yokogawa's impact on the world, highlighting significant milestones such as the company's "World Firsts," global expansion in offices and M&A activities, and other key achievements from 1915 to 2024.
Seed Wall: A 16-foot wide, 8-foot-tall wall showcased Yokogawa's commitment to fostering a sustainable future. Attendees were invited to take one of 300 tree seed packets from the wall and grow their own Thornless Honey Locust tree. Yokogawa has already planted a forest of 3,000 trees in Tanzania with Forest Nation and directed attendees to a microsite to learn more about the project: https://forestnation.com/net/forests/yokogawa/ and to contribute to planting more trees in the Yokogawa Forest.
Table Topics: Thirty-two table topics were introduced to facilitate discussions among like-minded attendees. Table signs were placed on all tables in the exhibition and pre-function areas. Topics included Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Safety and Risk Management, Digital Twins, Energy Transition, and Digital Transformation, among others.
Meet Sami the YokoPup: During break periods between sessions, attendees had the chance to meet Sami, one of the YokoPups. These custom-designed character stress balls, made from polyurethane foam and hand-painted in China, serve as unique promotional giveaways for all Yokogawa business units.
At YNOW2024, a life-size version of Sami appeared with "Sami Security" to greet attendees and distribute a limited edition YokoPup named Sui, our sustainability-themed YokoPup created specifically for the event. Attendees enjoyed taking photos with Sami and sharing them on social media with the hashtag #YokoPup.
Engineer Comedian: Attendees enjoyed a general session featuring Don McMillan, an American comedian and former engineer renowned for his technical and corporate-themed humor. Combining his engineering expertise with comedic talent, Don McMillan delivered a customized stand-up comedy act that resonated with the event's technical audience.
Cocktail Reception Evening: On the first night of the event, attendees were treated to an "Out of This World" space-themed cocktail evening. To kick off YNOW2024, they mingled with the "stars" of the show and enjoyed gourmet appetizers. The venue's ceiling was adorned with LED-lit planets and a galaxy of stars, creating a truly celestial atmosphere.
Boots and Bling Customer Appreciation Event: On the second evening of the event, attendees enjoyed a country and western-themed night at The Rustic in Downtown Houston. They received LED cowboy hats and exclusive Yokogawa custom-designed bandanas. Entertainment included an 8-piece live band, a roller-roper, and a western dress-up photo booth where attendees could keep their printed photos. It was a fantastic night filled with mouth-watering Southern cuisine, toe-tapping tunes, dancing, and fun.
Digital Gifts: To thank customers for attending the event, digital gift cards were offered. These gifts ranged from entertainment and dining options to donations for non-profit organizations related to STEM activities or the environment. The primary reasons for choosing digital gifts were to reduce environmental impact, carbon emissions from shipping, and waste.
Resources
YNOW2024 Presentation Recordings
eDailies written by Endeavor Business Media: YNOW: A Yokogawa Users Conference | Control Global