Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Oct. 29, 2025) – Over 500 attendees, 45 exhibitors and 30 world-class presenters attended the annual Emerging Technologies in Automation and Mobility Transformation Conference and Trade Show at Caesars Windsor.
Hosted by Invest WindsorEssex in partnership with Automate Canada, the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program, the Canadian Association of Mold Makers, the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, this year’s event highlighted the latest breakthroughs shaping the future of automation, advanced manufacturing and mobility.
For the first time, the conference brought together two flagship events under one roof, merging the long-running Emerging Technologies in Automation Conference with the Mobility Transformation Conference, creating a single, powerful program to explore the technologies driving the future of industry.
Participants experienced a full day of keynotes, panel discussions and breakout sessions focused on emerging trends in artificial intelligence, robotics, agri-business, aerospace and defence, battery manufacturing and IT/OT convergence.
The conference’s keynote address, delivered by Lisa Lortie, vice president of RAM LD product planning at Stellantis, focused on “Stellantis Mobility Evolution,” offering exclusive insight into the company’s transition to next-generation vehicle platforms and mobility technologies.
A high-profile panel discussion featuring Danies Lee, chief executive officer of NextStar Energy, and Joris Myny, senior vice president of digital industries at Siemens Canada Limited, explored the rapid development of the battery supply chain ecosystem and its impact on regional economic growth and industry transformation.
Plenary sessions explored the intersection of automation, energy and mobility transformation with Chris Cunningham, vice president of major projects, small modular reactors at Ontario Power Generation, delivering insights on how electrification will reshape industries in “Electrifying Life in One Generation.” Cory Garlick, industry vice president of global sales & marketing at Rockwell Automation, closed the day with “Creating the Future of Industrial Operation,” highlighting how advanced technologies are transforming the global mobility industry.
The day was also complemented by many outstanding breakout sessions on topics such as implementing automation in construction processes, mold-making as well as how artificial intelligence has impacted the latest developments in automation.
A special thank you to this year’s conference sponsors whose contributions helped to support local industry and make the event a great success:
Platinum Sponsor: AVL
Gold Sponsors: Rockwell Automation and Siemens
Silver Sponsors: St. Clair College | Research and Innovation, University of Windsor | Research and Innovation, Vista Solutions, Desjardins, BDC, Ontario Centre of Innovation, THK America Inc.
Bronze Sponsors: Colt Canada, Trinity Tech Inc.
QUOTES
“Windsor-Essex continues to be a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing across all industries. This year’s Emerging Technologies Conference demonstrated how our local companies are leading the way in automation, mobility and next-generation technologies. Events like this allow our community to showcase expertise, connect with global partners and drive economic growth in the region.” — Gordon Orr, CEO, Invest WindsorEssex
“From its early days as a regional gathering, the Emerging Technologies Conference has grown into a leading international forum with over 500 people attending this year’s event. It brings together innovators, educators, and industry leaders to share insights on robotics, AI and IT/OT convergence, helping shape the future of mobility and automation.” — Wendy Stark, Director, Business Retention and Expansion, Invest WindsorEssex
“This conference is a unique opportunity for companies to explore cutting-edge solutions that are transforming manufacturing and mobility industries. From artificial intelligence to battery technologies, attendees can learn about the innovations driving efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness across multiple sectors.” — Vladimir Franjo, Regional Director – Ontario Cross Regional Team, National Research Council Canada – Industrial Research Assistance Program
“Bringing together the Mobility Transformation Conference with the Emerging Technologies Conference provides an unparalleled platform for collaboration. Attendees can see how connected mobility, electrification and automation intersect, exchanging ideas that are defining the next generation of transportation and industrial solutions.” — Jimi Tjong, Professor and Business Development Consultant
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in the Windsor-Essex region. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
Media Contact
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com