Emerson Users Exchange Recap

Most frequently heard word? "Wireless." Not only were numerous sessions dedicated to wireless applications, the folks at Emerson actually installed a wireless network throughout the Gaylord Hotel last weekend with a two-fold goal: to help the Gaylord management monitor temperature fluctuations throughout the huge atrium and to demonstrate to users how simply and quickly a complete wireless system could be installed and working in a huge facility.

Some numbers: In 1998, 252 users attended the Emerson Users Exchange. A decade later, attendance has ballooned ten-fold, to about 2,600. Attending this year's exchange were process professionals from 55 countries, 70 exhibitors showed off their products and technologies at the sold-out trade show, and attendees were able to choose from more than 300 different technical sessions. As for EPM sales, Berra announced this week marked the end of the fiscal year, and thus far sales are up by 18%. When the final figures are tallied, $1 billion in growth this year is not out of the question, said Berra.

NASA's Dr. Jack Bacon, the keynote speaker, had a number of interesting stories to tell about his life and the U.S. space program. Bacon's grandfather actually worked with Orville and Wilbur Wright during the early 20th century. Prior to this year's Exchange, Dr. Bacon has been in Rwanda building water purification systems.

Bacon reminded the audience that, while we may not hear a lot about it, space history is being made on a daily basis. Only days ago, the first commercial rocket was launched into outer space with relatively little fanfare. And the International Space Station may not look like much from the comfort of our living room, but it's actually 17x21 stories (Sputnik was the size of a basketball) and is the most complex machine ever built in human history.

Next year’s exchange is scheduled to take place at the Gaylord Palms Resort Hotel & Convention Center, Sept. 28 through Oct. 2, 2009.