Billy Beane with the Oakland Athletics to give lessons for life and business during keynote at automate 2024

Former Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations and current Senior Advisor to Oakland Athletics ownership Billy Beane will deliver a keynote address at Automate on Monday, May 6. During his speech, "Moneyball: Lessons for Life and Business from Baseball's Best General Manager," he will discuss how careful analytics and strategic use of assets can give companies an edge over larger organizations. Automate is North America’s leading automation showcase and is free to attend.

As General Manager at the Oakland Athletics, Beane used data-driven methodology to turn a low-payroll team into one of the most successful organizations in baseball. He demonstrated how, through innovative leadership and thoughtful use of undervalued assets, a smaller organization can outdo its bigger, higher-profile rivals. Now, Beane explains how his methods can apply to almost any industry.

"Many of automation’s most exciting applications rely on thoughtful use of data," said Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), "and Billy Beane’s accomplishments with the Athletics prove just how powerful data can be in the right hands, no matter the application. We can’t wait to hear his thoughts on how organizations of every size can leverage their assets in the best ways possible."

Automate is happening May 6–9 in Chicago, Illinois. Attendance is free for anyone who works with or is interested in, automation. Every year, the show draws exhibitors and attendees from all around the world—and with over 365,000 square feet of show floor, 800+ exhibitors, 200 speakers and 30,000 registrants, this year is no exception. Attendees will make new professional connections and see the latest solutions in cutting-edge robotics, vision, artificial intelligence, motion control and related automation technologies.

In conjunction with the free show, the paid Automate Conference will feature 200+ accomplished industry professionals leading classroom-style sessions. Those looking to sharpen their skills or deepen their automation knowledge should sign up for these educational conference sessions to get practical solutions, discover the latest innovations or learn from real-world case studies. Conference attendees can also take advantage of Certified Vision Professional courses in basic and advanced tracks and Certified Motion Control Professional - Basic courses culminating in an exam to secure professional certification (exam fees are separate).