CSIA 2025: Connections, Insights and the Future of Automation
What system integrators told us about automation hiring, skills shortages and where the industry is heading next.
Last week, Justin and I had the pleasure of attending the CSIA Conference 2025 in sunny San Diego, and it did not disappoint. The Control System Integrators Association once again brought together a fantastic mix of industry leaders, innovators and thoughtful conversations that reminded us why we love working in this space.
The conference delivered real value from the first keynote to the final wrap up. We attended high impact sessions covering the future of system integration, industrial automation and digital transformation. The SLS Digital Transformation talks, in particular, stood out. It was a privilege to hear from respected voices in the field such as George Young from Rockwell, James Gillespie of GrayMatter, Brian Romano from Arthur G Russel Co, Renato Leal of GreyLogix Brasil and Titus Crabb of Vertech. Each shared sharp perspectives on where the industry is headed and what is needed to keep pace.
As always, some of the best moments happened between sessions. Over coffee, at lunch or during impromptu chats in the hallway, we met integrators and vendors doing exciting things, reconnected with familiar faces, and finally met a few long standing clients in person for the first time.
At Cognify Global, we focus on delivering value through intelligent hiring. Being part of CSIA gives us clearer visibility into the challenges integrators face and the skills they will need next. That understanding allows us to tailor our recruitment approach so it actually solves real problems, not just fills roles.
A big thank you to the CSIA team for putting on such a well organised and meaningful event. We are leaving with new insights, new partnerships and a renewed energy for the future.
If you are growing your team in automation or control systems and want a recruitment partner who understands the industry from the inside, we would love to talk.