Software Toolbox attends a wide variety of customer and networking events throughout the year. Each one gives us valuable opportunities to connect with our customers, exchange ideas with peers, and gather feedback that helps us improve what we do. Some stand out because of the conversations they spark, the insights they deliver, or the energy they generate within the community. OT SCADA CON was one of those connection sparking events. In this blog, I will share some of the key takeaways I brought home from the experience.
OT SCADA CON: Fast-Paced Learning, Real-World Insights
OT SCADA CON is a unique, community-driven conference organized by the Automation Ladies and their volunteers, bringing together professionals from across the industrial automation space. While the name highlights Operational Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), the event essentially covers everything in the world of SCADA and beyond. Launched just last year, the conference has already doubled in size.
Attendees include maintenance technicians, control engineers, and SCADA specialists, entrepreneurs, OT cybersecurity experts, and digital transformation architects. The event stands out for its fast-paced, 30-minute sessions that keep the discussions fresh and engaging, covering topics such as PLCs, HMIs, machine safety, robotics, cybersecurity, networking, virtualization, IIoT, predictive maintenance, and more. Each session is designed to spark ideas, share knowledge, and strengthen the OT community.
Beyond the Sessions: The True Value of OT SCADA CON
One of the strongest aspects of the event was the networking - and yes, the delicious food. It provided a unique opportunity to connect with people in the industry who are not often present at other conferences, including some who were relatively “new” to the field. These conversations offered fresh perspectives, personal experiences, and the chance to build relationships that may lead to future collaboration. To me those conversations were just as valuable as the sessions themselves. Reflecting about what I took away from the conference, a few things stand out:
- Exposure to areas of OT/SCADA outside typical experience – Attendees were introduced to disciplines and technologies beyond their usual scope, from IIoT integration to cybersecurity practices, providing a more comprehensive view of the industry and inspiring new ideas for their own work.
- Reinforcement of foundational knowledge – Sessions on topics like PLC programming, HMI configuration, and process control principles reminded participants of the importance of a strong technical foundation, which remains critical as new technologies and methodologies continue to evolve.
- The value of professional relationships – Conversations among attendees demonstrated how networking can be as impactful as formal learning. Sharing experiences, lessons learned, and best practices fosters connections that can lead to mentorship, collaboration, and knowledge exchange well beyond the conference.
Connecting, Learning, Collaborating, and Innovating: Reflections on OT SCADA CON
One of the things that stood out for me was how enjoyable the entire experience was. On the final day, Software Toolbox sponsored lunch and raffled off a one-year educational subscription to OPC Router – a way of giving back that also emphasized our commitment to support continuous learning and professional development in the OT and SCADA community. These moments created a relaxed atmosphere that made it easy to connect with people, share stories, and dive into meaningful conversations.
What I appreciated most was how seamlessly these informal interactions tied the spirit of the event. The sessions offered exposure to new perspectives and reinforced key fundamentals, but the conversations during the lunch and breaks often went even deeper. For me, OT SCADA CON showed that conferences don’t always have to be about promoting your business or selling a product. The real value often comes from gaining a broader perspective, connecting with people, and strengthening the community around the work we do. That blend of learning and connecting is what made OT SCADA CON so valuable. It wasn’t endless slides or overly technical deep dives – it was about sparking curiosity, building relationships, and walking away with fresh ideas.
Connecting the Dots: OT SCADA CON and Software Toolbox’s Mission
That same spirit of collaboration is also at the heart of Software Toolbox’s mission. Just as OT SCADA CON brought together real-world discussions on PLCs, HMIs, cybersecurity, and IIoT, our focus is on providing flexible tools and trusted expertise that help users unify data, optimize SCADA environments, and ensure resilient operations. Both the conference and our mission emphasize practical innovative solutions, continuous learning, and building trust within the community.
By participating in events like OT SCADA CON, we not only share our own knowledge but also gain new insights by listening to others. For me personally, that’s what made the conference such an enjoyable and rewarding experience – it was a reminder that the real value of these gatherings comes from the connections we make, the ideas we exchange, and the community we continue to build together.
Discover Tools to Simplify Your OT and SCADA Operations, and more
If you want to learn more about how Software Toolbox solutions can help simplify OT and SCADA integration, improve data reliability, and support continuous learning, check out these resources:
- OPC Router Technical Guides
- TOP Server Technical Blog
- OmniServer Technical Blog
- DataCaster - Put metrics on any standard HDMI enabled display
These tools and insights provide practical ways to enhance your operations, stay up to date with emerging trends, and get the most out of your industrial automation systems.
