A3 2025 Business Forum Recap
By: Travis Miller
To my friends from the A3 Business Forum,
I hope this message finds you well. It was a pleasure connecting with many of you in Orlando last month. The forum was a treasure trove of insights, and I wanted to share some key takeaways that could help shape all of our strategies moving forward.
The Economic Outlook with Alan Beaulieu
Alan Beaulieu, President of ITR Economics, provided a compelling forecast on where the economy is headed. While early 2025 may see modest growth, the latter half of the year is expected to bring significant expansion. He emphasized the importance of preparing now to capitalize on upcoming opportunities. As ITR Economics states in a recent blog post, “Cumulative investments in the economy from recent years will allow higher levels of economic activity through 2026 and into 2027.”
Looking further ahead, Beaulieu cautioned that the 2030s may bring economic challenges, making it crucial for businesses to invest wisely, embrace automation, and develop resilient strategies today. His message was clear: those who plan ahead will be best positioned for long-term success.
Automation Industry Challenges by Alex Shikany
We were proud to sponsor Alex Shikany’s presentation, especially as he steps into his new role as Executive Vice President of A3. His discussion highlighted key automation trends, including the growing role of robotics in industries like warehousing, agriculture, and construction.
A major challenge he addressed is the persistent workforce shortage in automation. With more job openings than qualified candidates, companies must invest in recruitment strategies, training programs, and automation solutions to bridge the gap. As he said during the Universal Robots Collaborate event, “Human beings and machines are going to be working more closely together than ever before as we move forward.”
Looking Ahead
The insights from the forum reinforce the importance of strategic planning and adaptability. As we navigate an evolving economic landscape and address workforce challenges, collaboration and proactive engagement will be key to our collective success.
Thank you for the partnerships, discussions, and shared knowledge in Orlando. Let’s take these insights and turn them into action, driving growth and innovation in the months ahead. Together, we continue to shape the future of this industry.