Automation Career Day

An Automation Career Connections Event

When: Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, Mobile, AL USA

"The Automation Federation and ISA have planned a great mini-career fair about automation careers for hundreds of local Mobile, Alabama area high school students. Automation Career Day will give these students a hands-on glimpse into the world of automation through interactive, educational displays and conversations with automation professionals. I am confident the students will leave with a better understanding and appreciation for automation. And, I know we will have provided them with valuable information about the many career paths that await them in automation. "

- Nelson Ninin,
2011 Automation Federation Chair

The Automation Federation and ISA, along with Bishop State Community College, present Automation Career Day. This mini-career fair, featuring a wealth of educational and industry displays, will provide local high school students a unique opportunity to learn about, and experience first-hand, the many exciting careers in automation.

During the Automation Career Day event, students will participate in educational, informational, and interactive displays and learn how the displays apply to the real-world of automation. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with various industry representatives to learn about exciting “cool jobs” in manufacturing automation. The event and the displays will stress the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to their future endeavors.

Event Activities:

A variety of educational vendor displays
Keynote address by the Vice President of Technical and Show Support for the Resident Show Division of Cirque du Soleil, Calum Pearson
Performance by the Bishop State Community College Marching Band

Don’t miss this opportunity to open the doors to the world of automation and ensure the growth of the automation profession for years to come!

Keynote Address

The Automation Behind the Entertainment

Our keynote will explore the science and technology behind the magic and drama of Cirque du Soleil. You will be immersed in the world of Cirque du Soleil with an entertaining, behind-the-scenes discussion on the fun and philosophy surrounding what it takes to create the dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment that make up their shows. You will learn first-hand that it takes more than just entertainers on stage to build an eye-opening show—it takes automation professionals.

Keynote Speaker

Calum Pearson

Calum is currently the Vice President of Technical and Show Support for the Resident Show Division of Cirque du Soleil. Calum served as Company Manager for KÀ, and was responsible for managing the day to day operations of Cirque du Soleil’s fourth permanent show in Las Vegas. With more than 300 cast and crew members from 18 different countries and a production cost of $200 million, Calum had his hands full when he joined KÀ in November 2004—just as the first public performances started and the creation process was still in an intense period. With over 17 years of operations and management experience in the entertainment industry, Calum brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills to Cirque du Soleil.

Prior to joining Cirque du Soleil, Calum spent 16 years touring with well known music productions, including Bon Jovi and Van Halen, and family acts such as Disney on Ice. He progressed his responsibilities over the years from Lead Rigger to Technical Director and Company Manager.

Calum is a native of England. He and his wife, Cory, have two young sons and live in Las Vegas.

About Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec company recognized the world over for high-quality artistic entertainment, with over 5,000 employees and artists from over forty countries.

Cirque du Soleil ‘raison d’être’ is the creation of shows, to be presented under Big Tops, in theaters or arenas around the world. Nearly two hundred creators have contributed their talent to that end since 1984. Cirque du Soleil has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in over 250 cities on five continents.
Discover our shows.