By Jose Rivera

The 2024 CSIA Conference took place April 15-19 in Dallas, TX. The following are my takeaways.

1. This year, CSIA celebrated its 30th anniversary. This is not a small milestone, and we raised our glasses to this at the Townhall meeting. Two of the founding members, Pat Miller and Bob Zeigenfuse, were in attendance.

2. With the theme “Leading into the Future” — and a dedicated networking reception and conference track — we placed a significant emphasis on emerging leaders. They represent the next generation at SI companies and at CSIA. CSIA followed through with a recommendation made by the Emerging Leaders Special Interest Group to drop the “Executive” in the name of our main event to make it more inclusive.

3. With 536 attendees, this conference set a new post-pandemic record and second highest overall (2018 San Francisco with 599 remains the target to beat).

4. Networking continues to be a key part of the deliverables at the conference. Participation at the Speed Networking event was great. Transitions between the rounds ran smoothly, and we had better mixing as well.

5. The keynote speakers provided insight, motivation, inspiration and serious laughter. We will remember this very special conference as it set a new benchmark.

6. Prior to the start of the conference, CSIA delivered three very successful workshops: the traditional 2-day BP workshop, a 1-day “business as an investment” and a first-time 1-day marketing workshop. Participation and feedback were great. You may want to consider them for you or your company team next year.

7. I often describe the feeling of the conference — particularly at the welcome reception — as a “high school reunion.” Outside of the hotel is the Reunion Tower, a 561 ft observation tower that is very much part of the Dallas skyline. I found it very interesting that it included “reunion” in the name. In the group picture you can see the monument marker.

I would like to express my gratitude to our SI and partner members, presenters, panelists, keynote speakers, Board of Directors and staff for having made this successful event happen.

Please keep in mind that the learning and networking continues throughout the year through CSIA webinars, committees, special interest groups and our participation at trade shows.

Finally, mark your calendar for next year! CSIA will be heading to San Diego, June 2 – 9, for the 2025 event. You won’t want to miss it!

Jose Rivera is CEO of Control System Integrators Association.