Inside the CED Industrial Solutions Expo: A Hands-On Look at Innovation
Earlier this month, our team had the opportunity to attend the Industrial Solutions Expo hosted by CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors) — it was one of the most insightful events we’ve been to this year. The expo brought together industry leaders, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world applications, all under one roof.
A Practical Approach to Innovation
Unlike a typical trade show, the CED expo focused heavily on hands-on learning and real-time demonstrations. From industrial automation to smart manufacturing, nearly every booth offered the chance to interact directly with products and software. Live demos included PLC programming, HMI interfaces, sensor diagnostics, VFDs, and industrial safety systems.
This hands-on access allowed attendees to not only see how systems work but actually test and troubleshoot them — a major advantage for those of us who learn best by doing.
Expert Sessions & Industry Trends
Throughout the day, CED offered a series of tech talks and vendor-led sessions. Topics included:
- The rise of Industrial IoT and its real-world applications
- Transforming Manufacturing in an Age of Innovation
- Best Practices for Securing OT Environments
- Why Manufacturers Should Care about Sustainability
These sessions provided a great snapshot of where the industry is headed and how companies can stay ahead by integrating smarter, more efficient technologies.
Networking with Purpose
One of the expo’s strengths was its atmosphere of collaboration. Engineers, technicians, facility managers, and students mingled with representatives from companies like Rockwell Automation, Panduit, Dell, Hoffman, and more. The open format made it easy to ask questions, share challenges, and even explore possible solutions on the spot.
Whether you were new to automation or deep into process engineering, there was value in every conversation. We walked away with new contacts, useful insights, and a better sense of what’s possible with today’s industrial technologies.
Why It Matters
In a time when automation is advancing rapidly and skilled labor is in high demand, events like CED’s expo are more important than ever. They give professionals and businesses a chance to see what’s new, learn directly from product experts, and evaluate tools that can improve efficiency, safety, and reliability in their operations.
Final Thoughts
The CED Industrial Solutions Expo was more than just a showcase — it was a true learning experience. The combination of hands-on demos, informative sessions, and industry networking made it a worthwhile investment of time. Whether you’re managing a plant, working on controls integration, or simply looking to stay current with technology, this expo had something for everyone.