2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the introduction of PROFIBUS technology to world markets. To celebrate this momentous year, alongside the 27th combined meetings of PI, we are delighted that Ireland was selected as the venue for the meetings and celebrations.
For the first time we are hosting the PI meetings in Ireland. For us this is an opportunity to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the technology, and we aim to make it a memorable
trip for all the participants. For a small island nation, Ireland is famous for her hospitality throughout the world and her clean and green scenery is second to none.
So far we have over 90 participants from 22 countries registered to attend, and to my knowledge it is the largest participation in the last 25 years of meetings. The week of 18 May starts with Regional PI Association (RPA) chairmen meeting for two and half days. It will feature reports on activities from RPAs in Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Korea, Germany, and North America; strategy; news of PROFINET and PROFIBUS PA; PROFINET for machine builders; feedback workshops;; and information exchange.
On Tuesday 19 May Test Labs meeting will be held in parallel to the PI meeting. Wednesday morning the Competence Centers meeting kicks off for two and half days. The Competence Center meeting includes updates on Working Group activities, workshops, PROFIdrive, testing, certification, redundancy, and validation. Competence Centers are required to attend the meeting once every two years. We conclude with a half day of Training Centers meeting on Friday afternoon.
Apart from technical side of the meetings, we have organized a host of interesting social programs, such as a cruise on the river Shannon for Monday evening, walking tour of picturesque Village of Adare followed by dinner at Adare Manor on Tuesday evening, medieval banquet at Bunratty Castle on Wednesday, a trip to Cliffs of Moher on Thursday, and many others for participants and partners. I hope PI members can join us for some productive meetings and few pints of Guinness.
Dr. Hassan Kaghazchi
Director, Automation Research Centre at University of Limerick and Chairman Regional PI Association, Ireland