AWC Houston BestFest

Get ready for BestFest 2026 - the event Where Innovation Takes Flight!

Join us November 5 from 4–9 PM at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston for an unforgettable experience built around the people, ideas, and technologies shaping what’s next in industrial automation, controls, and process technology.

Explore the Innovations Showcase and get hands-on with the latest technologies and solutions.

Expand your knowledge through Technical Education Sessions led by industry experts.

Connect with fellow industry professionals, exchange ideas, and discover new ways to tackle the challenges facing your operation.

And, of course, there’s plenty of fun along the way at this NO COST event! Grab a drink, enjoy great food, explore the museum, and take part in various experiences for chances to win some incredible prizes.

At BestFest, we believe the best ideas come from winning together.
It's why we're bringing people, technology, and expertise together to discover what’s possible.

This year, we’re taking that idea to new heights and a new destination.

venue

VENUE & LOCATION

Lone Star Flight Museum

BestFest is taking flight this year at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, because BIG IDEAS deserve more than just a ballroom.

With ample on-site self-parking, coming and going is easy, complimentary, and convenient throughout the evening, no valet or parking garage required. And while you’re here, take some time to explore the museum and its impressive collection of historic aircraft.

From hands-on technology and technical education to great food, drinks, and networking, the museum provides a one-of-a-kind setting for an evening of innovation and discovery.

Technical Sessions

TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS

Discover Ways to Expand Your Expertise

Take your expertise to new heights with focused, 20-minute sessions designed to give you practical insights you can put to work.

This year, choose between Automation or Process Technology tracks with five sessions in each track. Dive deeper into the technologies, challenges, and solutions most relevant to your operation, all in a concise format that keeps the evening moving.

And there’s an extra incentive to stick around until the end: drawings follow each session with some impressive door prizes up for grabs.

showcase

INNOVATIONS SHOWCASE

Experience Cutting-Edge Solutions

Explore the latest in industrial automation, controls, and process technology in an interactive, relaxed, no-pressure environment. Our top Technology Partners will be showcasing innovative solutions designed to help you tackle real-world challenges, improve efficiency, enhance safety, and move your operation forward.

Grab a beverage, explore at your own pace, and connect with the experts behind the technology. You never know what you’ll discover—or where a new idea might take flight.

attend

ENJOY GREAT FOOD & DRINKS

Good Food. Great Conversations.

Take a break, grab a drink, and enjoy a variety of chef-prepared favorites throughout the evening at BestFest.

From carving stations and fresh seafood to savory bites and desserts, there’s something for every appetite.

Pair it with a drink, find a seat, and connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting.

Because some of the best conversations happen over a great meal, BestFest gives you plenty of opportunities to catch up with colleagues, meet new people, and enjoy the evening together.

Your entry includes all food and drinks. Just bring your appetite and enjoy the evening.

network

PLAN TO ATTEND

Take Your Seat at BestFest

We’re ready for takeoff and we want you to join us.

Register now for BestFest 2026 on November 5 and spend an evening exploring new technology, expanding your expertise, connecting with industry peers, enjoying incredible food and drinks, and possibly taking home some great prizes.

Your next great idea could be waiting for you at BestFest.

Schedule

Schedule subject to change.

At the end of each 20-minute Technical Education Session, random drawings for these amazing giveaways will be held for those in attendance. Five names will be drawn each session for a total of 50 giveaways!

Prizes subject to change.

Your BestFest Passport Awaits!

Grab your Passport and visit our Technology Partners throughout the event. Discover new technologies, connect with the experts behind them, and collect a stamp at each stop along the way.

Be one of the first 250 attendees to complete your Passport and redeem it for an AWC Electronic Travel Kit everything you need to stay powered up wherever you go (chargers, wall adapters, and computer adapters).

And there’s more! Everyone who completes their Passport will be entered into our Grand Prize Drawing for a pair of Meta Ray-Ban Smart AI Glasses.

Explore. Connect. Collect. Win.

Sponsors

PLATINUM+ SPONSOR

Siemens is the world leader in automation and control technology products.

PLCs & I/O
Operator Interfaces
Industrial PCs
SCADA Systems
VFDs
Controls
Electrical

www.siemens.com/automation

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Continental Disc Corporation is the leader in overpressure protection.

Rupture Discs
Burst Disc Indicators
Alarm Monitors

GROTH provides the ultimate tank protection.

Tank Vents
Blanket Gas Regulators
Flame Arresters

Curtiss-Wright's Farris portfolio provides customers with total pressure relief management solutions that support a facility's entire lifecycle, transforming the way you ensure plant safety: