Martin Rostan
Executive Director, EtherCAT Technology Group

Martin Rostan studied aerospace engineering in Germany and in the United Kingdom and received his diploma degree in 1992. Subsequently he managed the international research project that developed the initial CANopen technology. From 1996 until 1998 he was marketing manager and authorized officer at Selectron. Since 1998 he is with Beckhoff, first as senior product manager for Ethernet and fieldbus systems and since 2006 as head of technology marketing. Martin serves the fieldbus community in various committees: he is the executive director of the EtherCAT Technology Group, chairs the CANopen groups inside CAN in Automation and represents Beckhoff in ODVA and in several conference program committees. He also is technical expert in ISO and IEC standardization committees for industrial communication. With publications in magazines, text books, conferences and symposia he contributes to the dissemination of fieldbus and Ethernet technologies.

Steve Amelung
Field Sales, Balluff Australia
Speaker in Perth and Melbourne

Steve Amelung brings a strong background in both the automotive industry and manufacturing machinery, with nearly 20 years of dedicated service representing Balluff. His deep understanding of sensing technologies, combined with decades of hands on industry experience, enables him to deliver practical, value driven solutions across a wide range of applications. Steve is known for his genuine commitment to fully understanding each customer’s requirements and finding the right technology to help them optimise processes and grow their business. His customer first approach and technical insight make him a trusted partner in delivering successful automation outcomes.

Robert Prince
Balluff Australia
Speaker in Sydney and Brisbane

Robert Prince has extensive industry experience with nearly 20 years of dedicated service representing Balluff spanning both Australia and the United Kingdom. With deep expertise in automation applications, Robert brings a strong customer focus and a genuine commitment to fully understanding each application in order to help customers grow their business. Known for his practical insight and hands on approach, Robert consistently works to deliver solutions that create real value and long term success for his customers.

Nick Psahoulias
Managing Director, Beckhoff Automation Australia

Nick Psahoulias has over 20 years of experience supporting Australia’s manufacturing and machinery sectors. As Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation, he leads the delivery of advanced open automation technologies that enable smarter, more flexible and scalable production. Nick is known for combining deep technical knowledge with strong commercial leadership, helping organisations adopt solutions that improve productivity and future-proof operations. He also serves on the Board of the Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), contributing to industry growth and innovation.

Declan James
Technical and Product Manager, Kuebler Australia

Declan James is the Technical and Product Manager at Kuebler Australia, where he supports customers in selecting and implementing solutions across a wide range of applications. With a strong focus on the diverse technologies within Kuebler’s product portfolio, and a mindset of continually building understanding, Declan works closely with customers and partners to translate technical requirements into practical, reliable outcomes. He is passionate about positioning Kuebler not just as a supplier, but as a long-term technology partner.

Roumen Ivanov
Product Manager for Electric Automation, SMC

Roumen Ivanov is the Product Manager for Electric Automation at SMC. With a career spanning approximately 25 years, Roumen is a seasoned specialist in the field of electric automation. His deep technical expertise is underpinned by a rigorous academic background, including a Master’s Degree in Automation, Information, and Control Technologies from the University of Varna, and a PhD in Materials – Robotics and Automation from the University of Manchester. Throughout his tenure in the industry, Roumen has focused on bridging the gap between complex robotic theory and practical industrial application.