Leaders In AI Summit Austin 2025
Our Summit's
Leaders In AI SUmmit Austin
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
February 24th-25th
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
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Content Committee
Austin 2025 Agenda
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Session Location
Day 1 WorkShop Series - Invite Only
Day 1 of the Leaders In AI Summit Austin 2025 will be held in the stunning Texas Hill Country at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. This invite-only segment of the summit is designed for a select group of senior executives to participate in deep discussions, practical insights, and valuable networking opportunities. The workshop provides an intimate and focused environment specifically tailored for high-level decision-makers within the AI community. Attendance is strictly by invitation to ensure meaningful engagement and impactful conversations.
Begins at 3:00 PM -
Session Location
Hotel ARRIVALS & Check-ins
Arrivals for Day 1 participants: We encourage participants approved for the workshops and/or Think Tank Dinner to arrive in the late morning, well before the workshops start at 1:00 PM sharp. This will allow ample time to settle in and prepare for the day’s activities.
While the official hotel check-in time is at 3:00 PM, attendees arriving early can store their luggage with the hotel staff and proceed to the workshops. Please note that only a select group of executives will be staying at the hotel, as accommodations are limited.
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1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Session Location
Workshop A
Governance in AI Deployment: Balancing Innovation and Control
In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, balancing innovation with control is crucial for successful AI deployment. This session will focus on empowering stakeholders to drive AI initiatives that align with business goals by building internal governance frameworks that foster transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment with responsible AI usage.
What You Will Learn:
- Developing Internal Governance Frameworks:
Learn about building governance structures that support innovation while maintaining strategic control. Understand how to establish internal guidelines and frameworks that empower your teams to innovate responsibly.
- Identifying Gaps in AI Roadmaps:
Discover often-overlooked areas within your organization’s AI strategy. This includes identifying governance gaps that could impact AI initiatives and understanding how to close them effectively.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Examine the importance of involving diverse teams from across your organization in AI projects. Learn how cross-functional governance can help mitigate risks and ensure alignment across departments.
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Session Location
Workshop B
Governance in AI Deployment: Balancing Innovation and Control
In the rapidly evolving technology landscape, balancing innovation with control is crucial for successful AI deployment. This session will focus on empowering stakeholders to drive AI initiatives that align with business goals by building internal governance frameworks that foster transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment when using AI responsibly.
What You Will Learn:
- Developing Internal Governance Frameworks:
Learn about building governance structures that support innovation while maintaining strategic control. Understand how to establish internal guidelines and frameworks that empower your teams to innovate responsibly.
- Identifying Gaps in AI Roadmaps:
Discover often-overlooked areas within your organization’s AI strategy. This includes identifying governance gaps that could impact AI initiatives and understanding how to close them effectively.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Examine the importance of involving diverse teams from across your organization in AI projects. Learn how cross-functional governance can help mitigate risks and ensure alignment across departments.
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5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session Location
Closing Event
Cocktail RECEPTION
Beverage Menu:
Premium Spirits:
Tito’s Vodka
Balcones Whiskey
Tequila 512
Gosling's Rum
Hendrick’s Gin
Craft Beers:
Karbach Ranch Water
Karbach Love Street
Elegant Wines and Champagne:
Sauvignon Blanc: Kim Crawford
Prosecco: Lunetta
Chardonnay: La Crema
Pinot Noir: Mark West
Cabernet: Columbia Crest - Grand Estates
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Session Location
Arrivals & REGISTRATION
Start your Leaders In AI Summit experience by checking in at the Leaders in AI Summit hosted at the luxurious Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa. Our VIP Registration Team will greet you in the lobby with your VIP badges and a complimentary gift bag. Enjoy artisian coffee, tropical fruit, and pastries while you prepare for an exciting day of insights and exclusive networking.
9:00 AM - 9:10 AM
Main Stage
Opening Remarks
Kick off the summit with opening remarks from Robert Jaggers, CEO of the Institute for AI Transformation, as he introduces the themes and priorities for the day ahead. This brief session will lead into our opening panel, setting the focus for impactful discussions to follow.
9:10 AM - 9:50 AM
Main Stage
Opening Panel
Crafting an Enterprise-Wide AI Strategy:
Overcoming Pilot Failures and Scaling to Production
As AI becomes a cornerstone of innovation, organizations are under pressure to move beyond experimentation and deliver tangible business results. Yet, according to our research, 86% of AI pilot projects fail to scale, leaving senior executives facing challenges such as stalled ROI, resource misalignment, and skills gaps in critical areas like Python development. These failures not only delay progress but often lead to wasted investments, lost jobs, and eroding stakeholder trust in AI’s potential. This session will address the hard truths behind why AI projects falter and explore practical, enterprise-wide strategies to overcome these roadblocks.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Understand the Root Causes of Pilot Failures:
Learn why most AI projects stall at the pilot stage, including organizational misalignment, unmet ROI expectations, and skills shortages, and discover strategies to address these pain points effectively.
- Develop an effective Enterprise-Wide Framework for Scaling AI:
Gain insights into embedding AI initiatives within business units, fostering ownership, and aligning projects with strategic goals to achieve production-ready success.
- Maximize ROI and Resource Efficiency:
Explore how to optimize limited technical resources, improve AI project alignment with baseline production requirements, and ensure sustainable ROI to justify further AI investments.
Gustaaf Schrils
Chief Information Officer
Kyle Dufresne
Head of AI GTM & Enablement
Anh Selissen
Chief Information Officer
Moderator
Bruce Monaco
Co-Founder / Head of Research
Anil Nanduri
Head of Intel AI Acceleration Office (AAO)
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9:50 AM - 10:30 AM
Main Stage
Featured Panel
Guardians of the Digital Galaxy:
Navigating Cybersecurity in the AI Era
Join us for “Guardians of the Digital Galaxy: Navigating Cybersecurity in the AI Era,” a crucial panel discussion that dives into the intricate and evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This session will take you through the transformative landscape of digital security, from its rudimentary beginnings to the complex AI-driven challenges of today.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Evolving Threat Landscape:
Discover how AI is reshaping cybersecurity, introducing advanced protective measures while also presenting new sophisticated threats. Understand the dynamics of this evolving threat landscape and the innovative defenses being developed to counteract these challenges.
- Innovative Strategies and Ethical Challenges:
Explore cutting-edge AI solutions for enhancing cybersecurity and delve into the ethical complexities that arise with AI’s integration into digital defense. Discuss the balance between leveraging AI for security and addressing the moral dilemmas it presents.
- Enhancing Cyber Resilience:
Learn about the tools and practices necessary to build a robust cyber defense framework capable of adapting to the rapid advancements in AI technology. Discover strategies for maintaining resilience in the face of continuous AI-driven threats and attacks.
- Preparing for the Future:
Gain insights into how cybersecurity strategies must evolve to address AI-centric threats. Learn about the potential impact of AI on future cybersecurity policies and the proactive measures needed to stay ahead in this rapidly changing field.
Jeff Moore
Chief Information Security Officer
Jesse Scott
Global Head of Cybersecurity
John B. Sapp, Jr
Chief Information Security Officer
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Moderator
Bruce Monaco
Co-Founder / Head of Research
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Atrium
Opening Networking Break
11:30 AM - 12:00 AM
Main Stage
Featured Panel
Innovate or Become Obsolete:
Breaking The Chains Of Legacy IT
On our second panel discussion, we will have a powerful exploration of how organizations can navigate the complexities of change management, cultural transformation, and workforce evolution in the age of AI. This featured panel will challenge senior executives to rethink traditional models of leadership and embrace the cultural and structural shifts necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly changing landscape. Featuring insights from industry leaders, this session will address how enterprises can break free from legacy systems—not just in technology, but in mindset—and reskill or upskill their teams to drive innovation.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Resource Allocation in the AI Era:
Discover how AI changes the way organizations allocate resources. Learn about the shift from traditional resource-intensive projects to more agile, AI-driven initiatives that optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Overcoming Pilot Failures:
Explore the challenges of AI implementation, including the high failure rates of AI pilots. Panelists will share insights on why 86% of AI projects fail within the first 18 months and provide strategies to improve success rates through better planning, execution, and iteration.
- Reskilling and Upskilling Leaders:
Examine the critical need for re-skilling and up-skilling leaders to manage AI-driven change. Learn about the new skills and competencies required to lead in an AI-driven world, and how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
Allyson Laurance
VP Strategic Initiatives, Tech
Piyush Khandekar
Chief Of Staff, COO
Ari Kaplan
Head Evangelist
Moderator
Bruce Monaco
Co-Founder / Head of Research
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Atrium
Lunch Hosted By the
institute for ai transformation
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
TABLES 1-12
Executive Roundtable Discussions
Executive Roundtables Option 1
Unlocking Value: Measuring AI ROI in Enterprises
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) for AI initiatives is crucial for justifying expenditures and demonstrating value to stakeholders. This roundtable will focus on methodologies and frameworks for accurately measuring the ROI of AI projects, considering both tangible and intangible benefits. Participants will discuss best practices for aligning AI investments with business goals and ensuring that AI deployments deliver measurable business value.
Discussion Points:
Table Numbers: 1, 4, 7
- Measuring Tangible Benefits:
Techniques for quantifying direct financial gains from AI initiatives, such as cost reductions, increased revenue, and efficiency improvements.
- Evaluating Intangible Benefits:
Methods for assessing intangible benefits like improved customer satisfaction, enhanced decision-making capabilities, and innovation acceleration.
- ROI Frameworks:
Overview of various frameworks and models used to calculate AI ROI, including Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and Value-at-Risk (VaR) assessments.
- Aligning AI with Business Goals:
Strategies for ensuring that AI projects are closely aligned with organizational objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Executive Roundtables Option 2
Responsible AI: Governance, Ethics, and Safety
As AI technologies continue to evolve, robust data governance and ethical AI practices are more important than ever. This roundtable will delve into the development and implementation of data governance frameworks, privacy and compliance issues, and ethical considerations in AI deployment. Participants will discuss how to ensure AI safety and build public trust through responsible AI usage.
Discussion Points:
Table Numbers: 2, 5, 8
- Framework Development:
Learn how to develop and implement robust data governance frameworks that ensure data quality, integrity, and accessibility.
- Privacy and Compliance:
Address the complexities of data privacy and compliance, and explore strategies for maintaining regulatory standards in AI initiatives.
- Ethical AI Deployment:
Engage in discussions on mitigating biases in AI models, ensuring transparency, and promoting ethical AI practices.
- AI Safety:
Discuss best practices for ensuring AI safety, including risk management strategies and the development of safety protocols.
Executive Roundtables Option 3
Future-Proofing Your Business with AI
Preparing your business for the future involves adopting and integrating AI technologies that can scale and evolve with emerging trends. This roundtable will focus on strategies for building scalable AI infrastructure, optimizing AI performance, and navigating multi-cloud environments.
Discussion Points:
Table Numbers: 3, 6, 9
- Infrastructure Optimization:
Explore strategies for building and scaling AI infrastructure that can handle growing data and processing demands efficiently.
- Performance Enhancements:
Discuss methods for optimizing the performance and efficiency of AI workloads, including leveraging edge computing and hybrid cloud solutions.
- Enterprise Integration:
Examine best practices for integrating AI seamlessly across various enterprise functions, from R&D to supply chain management.
- Navigating Multi-Cloud Environments:
Learn how to effectively manage AI operations across multiple cloud platforms, ensuring flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness.
- Long-Term Scalability:
Develop strategies for future-proofing AI infrastructure to adapt to technological advancements and evolving business needs.
Executive Roundtables Option 4
AVALIABLE SESSION FOR SPONSORSHIP
Looking to join the event in a meaningful way?
Discussion Points:
Table Numbers: 7, 10
- Infrastructure Optimization:
Explore strategies for building and scaling AI infrastructure that can handle growing data and processing demands efficiently.
- Performance Enhancements:
Discuss methods for optimizing the performance and efficiency of AI workloads, including leveraging edge computing and hybrid cloud solutions.
- Enterprise Integration:
Examine best practices for integrating AI seamlessly across various enterprise functions, from R&D to supply chain management.
- Navigating Multi-Cloud Environments:
Learn how to effectively manage AI operations across multiple cloud platforms, ensuring flexibility, security, and cost-effectiveness.
- Long-Term Scalability:
Develop strategies for future-proofing AI infrastructure to adapt to technological advancements and evolving business needs.
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Main Stage
Present Your executive roundTables Findings
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Session Location
Afternoon Networking Break
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Main Stage
Featured Panel
Redefining IT: Automation in the New Era
Join us for 'Redefining IT: The Impact of AI Transformation,' a compelling panel that explores into the revolutionary changes AI is bringing to the IT landscape. This session will explore the integration of AI within IT departments, addressing the challenges and opportunities of this digital evolution. Our expert panelists will discuss strategies for navigating AI advancements, ensuring operational integrity, and preparing for future technological shifts.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Exploring AI's Transformational Role:
Understand how AI is reshaping IT operations from traditional functions to innovative, efficiency-driven systems.
- Balancing Innovation with Realism:
Insights into aligning ambitious AI objectives with practical business needs and shareholder expectations.
- Preparing for Future AI Developments:
Strategies for anticipating and adapting to upcoming AI technological shifts beyond current architectures.
- Strategic AI Integration:
Discussion on key strategies for sustainable and effective AI integration in IT departments, considering both technological advancements and human factors.
Shaz Khan
Head of Data Strategy
To Be Announced!
Will be released 12/15
Moderator
Bruce Monaco
Co-Founder / Head of Research
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM
Main Stage
Featured Panel
Bridging the Gap: AI Centers of Excellence in Healthcare
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations often struggle to align business stakeholder ideas with AI initiatives effectively. This session, “Bridging the Gap: AI Centers of Excellence in Healthcare,” will explore strategic approaches to integrating stakeholder input into AI projects, ensuring that these initiatives generate significant value and align with overarching organizational goals. Industry experts will provide insights on fostering collaboration between AI Centers of Excellence and business units, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and cross-functional synergy.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Resource Allocation in the AI Era:
Discover how AI changes the way organizations allocate resources. Learn about the shift from traditional resource-intensive projects to more agile, AI-driven initiatives that optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Overcoming Pilot Failures:
Explore the challenges of AI implementation, including the high failure rates of AI pilots. Panelists will share insights on why 90% of AI projects fail within the first 18 months and provide strategies to improve success rates through better planning, execution, and iteration.
- Reskilling and Upskilling Leaders:
Examine the critical need for reskilling and upskilling leaders to manage AI-driven change. Learn about the new skills and competencies required to lead in an AI-driven world, and how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
Sonia Gupta
Chief Medical Officer
Kumar Melam
Head of Data Science
Austin Walsh
Managing Director - Healthcare
James Zanewicz
Chief Strategy Officer
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Main Stage
Featured Panel
The Next Frontier: Autonomous Supply Chains & Manufacturing
In a world of increasing complexity, the rise of autonomous systems is redefining supply chains and manufacturing. Artificial intelligence is enabling organizations to achieve unprecedented levels of automation, precision, and efficiency. This session will explore how AI-powered systems are transforming operations across industries, from predictive supply chain management to fully autonomous manufacturing workflows. With Texas as a central hub for energy innovation, industrial manufacturing, and high-demand infrastructure, this discussion will spotlight regional and global opportunities for deploying autonomous systems.
Key Learning Objectives for the Audience
- Resource Allocation in the AI Era:
Discover how AI changes the way organizations allocate resources. Learn about the shift from traditional resource-intensive projects to more agile, AI-driven initiatives that optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
- Overcoming Pilot Failures:
Explore the challenges of AI implementation, including the high failure rates of AI pilots. Panelists will share insights on why 90% of AI projects fail within the first 18 months and provide strategies to improve success rates through better planning, execution, and iteration.
- Reskilling and Upskilling Leaders:
Examine the critical need for reskilling and upskilling leaders to manage AI-driven change. Learn about the new skills and competencies required to lead in an AI-driven world, and how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.
Rahul Ramkumar
VP of Fulfillment, Last Mile
To Be Announced!
Will be released 12/15
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Main Stage
Closing Remarks
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Main Hotel Bar
After-Party
Cocktail Hour
Beverage Menu:
Premium Spirits:
Tito’s Vodka
Balcones Whiskey
Tequila 512
Gosling's Rum
Hendrick’s Gin
Craft Beers:
Karbach Ranch Water
Karbach Love Street
Elegant Wines and Champagne:
Sauvignon Blanc: Kim Crawford
Prosecco: Lunetta
Chardonnay: La Crema
Pinot Noir: Mark West
Cabernet: Columbia Crest - Grand Estates
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Bob's Chophouse
Intimate Think Tank Dinner - Invite Only
Location:
Bob's Chophouse
Inside the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
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Location
Directions to Omni Barton Creek Resort
8212 Barton Club Dr,
Austin, TX 78735
info@iaitransform.com
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