Leaders In AI Executive Retreat
The Lodge at Sonoma Resort
Executive Retreat
5:00 PM
11/11/2024
Sonoma Country
Co-Hosts
Advance your strategic priorities with AI technologies tailored to your organization’s unique environment, data, and goals. Connection’s Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics offers technical expertise, end-to-end solutions, and deep partnerships to harness the power of artificial intelligence.
Empower your strategic initiatives with AI solutions that are specifically optimized to meet the demands of your organization’s infrastructure, data landscape, and long-term objectives. Intel’s advanced AI platforms deliver technical innovation, scalable solutions, and robust partnerships to help you drive innovation and harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
Agenda
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Session Location
Arrival Window
Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Travel Experience:
- Upon arrival at SFO, our staff will greet you and assist with any immediate needs. Your flights will be arranged by us, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
- Luxury vehicles will transport you from SFO directly to The Lodge at Sonoma Resort.
- Our staff will provide a brief tour of the property to help you become familiar with the resort’s exceptional amenities.
- Your baggage will be handled by our team and delivered directly to your room, ensuring a hands-free and stress-free arrival.
6:00 PM - 7:00PM
Session Location
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Begin your Executive Retreat experience with a sophisticated cocktail reception at The Lodge. This is a prime opportunity for networking and forming peer connections. Enjoy a curated selection of fine wines and spirits prepared by our expert sommelier and mixologist.
7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Session Location
Think Tank Dinner
Location: Stone Building
The Experience:
- Silent Service:
Our signature ‘Silent Service’ dining approach ensures a seamless blend of fine dining and intellectual exchange, minimizing interruptions from the staff.
- Interactive Discussion:
Engage in structured roundtable discussion led by our expert moderator, focusing on AI’s transformative role in business. The Think Tank Dinner Booklet, containing insightful graphs and charts from pre-dinner surveys, will guide the conversation for the entire dinner party.
- Focused Dialogue:
The moderator will steer the discussion with the group driving key 5 key questions derived from our pre-retreat survey responses, ensuring relevance and depth.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Session Location
Post-Dinner Reception
Location: Stone Lawn Tent
The Experience:
- Engaging Activities: Enjoy more casual activities designed for both individuals and couples. Music and interactive games will be available to encourage mingling and team spirit in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.
- Networking Opportunities: Mingle with fellow executives, exchange contacts, and explore potential partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity to solidify new relationships and conceptualize future AI business initiatives.
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Session Location
Breakfast
Early networking opportunity over a gourmet breakfast!
8:50 AM - 9:00 AM
Session Location
Opening Remarks
Kick off Day 2 with inspiring opening remarks from our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Jaggers, who will be setting the stage for a day of learning and collaboration. This short session will introduce the opening panel of the Retreat, laying the foundation for the transformative discussions and insights to follow.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Session Location
Opening Panel
Innovate or Obsolete: Breaking The Chains Of Legacy IT
Kick off Day 2 with inspiring opening remarks from our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Jaggers, who will be setting the stage for a day of learning and collaboration. This short session will introduce the opening panel of the Retreat, laying the foundation for the transformative discussions and insights to follow.
What You Will Learn
- 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.
9:45 AM - 10:10 AM
Session Location
Interactive Polling Session
AI Readiness & Strategy: Navigating the Path to Success
In this dynamic session, Jamal Khan, from the Helix Institute of Applied AI & Robotics, will facilitate an interactive polling discussion and . Participants will engage in real-time polls and structured discussions to assess their AI and data readiness, providing valuable insights into the state of AI implementation across different organizations.
What You Will Learn
AI Roadmap Assessment:
- How effective is your current AI roadmap?
Governance Framework:
- Do you have a comprehensive AI governance framework in place?
- Challenges in establishing and maintaining governance standards.
Resource Allocation:
- Have you properly allocated resources for the next 6-24 months?
- Strategies for optimizing resource distribution.
Buy vs. Build Strategy:
- Are you in a buy or build mode for AI solutions?
- Comparing effectiveness of buying vs. building AI solutions when rolled out.
10:10 AM - 10:50 AM
Session Location
Closing Panel
Great Balancing Act: AI Safety vs. AI Innovation
This session dives deep into the organizational challenges of balancing AI safety with the rapid pace of AI innovation. Our expert panel will explore the critical role of executive leadership in navigating this balance, discussing the frameworks and practices necessary to ensure AI technologies are both safe and transformative within your organization.
What You Will Learn
- AI Safety Protocols:
Understand the key safety measures required to mitigate risks associated with AI technologies and protect organizational assets. Leaders will share their experiences in establishing and maintaining robust safety protocols that ensure AI systems are secure and reliable.
- Managing Innovation:
Explore strategies to foster rapid AI innovation without compromising safety standards. This discussion will highlight how to maintain a culture of innovation while implementing necessary safeguards, ensuring that AI developments are both cutting-edge and secure.
- Leadership in AI Governance:
Examine the critical role of executive leaders in championing AI safety and guiding their organizations through AI transformations. The panel will discuss the importance of governance frameworks, ethical considerations, and the executive's role in ensuring responsible AI use.
- Organizational Alignment:
Learn how to ensure alignment between AI safety initiatives and business objectives to drive sustainable growth. This segment will cover how to integrate AI safety into the overall strategic plan, ensuring that innovation efforts are aligned with the organization’s long-term goals.
10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Session Location
Closing Panel
Coffee Break
Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a selection of grab-and-go snacks, perfect for those who might have missed breakfast.
Recharge and reconnect as we prepare for the upcoming roundtable discussions!
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Session Location
Executive Roundtables
Driving AI Transformation: Mastering Team Culture & Organizational Change
This session features focused roundtable discussions, segmented by industry verticals, where executives will explore the strategies and challenges of transforming team dynamics and operational culture through AI. Each roundtable will consist of 5-7 executives, allowing for in-depth dialogue and maximum engagement from each participant. Data from pre-retreat surveys will be used to curate the best possible matches, ensuring relevant and productive discussions.
What You Will Discuss:
- AI-Driven Cultural Transformation:
Strategies for embedding AI into your organizational culture and team dynamics.
- Change Management:
Approaches for managing the human aspects of AI transformation, including overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of acceptance and innovation.
- Operational Excellence:
How to enhance team collaboration and operational efficiency in an AI-driven environment.
- Leadership Challenges:
Insights into leading AI initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals, and navigating the complexities of change.
- Vertical-Specific Strategies:
Tailored strategies and best practices that address specific challenges within different industry verticals.
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
Session Location
Roundtable Review
Presentation of Roundtable Findings
After the roundtable discussions, each group will select a leader to present their findings on stage. This segment will summarize the key insights, challenges, and solutions discussed during the roundtables, providing a broader perspective on AI transformation across different industry verticals.
What You Will Hear:
- Summary of Insights:
Key takeaways from each roundtable discussion.
- Identified Challenges:
Common challenges faced in AI transformation and proposed solutions.
- Innovative Strategies:
Effective strategies and best practices shared by executives from different industries.
- Collaborative Outcomes:
How peer collaboration during the roundtables has led to new ideas and approaches.
- Actionable Recommendations:
Practical recommendations for implementing AI-driven cultural and operational changes within your organization.
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM
Session Location
Networking Lunch
Take a 45-minute break to enjoy a delicious lunch and catch up on emails or calls before we continue with the final content sessions of the day. Refuel, stay connected, and prepare for the last two engaging sessions of the day!
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Session Location
Closing Panel
The Elusive ROI: Benchmarking AI's Impact on Operational Efficiency
This high-level panel discussion wades deep into the complexities of calculating the return on investment (ROI) for AI implementations, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency. Despite the significant investments in AI, many executives struggle to quantify its economic impact accurately. Our expert panel will explore the methodologies, challenges, and strategies for benchmarking AI performance, providing valuable insights for executives seeking to navigate this intricate landscape.
What You Will Learn
- Overcoming Challenges:
Explore the inherent challenges in measuring AI ROI, such as data quality issues, the long-term nature of AI benefits, and the difficulty in isolating AI’s contribution from other factors. Panelists will share strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
- Benchmarking Performance:
Learn how to benchmark your AI implementations against industry standards and best practices. This segment will highlight the importance of comparative analysis and the benefits of understanding where your organization stands in relation to peers.
- Methodologies for ROI Evaluation:
Understand the various methodologies used to estimate the ROI of AI projects. Panelists will discuss key metrics and financial indicators critical for assessing AI’s impact, and share insights on why calculating true ROI remains a challenge.
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Session Location
Closing Remarks
Finish off Day 2 with inspiring opening remarks from our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Jaggers to end the content for the Executive Retreat.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Session Location
Afternoon Break Session
We will be taking a short break to recharge and reunite with your plus one and get ready for a fun night out in Sonoma.
Departure Time: 3:30 PM
Session Location
Meet us in the lobby with your +1
We will be taking luxury vehicles from The Lodge to Bouchaine for Wine tasting, fun, and networking. We will be meeting in the lobby around 3:15 PM and will leave the Lodge at 3:30 PM sharp.
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Session Location
Wine Tasting at Bouchaine
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Session Location
Depart for Ram’s Gate Winery
6:00 PM - 6:45 PM
Session Location
Reception Event
6:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Session Location
Private Dinner
9:00 PM - 9:15 PM
Session Location
Return back to The Lodge
We will be returning home for the night on the shared transportation at 9 PM, however you are welcome to stay out longer if you'd like.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session Location
Farewell Breakfast
Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring a selection of gourmet options as you engage in final conversations with your peers under the Heritage Tree. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the insights gained over the past two days and discuss potential collaborations and takeaways.
10:00 AM-
Session Location
Onward: Departures and Optional Activities
Departures: Our luxury sprinter vans will be available to take you directly back to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey home. Vans will depart at scheduled intervals to accommodate your flight times.
Optional Resort Activities: Should you wish to extend your stay, we offer a range of complimentary resort activities:
What You Will Learn
- Golfing:
Enjoy a round of golf on our scenic course.
- Spa Treatments:
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment tailored to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Additional Information:
- Late Departures:
For those opting to stay an extra night, our staff will assist in arranging your departure the following day with the same level of care and service.
- Continued Networking:
The relaxed atmosphere of the resort provides an ideal setting for continued networking and informal discussions with your peers.
Sponsors
Accelerate your strategic goals with AI technologies designed to align seamlessly with your organization’s operational environment, data architecture, and growth plans. Dell Technologies provides comprehensive, enterprise-grade AI solutions, supported by deep technical expertise, end-to-end integration, and collaborative partnerships to maximize the value of AI for your business.
Empower your strategic initiatives with AI solutions that are specifically optimized to meet the demands of your organization’s infrastructure, data landscape, and long-term objectives. Intel’s advanced AI platforms deliver technical innovation, scalable solutions, and robust partnerships to help you drive innovation and harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence.
Microsoft empowers our executive AI community by providing innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that drive transformation. Their Azure AI platform enables organizations to build and deploy AI models efficiently, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive tools.
Let’s TRANSFORM
HUMANITY together
Join us for an exclusive intimate event experience like no other.