2025 Beyond Big Data: AI/Machine Learning Summit

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal tool in transforming industries, driving innovation, and solving complex challenges. However, creating an AI roadmap and strategy that aligns with business goals and organizational capacities is a complex task. It involves careful planning, resource allocation, talent acquisition, and ensuring responsible AI use. In this panel, industry leaders and AI experts will explore the critical steps in designing an AI roadmap, strategies for successful AI adoption, and the common pitfalls organizations face. The discussion will cover practical approaches to managing expectations, building scalable AI solutions, and navigating the challenges inherent in AI projects.
Panelists

• Arjun   Srinivasan, Director of Data Science (AI/ML/GenAI), Wesco
• Heiko  Will, Chief Digital Officer, MSA Safety
• Francois Estellon, CTO, SGK/Matthews International

Moderated by Doneld Shelkey, Partner, Morgan Lewis

As artificial intelligence and data science continue to revolutionize industries, understanding the complexities of training AI and leveraging data science methodologies has become essential for creating effective and ethical systems. This panel will feature top experts in AI, machine learning, and data science who will discuss their approaches to training AI, managing data, addressing ethical concerns, and the innovations shaping the future of these fields. Panelists will dive into AI model training techniques, data science strategies, and how these intersect to drive real-world solutions that are powerful, scalable, and trustworthy.
Panelists

• Ankur  Sharma, Head of Medical Devices and Digital, Radiology, Bayer
• Ian Blunt, VP of Advanced Analytics, Highmark Health
• Paul Nielsen, Managing Director, Near Earth Autonomy
• Eric Perz, Vice President, Data Science, Brunner

Moderated by Andrew W. Hannah, Chairperson - University of Pittsburgh's Responsible Data Science Advisory Board

As the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence reshapes industries, staying competitive requires more than just adopting cutting-edge technology—it demands empowering your workforce to work alongside AI. This panel will explore how organizations can upskill their employees to thrive in an AI-driven world, while also using AI as an enabler to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation.

Industry leaders and experts will share strategies for addressing the skills gap and creating a culture that embraces continuous learning. The discussion will also cover how AI tools can assist employees in their roles, making day-to-day tasks more efficient, enabling creativity, and enhancing decision-making processes. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on how to keep pace with AI development by aligning technology deployment with human-centered growth strategies.
Panelists

• Will Lewis, Chief Data Officer, Sheetz
• Christopher Martin, Senior Director, Responsible AI, BNY
• Siddhartha Mukherjee, Principal Engineer, Ansys
• Danielle Proctor, President and CEO, Advanced Construction Robotics
• Shane Shaneman, Senior AI Strategist, NVIDIA

Moderated by Aaron J Rakes,  Senior Manager - AI Enabled Automation, EY