2025 Beyond Big Data: AI/Machine Learning Summit

Enjoy coffee and assorted pastries, muffins, and croissants while networking with other attendees.
Fresh Fruit is available for vegan and gluten free attendees. 

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

Network with other attendees and visit the sponsors.

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

Attendees will choose one of two sessions to attend and listen to experts present in a quick sequential format. Once you pick a session, we ask that you do not switch mid-session. We recommend that you divide your team between sessions and then compare notes.

Speakers will go in the following order:

1. Advanced RAG: Engineering AI Systems that Enhance Human Decision-Making – Presented by Justin Wray, Chief Technology Officer, MorelandConnect.
2. Inspection Redefined: Leveraging AI and Sensor Fusion for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency – Presented by Brian Freed, CFA, CEO, Illuminex AI
3. How To Use Generative AI to Build (And Not Break) Software – Presented by Dr. Alex Moskowitz, Principal Research Scientist, VISIMO.
4. Digital Twins, Privacy, and the Future of Built Space – Presented by Jake Morrison, Designer,  and Sophia Ogiso, Associate Vice President, CannonDesign.
5. AI at the Edge – Presented by Dan Flynn, President/CEO & Owner, Accipiter Systems, Inc.

Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free items will be marked on the buffet.

Yukon Gold Potato Salad with Scallions and Celery
Piedmont Slaw
Seasonal Green Salad
Corn Bread with Butter
BBQ Spiced Roasted Chicken
Pulled Pork
Baked Mac n Cheese
Bread and Butter Pickles
Green Beans with Red Onions
Seasonal Cobbler
Fresh Fruit
Coffee and Hot Tea

Introduction by Lawrence Keyler, Partner, Global Automotive Leader, Pittsburgh Market Leader

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

Network and visit the sponsors

Attendees will choose one of two sessions to attend and listen to experts present in a quick sequential format. Once you pick a session, we ask that you do not switch mid-session. We recommend that you divide your team between sessions and then compare notes.

Speakers will go in the following order:

1. How to Implement Real World AI in Your Organization Today – Presented by Jason Bishop, AI North America Lead, Qlik
2. Unlocking Organizational Efficiency with Generative AI – Presented by Sabu Thomas, Sr. Director of Engineering, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc.
3. Insights to Impact – Presented by Karen Medina Trader, MSBA, and Trevor Caskey, PhD, SimWell
4. AI for Business Success – Presented by Arjun Srinivasan, Director - Data Science, Wesco
5. Innovating with AI: Are You Doing It Wrong? – Presented by Morgan Llewellyn, AI Practice Principal, HIKE2