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Registration OpensJoin us nice and early from 7:30am to pick up your badge and participate in the Meet Up to kick start your #WoSR24 experience with new connections! Don’t worry if you’re not able to attend until later in the day as registration will be open all day across the two days.
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Digital X Human Stage
Welcome to Women of Silicon Roundabout 2024! Join us for the official opening and welcome remarks to kick-start your day with inspiration and empowerment!
Our two-day agenda is filled with expert-led sessions designed to help you learn how to start putting in the building blocks toward the future and securing your position as a futurist leader in tech and strategy.
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Digital X Human Stage
AI is at the forefront of innovation, from enhancing efficiency to solving complex global challenges. However, amidst this digital transformation, the industry must emphasise the growing significance of nurturing inherently human skills. As technology evolves, so does the need for empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and the urgency of fostering diversity in tech teams. In a world shaped by varied perspectives and experiences, diverse teams are essential for creating inclusive and equitable technologies. Join us to explore these pivotal aspects shaping our digital future.
Key Takeaways:
- How the AI revolution is helping to power global solutions
- The increasing importance of developing inherently human-based skills in an increasingly digital world
- Why its never been more critical to have diverse teams developing technology for a diverse world
Reserved for Headline Sponsor of Women of Silicon Roundabout
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Digital X Human StageSession details coming soon...
Sponsored By:
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Digital X Human StageSession details coming soon…
Sponsored By:
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Networking BreakCatch up with your colleagues and new connections during the Networking Break and share your key takeaways of the event so far! Take the time to visit the stands of our sponsors to find out more about them and how their organisation can help you in your career journey!
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WorkForce Stage
Discover how to identify the direction of your technology initiatives and the skills needed for success. We will discuss providing opportunities for retraining and upskilling, enabling your team to adapt to new technical challenges as your strategy evolves when empowered by technology. In this session we'll learn about the importance of supporting the UK's digital skills initiative and how it can drive national progress. Join us to explore strategies for building a skilled workforce that is ready to tackle the future of technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding where your tech strategy is going and the skills required to make your vision a reality
- Providing opportunities to retrain and deploy
- Driving the UK's digital skills initiative forward
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Workshops
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. Whether presenting to stakeholders, clients, or colleagues, it’s crucial that tech professionals convey complex ideas in a way that is clear, concise, and meaningful to audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge. Not doing so can lead to disengagement, misunderstandings, wasted time, and missed opportunities.
"Bridging the Communication Gap: Presenting to Mixed Tech & Non-Tech Audiences," offers practical strategies and techniques to help tech professionals communicate effectively across mixed audiences. You’ll learn an audience-centric approach that avoids information overload, increases comprehension and retention, and drives decisions and actions. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your new skills.
Key Takeaways:- Understand the needs of different cohorts so you can tailor your message to resonate with each group effectively.
- Learn how to distil complex technical concepts into clear, concise language.
- Craft a concise message or “elevator pitch” using a simple framework.
This session is for... Technology experts who need to drive the smart adoption and implementation of AI and other new technologies.Sponsored By:
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Networking Area
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. When arriving for your slot, be sure to be prepared with your challenges that you are interested to discuss with the speaker, so that you can make the most of the time allocated.
Appointments are held for 10 minutes so please do arrive on time to make the most of your time. Latecomers will also be at risk of losing their slot to waitlist attendees.
Speakers for the Career Advice Hub are to be announced
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AI & Software Seminar StageSession details coming soon...
Sponsored By:
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AI & Software Seminar Stage
A passion for innovation, technology and making an impact lead many to a career in software engineering. But how do you find a company that is aligned with your goals and ambitions, while working on impactful projects at scale?
Join this session to hear from leading engineers at global advertising technology company The Trade Desk as they share their experiences of working on a platform that handles up to 15 million queries per second.
Key Takeaways:- The unprecedented scale of The Trade Desk: Learn more about the software and engineers that enable our platform to process trillions of data points per day, powering the open internet through data-driven advertising.
- Scale as a career accelerator: Hear from engineers as they discuss the challenges and unparalleled growth opportunities of working at such a scale.
- How to seek out scalable challenges: Gain insight and practical tips for how to prioritise scale in your job search and career development as an engineer.
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SkillShift Stage
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, navigating a successful and fulfilling career requires constant adaptation and a proactive approach. This session will provide you with essential strategies and insights on how to reinvent your career through the years, leveraging the latest trends in technology. We will explore how to take ownership of your career direction, ensuring you are not just a passenger but the driver of your professional journey. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of building transferable skills, which not only enhance your knowledge but also significantly increase your value across various industries.
Key Takeaways:
- How to reinvent your career through the years and trends of technology
- How to take ownership of the direction of your career
- Building transferable skills to increase the breadth of your knowledge and value
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Lunch BreakNetworking AreaGrab a bite to eat with your colleagues at the provided retail stations in the Networking Area and share your biggest takeaways of the event so far!
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AI & Software Seminar Stage
This talk will take you through the shape of the Artificial Intelligence sector, from past, and present to the future and how you can be part of the movement. Be inspired by the contribution from the phenomenal women who have quietly led the industry, through to those leading the breakthrough in AI.
Discover the importance of the female voice in AI and those who are currently working here, as AI embeds itself in everyday life.
Finally, wrap up with projections, aspirations and how you could help mould and influence the AI space.
The Why: As AI becomes the core of everyday life, it is important to learn about the accidental implications of bias sneaking into AI along with changing the perception that the Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning industry isn’t diverse.
Key Takeaways:
- Influential and historic women who drove innovation in AI, such as Elaine Rich and Ada Lovelace.
- The current landscape of AI and the consequences of lack of diversity in the industry, along with the opportunities arising from this.
- Projections and predictions as we drive the movement towards equality in AI roles.
This session is for...
- You if you already work in tech and want to know more about the AI sector
- You if you are considering a career in AI and would like to know the impact you can make
Sponsored By:
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WorkshopsSession details coming soon...
Sponsored By:
Speakers -
Workshops
Carolyn will be exploring the ways in which you can utilise personal branding, taking instant action to show up authentically and with confidence in a male dominated industry. The session will deep dive into the importance of authenticity and active cultivation of your personal brand to help you to stop holding back.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategies for Authentic Self-Presentation: Learn how to showcase your unique skills and perspectives in a way that is true to who you are, making you stand out in the tech field.
- Overcoming Industry Barriers: Gain insights into navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry with confidence and resilience, using your personal brand as a powerful tool for advancement.
- Actionable Steps for Brand Cultivation: Discover practical steps you can take immediately to start building and refining your personal brand, from online presence to networking strategies.
This session is for... anyone in the tech industry looking to elevate their professional image, make impactful connections, and achieve their career goals through the power of personal branding.
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Networking Area
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. When arriving for your slot, be sure to be prepared with your challenges that you are interested to discuss with the speaker, so that you can make the most of the time allocated.
Appointments are held for 10 minutes so please do arrive on time to make the most of your time. Latecomers will also be at risk of losing their slot to waitlist attendees.
Speakers for the Career Advice Hub are to be announced
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Digital Strategy Stage
Join this session as we explore the future of cybersecurity within the cloud, covering new and emerging technologies and how automation and containerisation is at the forefront of technology. We'll look at how can we plug the security gaps introduced by new and emerging technologies, how to chose your tech stacks carefully, considering security implications that are not always the most obvious.
Key Takeaways:
- Switching from on prem to hybrid cloud nature.
- Learn about cloud containerisation and vulnerability management.
- Approaching new technology with caution - containers can present a black hole of security risk.
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Networking BreakNetworking AreaCatch up with your colleagues and new connections during the Networking Break and share your key takeaways of the event so far! Take the time to visit the stands of our sponsors to find out more about them and how their organisation can help you in your career journey!
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AI & Software Seminar StageSession details coming soon...
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Workshops
Session details coming soon...
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WorkshopsLauren will empower tech leaders to create a workplace culture that supports women navigating menopause. As a leading expert in women’s wellbeing, Lauren will share actionable insights on why understanding menopause is crucial for retaining top talent and fostering diversity in tech. Attendees will learn practical strategies to support their teams, drive inclusivity, and enhance performance. This session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to ensure that menopause is no barrier to success in the fast-paced world of technology.
Key Takeaways:- Retain Top Talent: Learn how menopause support can help retain and empower experienced female leaders in your organization.
- Enhance Workplace Inclusivity: Discover practical strategies to create a more inclusive work environment that addresses the needs of menopausal employees.
- Boost Team Performance: Understand the link between menopause support and improved productivity, morale, and overall team performance.
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Networking Area
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. When arriving for your slot, be sure to be prepared with your challenges that you are interested to discuss with the speaker, so that you can make the most of the time allocated.
Appointments are held for 10 minutes so please do arrive on time to make the most of your time. Latecomers will also be at risk of losing their slot to waitlist attendees.
Speakers for the Career Advice Hub are to be announced
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WorkForce Stage
Drawing on a decade of experience in startup/scaleup world, Clare will talk about how important purpose and mission are in growth phases for tech companies. She'll give examples from what3words and Polarsteps, discussing how having a purpose at the heart of the business can be a differentiator in the growth phase, and how to help teams retain the sense of mission as the company grows.
Key Takeaways:
- Adapting communication and leadership styles as you scale and grow your workforce.
- How to help reinforce purpose, mission and belief.
- The importance of keeping mission and purpose alive as a company grow
This session is for...you if you're interested in tech scaleups, you're growing your team, or you're in a purpose-driven business.
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SkillShift StageJoin us for a compelling fireside chat featuring Katherine Ainley, CEO UK & Ireland at Ericsson where she shares her journey in male-dominated industries, offering insights on achieving leadership success. We'll discuss how to restructure roles and workplace cultures to benefit everyone and explore how men in leadership can act as allies in promoting gender equality. This session is ideal for aspiring women leaders, male allies, and anyone interested in fostering inclusive workplaces. Gain practical strategies and inspiration to drive change and support diverse leadership.
Key Takeaways:- How to make it to the top as a woman in a male-dominated industry
- How to change the structure of roles and industries more attractive to not just women, but the benefit of men too
- Encouraging men in leadership positions to act as allies
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Networking ReceptionNetworking AreaJoin us at the Networking Reception where you'll be joined by our speakers to quiz them further on their session and connect with your peers to share your key learnings from the event so far!
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Registration OpensJoin us nice and early from 7:30am to pick up your badge and participate in the Meet Up to create new connections! Don’t worry if you’re not able to attend until later in the day as registration will be open all day across the two days.
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Digital X Human Stage
Welcome back to day two of Women of Silicon Roundabout 2024! Join us for the welcome remarks to kick-start your day with inspiration and empowerment!
Our two-day agenda is filled with expert-led sessions designed to help you learn how to start putting in the building blocks toward the future and securing your position as a futurist leader in tech and strategy.
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Digital X Human Stage
This session will equip you with the knowledge to align your tech initiatives with strategic goals, ensuring that every product you build addresses real challenges effectively. By the end of the session, you’ll be adept at creating purpose-driven designs that are informed, intentional, and impactful.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the why behind your tech strategy
- Taking a solution-first approach, and building products around the problem you’re attempting to resolve
- How to design with intent based on fact and data
Reserved for Diamond Sponsor of Women of Silicon Roundabout
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Digital X Human Stage
In the fast-paced world of software development, automation isn’t just a luxury — it’s a lifeline. Every company strives to streamline their processes, investing in cutting-edge automation frameworks to stay ahead. In the race for efficiency, how do you ensure that your automation is not just effective, but bulletproof.
Key Takeaways:
- How software development and test automation fuel each other’s success
- Navigating the terrain of software test automation tools/frameworks
- Creating your path with an automation health dashboard
Reserved for Diamond Sponsor of Women of Silicon Roundabout
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Digital X Human Stage
Vulnerabilities in your tech infrastructure may be leaving you susceptible to outages which can have costly impacts on your bottom line. At a time when resources are becoming increasingly stretched, the last thing you want is your Engineers scrambling to get your customers and servers back online. Join this session to learn about how to embed resilience in your tech infrastructure and create a seamless Disaster Recovery Plan to ensure business continuity.
The Why: The release of a new software upgrade or a surge of users should be something to be celebrated and not hesitated or feared. Creating automated SRE frameworks will not only keep your organisation and customers online, but will also relieve your engineering teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Developing and testing resilient tech infrastructure
- How to utilise past data to effectively identify and minimize the opportunity for possible future incidents
- Creating pre-emptive response strategies and not reacting to unpredictable outages
Reserved for Diamond Sponsor of Women of Silicon Roundabout
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Networking BreakCatch up with your colleagues and new connections during the Networking Break and share your key takeaways of the event so far! Take the time to visit the stands of our sponsors to find out more about them and how their organisation can help you in your career journey!
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Digital Strategy Stage
Explore strategies for managing technical debt while seamlessly integrating new technologies. This session emphasises the importance of regular health checks on your tech stack to identify risks and security lags. Learn how to balance mastering both old and new technologies, ensuring your team remains innovative without compromising stability. Gain insights into prioritising updates and maintaining a robust, secure infrastructure, all while advancing your technological capabilities. Join us to understand the art of sustaining a healthy tech ecosystem in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- How to manage technical debt while being able to implement new technology
- The importance of conducting regular health checks on your tech stack to identify risk and lag in security
- Balancing becoming a master of old and new technology
Speaker to be announced
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WorkshopsSession details coming soon...
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WorkshopsSession details coming soon...
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Workshops
In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, the role of product management is evolving at an unprecedented pace. This talk delves into the transformative power of AI in supporting product managers, not just as a tool for innovation but as a catalyst for redefining product development and management processes. We will explore practical examples of how AI can automate mundane tasks, freeing up product managers to focus on strategic planning and creative thinking. Additionally, we will discuss the methodologies and best practices for building AI-driven products, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations, user-centric design, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
This session is designed to inspire current and aspiring product managers, offering them a roadmap to harness AI's potential to create impactful, innovative products that anticipate and exceed user expectations. Whether you are looking to incorporate AI into your product management practices or develop new AI-based solutions, this talk will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to lead the charge in the AI revolution in tech.
Key Takeaways:- How AI can transform product management through automation, innovation, and user-centric design.
- Learn best practices and ethical considerations for integrating AI into product development processes
- How to leverage AI for creating impactful, innovative products.
This session is for... professionals with an interest in the intersection of technology, product development, and artificial intelligence.
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WorkshopsSession details coming soon...
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Networking Area
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. When arriving for your slot, be sure to be prepared with your challenges that you are interested to discuss with the speaker, so that you can make the most of the time allocated.
Appointments are held for 10 minutes so please do arrive on time to make the most of your time. Latecomers will also be at risk of losing their slot to waitlist attendees.
Speakers for the Career Advice Hub are to be announced
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Digital Strategy Stage
Join us for an insightful fireside chat on navigating the fast-evolving world of technology and how to identify impactful tech trends amidst the hype. In this session our speakers, will share practical tips on effectively communicating tech initiatives to leadership teams, avoiding the pitfalls of buzzwords and focusing on clear, value-driven discussions. This session is perfect for professionals looking to make informed tech decisions and align their organisation's strategy with meaningful technological advancements.
Key Takeaways:
- How to know what technology is going to truly make an impact while staying on top of the latest trends
- Knowing what you need to prioritise when looking to implement a new technology strategy
- How to communicate tech with your leadership team in a way that isn't led by the latest flash buzzwords
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Lunch BreakNetworking Area
Grab a bite to eat with your colleagues at the provided retail stations in the Networking Area and share your biggest takeaways of the event so far!
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SkillShift Stage
As technology evolves rapidly, workers will require upskilling and reskilling, possibly changing careers altogether. In the age of AI, few companies are adequately addressing this pressing issue and few are doing so through the guise of DE&I. In this session Anna Brailsford, CEO of Code First Girls, talks about building reskilling initiatives that champion fair and equitable opportunities for all employees.
Within 15 to 20 years it is predicted that new automation technologies will likely eliminate 14% of the world’s jobs and radically transform another 32%. Companies can no longer rely on the talent market to fill their skills gap. Studies have shown that the rise of automation will have a disproportionate impact on women and employees of colour, meaning reskilling and upskilling will be necessary to maintain equity and opportunity within company roles. Code First Girls works with over 130 organisations to build pipelines of diverse tech talent, and upskill existing employees with the digital skills they need to thrive. We'll use this session to share her learnings and teach you how to build a reskilling program with DE&I at its core.
Key Takeaways:
- Reskilling in the age of AI is a strategic and business imperative
- DE&I must be at the centre of all reskilling efforts to balance the disproportionate effect that AI will have on minority groups in the workplace
- It takes a village - government, corporates, and social impact organisations must work together to build frameworks for employees to easily reskill and upskill in digital
This session is for...
- You if you are a tech leader
- You if you are a tech employee
- You if you work within an HR function
- You if you are interested in the digital skills gap and the future of workforce transformation
Sponsored By:
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Workshops
Unlock new potential with this workshop on igniting innovation as a visionary leader. In this session, you'll learn to unearth untapped growth avenues by breaking free from conventional thinking, empowering you to foster creativity and critical analysis within your teams to enhance problem-solving. Join us and embark on a journey where creativity knows no bounds, and innovation becomes second nature.
Key Takeaways:
- How to reveal new growth opportunities by thinking outside of the box.
- Inspiring creativity and critical thinking in your teams.
- Utilising diverse perspectives to drive fresh ideas and new solutions to challenges.
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Networking Area
Book your 1-2-1 appointment with our speakers at the Career Advice Hub to get direct advice on your personal and professional development that’s specific to you and your challenges. When arriving for your slot, be sure to be prepared with your challenges that you are interested to discuss with the speaker, so that you can make the most of the time allocated.
Appointments are held for 10 minutes so please do arrive on time to make the most of your time. Latecomers will also be at risk of losing their slot to waitlist attendees.
Speakers for the Career Advice Hub are to be announced
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WorkForce Stage
Join us as we delve into the current trend of abandoning DEI initiatives, exploring the underlying reasons behind this shift. We'll discuss strategies for maintaining progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion even without a dedicated DEI team. This session will explore the evolution and potential to reshape the narrative around DEI to emphasise its ongoing importance and impact. This session is essential for anyone looking to sustain and evolve DEI efforts in their organisation, offering practical insights and innovative approaches to keep the momentum alive.
Key Takeaways:
- Exploring the why behind the trend of abandoning DEI initiatives.
- How to keep the DEI needle moving forward with no DEI team.
- Reshaping the narrative around DEI.
Speaker to be announced
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Digital Strategy StageJoin this session to learn about the evolution and current state of sustainability in technology. We'll explore the opportunities and challenges faced in this crucial field and provide insights on driving sustainable change within organisations and workforces through technology. Learn how cutting-edge innovations can enhance sustainability efforts and discover actionable strategies to integrate eco-friendly practices into your tech initiatives.
Key Takeaways:- Evolution, current state, opportunities, and challenges of sustainability in tech
- Insights to drive sustainable organisational and workforce change through technology
- How technology is building the capacity for resilience, improving society and evolving verticals
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SkillShift Stage
The ability to identify and know your sense of purpose can be a powerful tool. It can become your compass to guide you in everything you do and help you to understand 'the why' behind you do what you do and be great driver in your career to not only excel, but create solutions to some of the biggest challenges we face as a society. Join this session to hear how inspirational leaders have used their purpose and authenticity to identify their superpower and how they used to drive their career forward to inspire future generations.
Key Takeaways:
- Identifying your why to find your sense of purpose in your career
- Using authenticity and purpose to know and stand in your power
- How being authentically yourself in the workspace and beyond can create opportunities for future generations
Speaker to be announced
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WorkForce StageSession details coming soon...
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AI & Software Seminar Stage
In this session, I will drive from my experience in delving AI products in Mastercard, a comprehensive exploration of essential aspects in deploying artificial intelligence within large-scale organizations. This will cover strategic planning aligned with business objectives, data governance, and model development. I will also address the challenges of scalability, integration, and ethical considerations in enterprise AI projects. By delving into case studies, success stories, and future trends, participants gain valuable insights into real-world implementations, best practices, and emerging technologies. The session concludes with fostering a holistic understanding of the strategic, technical, and ethical dimensions crucial for establishing an AI-ready ecosystem within enterprises.
Key Takeaways:- Learning about enterprise-ready ML models: process, tools, and artefacts.
- Best tips and practice for data governance in AI models.
- How to build with scalability and system integration in mind.
This session is for... ML and AI Engineers, Leaders in large scale organisations
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Workshops
This session will empower participants with strategies to identify boardroom opportunities and develop the necessary skills to secure a seat at the table. Discover how to leverage your network effectively, pinpoint potential openings, and cultivate the competencies that boards seek. Whether you're aiming for a corporate board or a nonprofit, this session offers practical insights and actionable steps to advance your career. Join us to learn how to align your qualifications with board expectations and utilise your professional connections to achieve your boardroom ambitions.
Key Takeaways:
- How and where to identify boardroom opportunities
- Developing the right skills to make it to the boardroom
- Utilising your network to make it to the boardroom
Speaker to be announced
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Conference End