The AI for Business and Enterprise Conference was a fantastic opportunity to hear from world-leading experts on the predicted trajectory of artificial intelligence and the expected impact it will have on business and individuals in the short to medium term. We were lucky enough to welcome three delegates from The Alan Turing Institute to give participants the latest updates on AI innovation, law, and governance frameworks. Also speaking were delegates from Capgemini, Credera, Holiday Extras and Veraxis, this gave participants an in-depth view of the opportunities and challenges surrounding the implementation of AI across different industries and several practical solutions to embedding new technologies and bringing existing staff teams on board.

Tom Mcgarry, Leader, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Head of New Business at Holiday Extras said: “I was thrilled to speak at CCCU’s recent AI Conference where I shared how AI is revolutionising our travel tech business as well as the industry as a whole. The diverse perspectives and thought-provoking discussions from the day indicate that we need to keep the conversation going and see how our collective knowledge can continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible which is really exciting. Thank you CCCU for facilitating such an important event.”

Alongside the keynote speakers, delegates had the opportunity to attend two of five workshops during the day. These ranged from VR and embedding Chat GBT, to using artificial intelligence to get the most out of business metrics and data. The mix of speakers and practical workshops gave delegates some real advice and solutions to get the best out of AI in a business setting.

What set this conference apart was its eclectic mix of attendees, ranging from AI experts to those relatively new to the field. This diversity in experience and perspective enriched the dialogue, fostering an environment where seasoned professionals could share deep insights while newcomers brought fresh questions and ideas to the table. The resulting discussions were both robust and inclusive, reflecting the broad spectrum of interests and expertise present.

Helen Valls-Russel, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist and attendee of the conference said “I came not knowing anything about AI, I didn’t even really know how to use Chat GBT and today I have heard from lots of different people with lots of different ideas and I now know how I can start to use it in my business and I have gained some ideas around the things I need to be conscious of when I am using it. I am ready to go and have a play!”

A key takeaway from the conference was the emphasis on the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of AI advancements. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, the demand for new skills and competencies will rise. The conference highlighted the role of businesses in fostering a culture of learning and development, ensuring that employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to work alongside AI systems.

Sandeep Sharma, Lead Data Science Consultant at Capgemini UK said: “In this rapidly evolving technological landscape, universities need to be geared towards providing the real-world exposure to the students, enabling them to become better professionals. This means working in close collaboration with industries and professionals, and the AI for Business & Enterprise conference was a great way to build that connection.“

In summary, the CCCU AI Conference was a hub for knowledge and networking, drawing a diverse audience eager to explore the future of artificial intelligence. The mix of insightful presentations, practical workshops, and varied attendee backgrounds created an atmosphere ripe for innovation and collaboration. It was a day filled with learning, inspiration, and the exchange of ideas, setting a high bar for future events.