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Welcome by TechSTL

TechSTL Executive Director will officially kick-off STL TechWeek 2025 with her opening plenary

Keynote - AI & Automation: Developing Your AI Strategy

Artificial intelligence and automation is now touching nearly every part of how business is conducted. But how do we develop an AI strategy? Join David Karandish – AI thought leader and CEO of Capacity – as he shares a game-changing perspective on how to successfully implement AI and automation in your business. In this session, you will learn to: 1) Understand the market by distinguishing between automation, AI, and generative AI, 2) Organize your tech stack to align with modern technology, 3) Discover a framework for engaging in an AI Assessment

Keynote - Achieving Successful AI Outcomes with a Platform Mindset

James Harmison, the Founder of RedHat AI, will share some lessons learned from successful (and some unsuccessful!) implementations of AI-enabled applications and AI development environments, showing how a platform mindset can drive maintainable innovation.

Keynote - The WWT AI Proving Ground (AIPG)

Join Jeffrey Fonke, Practice Director at WWT, as he explores the AI Proving Ground (AIPG)—a cutting-edge lab environment designed to accelerate AI adoption. AIPG empowers IT teams to test, iterate, and validate AI solutions in a secure, multi-OEM setting. Jeff will highlight real-world use cases where organizations have leveraged AIPG to optimize infrastructure, assess AI performance, and drive business outcomes. Learn how WWT’s AI Proving Ground can help de-risk AI investments and fast-track innovation for your enterprise.

Lunch - On Your Own

Breakout 1A - AI in Marketing: Hands-On Strategies for Automating Engagement and Driving Growth

This interactive workshop dives into the practical applications of AI and automation in modern marketing. Led by Brevard Nelson, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI-certified FinTech expert, participants will learn how to leverage AI-powered tools to streamline marketing processes, enhance customer engagement, and optimize ROI. Through hands-on activities, attendees will explore actionable strategies for implementing automation in content creation, lead generation, and campaign management. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with a clear understanding of how to harness AI to transform their marketing efforts and drive sustainable growth.

Breakout 1B - Building AI Agents in JavaScript

This talk is perfect for developers and tech enthusiasts looking to harness AI capabilities while staying within the JavaScript ecosystem. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to start building AI-powered solutions in their own projects.

Breakout 1C - How to Make AI an Executive Priority

This session highlights how adopting AI can revolutionize business functions, with over 40% of U.S. work activities being augmented or automated by generative AI. It emphasizes the tangible business impacts, from improving efficiencies to reducing overheads, and showcases real-world examples of AI-driven success from GadellNet's own IT consulting practice. This session is a must-attend for executives looking to stay ahead of the curve and leverage AI to drive innovation and growth in their organizations.

Breakout 1D - Small Data, Big Impact: How to Create your own LLMs on a Budget

In this workshop, Yaqi Chen will demystify the process of building your own Large Language Models (LLMs) without breaking the bank. You'll learn how to fine-tune pre-trained models using small datasets, optimize computing resources, and leverage open-source tools to create AI solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you're an entrepreneur, researcher, or developer, this session will provide practical insights into making AI more accessible and impactful—no massive data centers required.

Breakout 1E - Automation in a Time of Disruption: Doing More with Less in the Changing Federal Space

Leveraging the forcing function of DOGE initiatives to explore and introduce automation and modernization in the defense transportation space.

Transition Break (10 min)

Breakout 2A - Revolutionizing Research: Building Your Own AI Assistant with Ease

This session will introduce a cutting-edge chatbot creator designed for Washington University researchers seeking AI-powered insights from their own data in a HIPAA/FERPA-compliant way. Join us to see how you can build, customize, and embed your own AI assistants to transform how you interact with complex information and drive research breakthroughs.

Breakout 2B - Waiting for the Killer AI App

With the attention and hype that generative AI received in 2024, the general expectation was that AI would be having a massive impact on everyone today. While "Now with AI!" is certainly a common tagline these days, most people aren't really doing things that differently yet. Why isn't there more adoption across the board? Why haven't we started using our devices in dramatically different ways? This talk will cover some theories on why the adoption rate is lower than expected and what it will take to make it truly game-changing.

Track 2C - From Hype to Implementation: Building a AI-Driven Team

The buzz around AI is everywhere, but how do you move beyond the hype to achieve real, scalable results in your business? This session will provide a clear, actionable roadmap for leaders looking to integrate AI into their workforce strategies. You’ll learn how to identify the right AI tools for your enterprise, align them with your organizational goals, and empower employees to work smarter, not harder.

Breakout 2D - Is Your Data Ready for AI?

Whether starting from a high-maturity postured state or leading your AI project with agile data-readiness activities, staying ahead of the AI project with quality data is the difference-maker.

Transition Break (10 minutes)

Breakout 3A - Taming the Human Factor in AI: Inside the Chaos of Implementing AI in Manufacturing

During this case study I will provide you with actionable insights and strategies that highlight the organizational perspective of realizing the full potential of AI in complex environments. This session promises to provide clear, direct guidance that will make the power of AI technology more accessible to organizations looking to harness its transformative capabilities, within manufacturing industries.

Breakout 3B - Next-Gen CX with Human + Agents

Breakout 3C - Overcoming the Last Big Hurdle in Developer Productivity

Is bad documentation slowing us down? In this session we will explore some of the issues developers and industry professionals face when documentation is lacking, inaccurate or out of date and how AI powered documentation tools can address those problems.

Breakout 3D - Why the Time is Now for Your AI Journey

In this forward-looking presentation, we explore the critical inflection point at which organizations and individuals find themselves regarding artificial intelligence adoption. As we approach 2025, AI technologies have matured beyond experimental phases into practical, accessible tools that are transforming industries worldwide. The presentation addresses key questions facing today's decision-makers: Why waiting to implement AI strategies puts organizations at a competitive disadvantage How current AI accessibility differs from even 2-3 years ago What tangible benefits early adopters are already realizing How to begin your AI journey regardless of technical expertise or organizational size Through case studies, market analyses, and practical roadmaps, attendees will gain clarity on why delaying AI implementation is no longer a viable strategy in today's rapidly evolving landscape. The session concludes with actionable next steps for initiating or accelerating your organization's AI transformation journey. Suitable for business leaders, technology strategists, and professionals curious about practical AI implementation.

Breakout 3E - The Future of Work: How AI & Large Language Models Are Reshaping Jobs and Productivity (A Panel)

Join industry experts as they discuss real-world use cases, ethical concerns, and strategies for integrating AI into business operations. Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or employee, this session provides actionable insights on navigating the AI-driven future.

Transition Break (10 minutes)

Breakout 4A - AI-Driven Request Orchestration for the Right Models Every Time

Optimizing machine learning systems requires more than just powerful models—it demands intelligent request routing. By harnessing AI to orchestrate requests dynamically, organizations can ensure the right model is used for the right task, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and maintaining system reliability. This presentation provides a roadmap to integrating AI-driven orchestration into modern applications.

Breakout 4B - AI in Check: Preventing Overreliance on GenAI

Do we rely on generative AI (GenAI) too much? This talk delves into the risks of over relying on AI, from accepting incorrect outputs to trusting AI systems when we shouldn’t. While GenAI provides human-like responses, it can make mistakes or fabricate information. To use GenAI effectively, it’s essential that users understand when to trust it and when to rely on their own judgment or others. Join me as I explore the challenges of verifying AI outputs, the importance of fostering appropriate reliance on AI features, and the research-based strategies to achieve it.

Breakout 4C - Future-Ready Workforce Planning and Talent Acquisition Strategy for Enterprises

Real-world case studies will illustrate successful implementations across industries. This keynote aims to equip HR, Procurement and C-Level Execs of Enterprises with actionable insights to future-proof their workforce and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving market.

Breakout 4D - Ignore Previous Instructions: Embracing AI Red Teaming

In this talk, we will explore the journey of Red Teaming from its origins to its transformation into AI Red Teaming, highlighting its pivotal role in shaping the future of Large Language Models (LLMs) and beyond. Drawing from my firsthand experiences developing and deploying the largest generative red teaming platform to date, I will share insightful antidotes and real-world examples. We will explore how adversarial red teaming fortifies AI applications at every layer—protecting platforms, businesses, and consumers. This includes safeguarding the external application interface, reinforcing LLM guardrails, and enhancing the security of the LLMs' internal algorithms. Join me as we uncover the critical importance of adversarial strategies in securing the AI landscape.

AI / ML Startup World Cup

A live pitch competition of St. Louis based startups within the AI / ML space

Transition Break (10 minutes)

Breakout 5A - AI and LLMs: What Every Executive Needs to Know

In this session, we’ll cut through the technical jargon to give executives a clear and actionable understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs). You’ll learn what these technologies are, how they’re transforming industries, and the strategic opportunities they present for your organization. We’ll explore real-world applications, from improving operational efficiency to delivering personalized customer experiences, and discuss the risks and ethical considerations every leader should understand. Whether you’re planning your organization’s next big innovation or looking to stay ahead of the curve, this session will provide the insights needed to make informed decisions about AI adoption. By the end, you’ll walk away with the knowledge to confidently lead AI-driven initiatives, unlocking new potential for your business.

Breakout 5B - Beyond Traditional Systems: How AI & SAM Are Revolutionizing CRM Tools with Advanced Automations

Ideal for technology leaders, industry veterans, prompt engineers, and software developers - this workshop highlights how these tools set new industry standards, with real estate as a compelling use case in our first-of-its-kind 'system accelerator'.

Breakout 5C - Cheat Codes for Slaying Corporate Bureaucracy

Like most gifted IT leaders, you probably know that half of all IT projects fail. How do you keep yours from doing so? Failure isn’t always because of the leader, it’s most often because the enterprise your project will serve is really systems of many systems. Most of these are out of your control. You aren’t helpless, though. Learn how a systems of systems perspective offers a path forward, laying the digital foundation for IT leaders and the systems they build to really make a difference. Whether you’re deploying a new ERP, or exploring generative AI at scale, you can learn how the best leaders are making critical IT infrastructure responsive, resilient, and value creating.

Breakout 5D - Voice AI Agents: Transforming Appointment Booking and Redefining Business Efficiency

We’ll be exploring the groundbreaking impact of Voice AI agents in revolutionizing how businesses manage inquiries, answer questions, schedule appointments, and handle complex, multi-functional tasks. Attendees will uncover actionable strategies to integrate Voice AI into their operations, streamline workflows, and enhance customer experiences. The session will also address best practices for designing versatile and intuitive Voice AI systems, setting a strategic vision for their deployment, and overcoming challenges to ensure seamless functionality and ethical use, driving innovation and operational excellence in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Transition Break (10 minutes)

Breakout 6A - Unleashing Gemini: Google Cloud's Gen AI Powerhouse

This workshop delves into the transformative world of Generative AI and its implementation within Google Cloud, focusing on the Gemini family of models. It explores the evolution of AI, from basic analysis to advanced creation, and highlights how Generative AI is revolutionizing technology interaction. Key areas covered include the diverse applications of Generative AI (Create, Summarize, Discover, Automate, Converse), the unique capabilities of Google's Gemini models (multimodality, flexibility), and the Vertex AI platform for building and deploying AI solutions. Also, showcases practical applications of Gemini through demos. It further illustrates how Google Cloud's Generative AI tools cater to various sectors, including retail, finance, healthcare, education, and more, by providing tailored solutions and fostering innovation.

Breakout 6B - AI-Ready or Not: Crafting Your Organization's AI Adoption Blueprint

Bringing AI into your organization can feel overwhelming—where do you start, how do you build the right skills, and how do you manage the changes that come with it? This session helps break down those challenges with a practical AI Readiness Toolkit that you can tailor to your company’s needs. In this engaging mix of keynote insights and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to assess your organization’s current AI readiness, explore ways to build AI skills that fit your industry and company size, and understand the key steps to smoothly integrate AI into your business. Whether you’re in tech or not, you’ll get a clear picture of the shifts needed to make AI work for you. By the end, you’ll walk away with ready-to-use templates and a step-by-step roadmap for AI adoption. You'll gain practical strategies to tackle common challenges and ensure your AI efforts are set up for success. This session is designed for leaders, managers, and teams looking for a straightforward, actionable approach to AI.

Breakout 6C - From Data Overload to Actionable Intelligence: How AI-Powered Knowledge Engines Transform Decision-Making

In an era of overwhelming data, organizations struggle to extract meaningful insights from vast, disparate sources. Enter the AI-powered knowledge engine—a game-changer in transforming raw information into actionable intelligence. This session will explore how AI-driven knowledge engines enhance decision-making, improve data accessibility, and unlock new insights across industries. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of why knowledge engines are critical for modern data-driven operations and how AI is the key enabler of their success.

Session Close