Attending the 2024 Beyond Big Data: AI/Machine Learning Summit

Overview of Pittsburgh Tech Council (PTC)

Established in 1983, PTC is a distinguished organization, focusing on visibility, talent development, business growth, and public policy for its members. This council serves as a vital resource for companies at all growth stages, facilitating new business ventures, capital connections, workforce expansion, and media recognition.

Summit Significance

The goal of this year’s Beyond Big Data summit was to take a look at the ever-evolving landscape of Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. The summit provided a unique opportunity for attendees at all levels to explore the possibilities of these technologies while fostering connections with industry peers. Focused on current trends and best practices, the event delved into strategies, technologies, and ethical considerations related to data analysis, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

Summit Kickoff

The summit began with a warm welcome from Audrey Russo, President, and CEO of PTC. Audrey set the tone for the day with tons of energy and positivity. Next, we heard from Manoj Mishra (CGI) discussing the State of the Industry. He spoke at a high-level about AI implementation and conducted a poll on what level of AI maturity your organization is at. It was very interesting to see the results and to see that many organizations are just in the beginning phases of AI.

Andrew Moore, CEO of Lovelace AI, delivered a thought-provoking Keynote Conversation. Andrew has an extensive resume and has previously worked at Google and Carnegie Mellon University, a few times each. An interesting and enlightening point Andrew made was between the “techs” on the east and west coast. He is originally from the UK and when he came to America, his goal was to end up in Silicon Valley. Because of his wife, and other life things, he ended up in Pittsburgh. He said that the techs on the west coast have big, lofty ideas and goals that they want to conquer. However, on the east coast, and Pittsburgh, techs focus on more achievable, quantifible goals.

Andrew Moore, CEO of Lovelace AI, delivered a thought-provoking Keynote Conversation. Andrew has an extensive resume and has previously worked at Google and Carnegie Mellon University, a few times each. An interesting and enlightening point Andrew made was between the “techs” on the east and west coast. He is originally from the UK and when he came to America, his goal was to end up in Silicon Valley. Because of his wife, and other life things, he ended up in Pittsburgh. He said that the techs on the west coast have big, lofty ideas and goals that they want to conquer. However, on the east coast, and Pittsburgh, techs focus on more achievable, quantifible goals.

Afternoon Keynote Address and Breakout Sessions

Post-lunch, Carolyn Ujcic, Director of AI at Google Cloud, delivered an insightful keynote address on AI and security. Then we were on to the afternoon breakout sessions. This time, we chose the GenAI, Innovation, and the Future of Work track. Featured speakers included Tiffany Prince (Prince Performance LLC), Matt Swalley (Omneky), and Anupam Singh (113 Industries Inc.), addressing re-skilling in a world of generative AI systems, the revolutionization of advertising through generative AI, and an AI-driven Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) approach for innovation.