Thought leaders in AI and analytics to gather at Pamplin's Day for Data symposium
The symposium is Nov. 4 at the Moss Arts Center and is free and open to the public.
On Monday, Nov. 4, the third annual Day for Data symposium will gather industry leaders and academia together for a practical exploration of business analytics.
The event is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech. Attendance is free, and registration is now open.
“With each year, the scope of Day for Data continues to expand,” said Jay Winkeler, executive director of the Center for Business Analytics in the Pamplin College of Business. “This year, we’re assessing the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and data analytics, bringing together voices from several sectors to discuss how these technologies are shaping our future.”
The symposium aims to gather business leaders, faculty, students, and the public in conversations about how these emerging technologies are driving decision-making and innovation across industries. Attendees can expect keynote sessions, interactive panels, and networking opportunities.
Featured sessions
AI and the "Full-Stack Human"
with Rishi Jaitly, senior advisor for OpenAI, former Twitter vice president, and founder of the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology
Drawing from his experience as an executive and advisor for industry-leading tech companies, Jaitly will share key insights into artificial intelligence (AI), technology, and leadership. He will demonstrate how humanities provide the foundation for leadership and innovation in the modern age. As the founder of the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology — the nation’s first executive humanities leadership certificate program for mid-career tech professionals — he will explain how the institute develops “full-stack humans” capable of navigating the complexities of technology and understanding the needs of the people it serves.
A Framework for Data-Driven Impact
with Ben Walker '10, associate partner, Kearney
In this session, Walker will outline a practical framework for how data analytics play varying roles to solve problems. While leading technology options, such as generative AI, are great solutions for some problems, it’s not a silver bullet solution. Attendees will learn how and when to use various analytic tools using real life consulting scenarios. This session will also address the growing role of AI tools and the human judgment required to effectively implement analytics-based solutions within organizations.
Building Purpose-Built AI Systems
with Ankit Battawar, solutions architect, Amazon Web Solutions
As AI continues to advance, the need for AI systems tailored to specific applications and use cases has become increasingly important. This session led by Battawar will explore the concept of purpose-built AI systems - discussing the technology and real-world examples - to gain insights into how purpose-built AI systems are being leveraged across industries to drive innovation and solve complex problems.