AI and analytics experts to gather at the Day for Data symposium
The symposium is Nov. 3 at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech and is free and open to the public.
The Pamplin College of Business will host the fourth annual Day for Data symposium on Monday, Nov. 3, at the Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech.
Built for students, industry professionals, faculty, and the broader community, the symposium will focus on how organizations are using artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics to make better decisions, build resilient capabilities, and develop the next generation of data-driven leaders. Attendance is free and open to the public.
“Day for Data is about real-world innovation and application,” said Jay Winkeler, director of the Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics program. “This year, we’re assessing the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence and data analytics and bringing together voices from several sectors to discuss how these technologies are shaping our future.”
The symposium will offer conversations about how these emerging technologies are driving decision-making and innovation across industries. Attendees can expect keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Learn more about the symposium online.
Who should attend
- Students and alumni: Learn from industry practitioners, upload resumes, connect with recruiters, and see how analytics is deployed inside leading organizations.
- Industry professionals: Meet students, collaborate with faculty, and explore recruiting, research, and sponsorship opportunities.
- Faculty and staff: Engage with companies on applied research and curricular innovation in analytics and AI.
- General public: Anyone interested in learning more about AI and analytics is welcome.
Featured sessions
The Future of Learning: Leading Through Uncertainty in the Age of AI
With moderator Jennifer Riley, director of the office of graduate programs in the Pamplin College of Business; Mehul Sanghani, CEO of Octo; Rishi Jaitly, senior advisor for OpenAI and founder of the Virginia Tech Institute for Leadership in Technology; and Somiah Lattimore, executive director of the Apex center for entrepreneurship
In a world reshaped by AI and complexity, how do leaders and learners stay ahead of the curve? This panel explores the rise of lifelong learning as a core leadership competency. Featuring tech and education pioneers, the session will examine how executive education, innovation ecosystems, and career agility equip professionals to thrive amid uncertainty. iley will guide a dynamic conversation on what it means to lead with purpose, build learning cultures, and develop the human side of the AI-powered future.
From Breach to Resilience: How AI and Quantum are Redefining Cyber Defense
With Jeff Crume, IBM distinguished engineer, inventor, author, and YouTuber
What if every data breach could teach us how to prevent the next one? In this keynote, Crume reveals deep insights into the financial and operational impacts of data breaches across industries and geographies. Crume will highlight how AI, quantum computing, and automation are mitigating risks and share actionable strategies to reduce breach-related expenses.
The Age of AI Agents: Building Tomorrow's Intelligent Enterprise
With Keith Johnson, director of department of defense solutions architecture for Amazon Web Services (AWS)
In a world where AI is evolving from passive assistants to autonomous agents, Johnson will take you behind the scenes on how AI agents are transforming business operations. Drawing from AWS's extensive experience with enterprise customers, Johnson will explore the rapid evolution of AI from simple assistants to autonomous agents capable of complex decision-making and execution. Learn about key technological breakthroughs driving this shift, real-world applications across industries, and practical frameworks for implementing agentic AI.
