The Future of Data & AI

Data & AI Think Tank

June 17, 2025 - New York, NY

Visionaries

Mani S (Filler) Sephora
Mani Soundararajan

Chief Architect /Head of Technology - Data AI/ML

Sephora

Think Tank Speaker

Founded in 1969, Sephora operates as a cosmetics and beauty stores. The Company offers foundation sets, moisturizer, face powder, blush, contour, eyeliner, nail polish, lipstick, face brushes, makeup remover, face wash, toners, eye cream, face masks, perfume, body lotion, hand cream, sunscreen, and other related products. The company is headquartered in Paris, France.

Sameer Patwardhan Forbes Media LLC
Sameer Patwardhan

SVP, Technology

Forbes Media LLC

Think Tank Speaker

Sameer is the SVP , Technology at Forbes Media LLC and leads their DevOps, Security , Corp IT , Engineering and QA . He has extensive experience in all facets of IT right from starting out as a C++, Java developer to DevOps , Security and Cloud infrastructure. Sameer is also a member of ISC2 and has CISSP and CCSP certifications. He loves to work out , to go on long walks , a Linux hobbyist and avid gardener

June 17, 2025

Agenda

All times Eastern Time

8:30 AM-9:00 AM

Registration


9:00 AM-9:30 AM

Morning Networking


9:30 AM-9:40 AM

Opening Remarks


9:40 AM-10:05 AM
Vision Voices Keynote

The Future of Generative AI: Transforming Business and Technology

Explore the transformative potential of Generative AI in this forward-looking session, where we will delve into how this cutting-edge technology is set to revolutionize business and technology landscapes. We will discuss emerging trends, anticipated advancements in the next 12-24 months, and their impact on various industries. Learn about practical applications of Generative AI, from enhancing customer experiences to driving innovation and operational efficiency. Our experts will also address the ethical considerations, regulatory challenges, and best practices for successful AI integration. Join us to gain insights into how Generative AI can unlock new opportunities and shape the future of your organization.


10:10 AM-10:35 AM
Keynote Panel

Next-Level Innovations: Unveiling GenAI - The Hype, The Reality, and The Future

We will explore the evolution of Generative AI, from its inception to its transformative impact across various industries. Experts will discuss the disparity between the media-driven hype and the technology's real-world capabilities, sharing case studies and addressing current challenges. The conversation will also cover the economic and ethical implications of Gen AI, providing insights into its future advancements and regulatory landscape. Attendees will gain a nuanced understanding of Gen AI's potential and the strategic considerations necessary for its successful integration into diverse sectors.


10:35 AM-10:55 AM

Coffee Break


10:55 AM-11:40 AM
Panel

The Evolving Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is vast, as it is now being utilized across all industries. With the combination of machine learning, AI has made significant improvements in the field of cybersecurity. Automated security systems, natural language processing, face detection, and automatic threat detection are some examples of how AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity. However, AI is also being used to create intelligent malware and attacks, which can bypass the most up-to-date security protocols, making it a double-edged sword. On the positive side, AI-enabled threat detection systems have the ability to predict new attacks and immediately notify administrators in case of a data breach.


11:15 AM-11:30 AM
Vision Voices

The Role of CDOs in Navigating Digital Transformation in 2025

Chief Data Officers (CDOs) play a pivotal role in navigating digital transformation for organizations. As custodians of data, they oversee the strategic management of data assets, ensuring data quality, security, and compliance. CDOs help identify opportunities to leverage data for competitive advantage, often driving innovation and new revenue streams through data analytics and insights. They establish data governance frameworks and data-driven cultures within the organization, enabling informed decision-making and promoting data literacy. In an era where data is a critical asset, CDOs act as bridge builders between technology and business units, aligning digital transformation efforts with organizational goals and helping companies thrive in the data-driven landscape.


11:50 AM-12:50 PM

Lunch & Disruptor Showcase


12:30 PM-12:45 PM
Lunch & Disruptor Showcase

Innovation Unleashed: Navigating the Future through IT Evolution with CIOs at the Helm

In this session, embark on a transformative exploration of the evolving landscape of IT operations. Delving into the strategic imperative for Chief Information Officers to reshape and modernize their IT operating models, the discussion unfolds the critical role technology plays in driving business success. Participants will gain practical insights into the adaptive strategies CIOs can employ to enhance organizational agility, foster innovation, and align IT with overarching business goals. Join us for a dynamic conversation that unveils the power of evolving IT operating models, empowering organizations to thrive in the ever-evolving digital age.

12:50 PM-1:35 PM
Panel

Embracing Innovation: Best-of-Breed Emerging Technologies from Silicon Valley ... and Beyond!

In this strategic session designed for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), we delve into the transformative realm of "Innovate through Emerging Tech." As technology stewards, CIOs play a pivotal role in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. The session provides CIOs with actionable insights into leveraging these technologies to drive innovation within their organizations. Attendees will explore practical strategies for implementation, addressing potential challenges, and ensuring ethical considerations in adopting these disruptive technologies. Join us to empower your role as a technology leader and discover how CIOs can strategically leverage emerging tech to propel their organizations into the forefront of innovation.This panel discussion will take you on a journey through the forefront of technological innovation, featuring three visionary solutions poised to revolutionize the digital landscape. These pioneering solutions address pressing challenges faced by organizations worldwide, ranging from permissions management to troubleshooting live applications and system observability.

In today's dynamic digital landscape, managing permissions effectively poses a significant challenge for organizations. However, a pioneering solution emerges to address these pressing concerns by automating permissions management based on risk and usage patterns, ensuring alignment with business needs while minimizing security risks. Moreover, a revolutionary toolset empowers developers and SREs to troubleshoot live applications swiftly and efficiently, slashing mean time to resolution and delivering substantial cost savings. Dive deeper into how these groundbreaking approaches drive productivity gains and cost efficiencies for organizations worldwide.


1:40 PM-2:15 PM
Fireside Chat

The Role of AI in Enhancing Digital Operations

Exploring the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on modern business processes. This session delves into how AI-driven technologies optimize digital operations, streamline workflows, and enhance efficiency. This Vision Voice will share insights into real-world applications, best practices, and the strategic integration of AI, empowering organizations to unlock new levels of productivity and innovation in the digital landscape.


2:35 PM-2:55 PM

Networking Break


2:55 PM-3:10 PM
Disruptor

What’s AI Doing for You?

The terms "Artificial Intelligence" and "Advanced Machine Learning" are often thought of interchangeably. While there is a relationship between AI and AML, to say they are the same thing is an oversimplification and misclassification. Rather, one begets the other with AI being the basic principle upon which AML is developed. As AI begins to mature and migrate away from purely advanced mathematical operations into decision making paradigms, AML steps forward as the predictive ability of machines to process vast quantities of data. As data and analytics becomes foundational to the way every business operates, AI and AML will become foundational capabilities.

3:15 PM-4:00 PM
Panel

The Strategic Imperative for Data and AI leaders in the Age of Analytics

Data management and analytics are critical areas for technology leaders to focus on as organizations continue to generate large volumes of data. Technology leaders must implement effective data management strategies to ensure that data is accurate, secure, and easily accessible. This involves developing processes for collecting, storing, and analyzing data, as well as ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations. Additionally,technology leaders must leverage analytics to gain insights from this data and inform decision-making. By using advanced analytics tools and techniques, technology leaders can identify trends, patterns, and opportunities that can drive business growth and enhance the customer experience. Overall, effective data management and analytics are essential for technology leaders to help their organizations make data-driven decisions and stay ahead of the competition.


4:10 PM-4:20 PM

Closing Remarks & Raffle Giveaway


4:20 PM-5:30 PM

Cocktail Networking


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