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digitalNow 2023 is just around the corner, and it’s time to introduce the lineup of super-star keynotes at this year’s conference, taking place Nov. 2-4 in Aurora, Colorado.
digitalNow, Sidecar’s annual conference for association executives, brings together forward-thinking leaders to learn about cutting-edge technology, share ideas, network, hear from industry experts, and participate in in-depth workshops.
This year’s event will explore how associations can use artificial intelligence (AI) to overcome common association challenges like member retention, content production, revenue growth, and more.
Interested in learning more? Read on for a peek of the some of the event’s keynote sessions.
Unlocking the Power of Data and AI to Amplify Your Association's Impact
Keynote: Robert Joseph, PhD | Co-Founder, Team MindShift
Thursday, Nov. 2 | 10:30-11:15am
We all know it - using facts and evidence is an important element of sound decision making and tracking progress. Still, we often fail to use data consistently and effectively. In this keynote, we'll explore what is means to create and embrace a data-driven culture, and how to harness AI to amplify the impact of your data, improve outcomes across the organization and move quickly towards achieving your strategic goals. We'll delve into the training, tools, and processes that allow you to put data and AI to use at all levels of your organization, creating greater impact in your organization and your industry.
The Era of Exponential Innovation: How Associations Can Embrace AI and More
Keynote: Amith Nagarajan | Chairman, Blue Cypress
Thursday, Nov. 2 | 8:30-9:15am
This keynote will help you understand how to leverage AI to enhance your association’s operations and services. During this session, you’ll learn about practical applications of AI within associations, such as using it for data analysis, content creation and organization, automation, and member engagement. Additionally, the session will explore strategies for integrating AI into an association's workflow, addressing potential challenges, and staying up-to-date with technological advancements. Overall, it will provide you with insights and tools to adapt to the changing landscape of technology and remain relevant in your respective field.
The Intelligence Revolution: How Large Language Models Have Changed Business and Marketing Forever
Keynote: Christopher Penn | Chief Data Scientist, Trust Insights
Thursday, Nov. 2 | 11:15am-12:00pm
Transformational technologies used to occur once in a lifetime, but in the past two decades, we've been party to four: the Internet, the smartphone, social media, and now generative artificial intelligence. Of these, artificial intelligence stands as the most transformational. With the advent of large language models and generative AI, permanent, deep transformation is here. Models like GPT-4, LLaMa, and StableLM have trivialized some tasks, allowed others to scale rapidly, and are changing the very foundations of every career, every job, every company.
Creating a Culture of Innovation: Lessons from Amazon
Keynote: Kristen Linnea Johnson | Principal Digital Innovation Lead AWS Worldwide Public Sector, AWS
Friday, Nov. 3 | 8:45-9:30am
What makes Amazon so successful? It’s laser-focus on our mission to be the earth's most customer-centric company and how we work to achieve that mission. It all comes down to our culture of innovation. It’s ingrained in everything we do, and we see innovation as everyone’s job. During this keynote, you’ll learn about key aspects of Amazon's Culture of Innovation, including Customer Obsession, Two Pizza Teams, One-Way and Two-Way Doors, and Working Backwards that have been central to innovations like Amazon Kindle, Amazon Personalize, and Just Walk Out by Amazon. You’ll also learn about Amazon's strategies for encouraging creativity, experimentation, and a forward-thinking mindset among its employees, as well as how these strategies can be implemented across your association.
Harvesting Intangible Assets: Uncover Hidden Revenue in Your Association's Intellectual Property
Keynote: Andrew Sherman | Partner, Brown Rudnick
Friday, Nov. 3 | 9:30-10:15am
Whether you call it "harvesting intangible assets" or "intellectual property management," organizations must make the most of everything they have to remain competitive and experience continual growth. Andrew J. Sherman shares insights and expertise gleaned from his work with some of the world's leading companies that have capitalized on intellectual assets such as patents, trademarks, customer information, software codes, databases, business models, home-grown processes, and employee expertise. Your association, large or small, can uncover intellectual property rights that are hiding just below the strategic surface. During this keynote, you’ll learn how to implement IP-driven growth and licensing strategies, foster a culture of innovation, turn research and development into revenue, and maximize your association’s profits. You’ll also gain a better understanding of how to turn your association's accumulated knowledge and creative works into new revenue streams or partnerships that will improve your profitability and relevance in your industry.
Evolving Your Bottom Line with AI
Keynote: Christina Trampota | Managing Director, Innovate Grow Scale
Friday, Nov. 3 | 10:45-11:30am
Interested in learning how AI can boost your association’s revenue? Then this keynote is for you. During it, you’ll learn how to unlock the potential that was once beyond your grasp. Whether it was due to financial limitations, a lack of viable returns, or insurmountable scaling challenges, AI can help you achieve your goals. You’ll learn how to leverage AI across various aspects of your organization’s operations, strategy, and decision-making to enhance profitability. Key topics will include AI-powered data analysis for optimizing cost structures, predictive analytics for revenue forecasting, automation of routine tasks to improve efficiency, and the use of AI-driven customer insights to drive sales and marketing strategies.
Disrupt or Be Disrupted: How to Transform Your Innovation Pipeline
Keynote: Sheri Jacobs | President & CEO, Avenue M Group
Friday, Nov. 3 | 11:30am-12:15pm
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, clinging to an antiquated business model is a recipe for obsolescence. Many well-known organizations fell into the trap of holding too tightly to systems that once made them successful but ultimately became anchors, pulling them down as the world moved on. So, how do you "rebuild the airplane while it's in flight?” In this eye-opening keynote, you'll explore the innovative strategies employed organizations that overcame the Goliath in their industry or reinvented themselves as new technology emerged and behaviors changed. You will gain insights into creating an agile business model that responds to market shifts and leverages AI and other technologies. Most importantly, you will learn how to foster a culture that not only embraces speculative ventures but also seeks them out as a core component of organizational growth. This keynote is not just about survival—it's about thriving in an age of constant disruption. Come and discover how to keep your organization nimble, responsive, and, most importantly, relevant in a world that waits for no one.
Survive, Reset, Thrive: Leading Breakthrough Growth Strategy in Volatile Times
Keynote: Rebecca Homkes | Lecturer, London Business School
Saturday, Nov. 4 | 8:30-9:30am
In this keynote, you’ll delve into strategies and leadership approaches that can help your association not only weather turbulent periods but also position itself for sustained growth and outperform your competitors. The session will cover topics such as crisis management, strategic planning, adaptability, technology, and innovation. By attending, you’ll gain insights into how effective leadership can guide associations through crises, reset priorities and approaches, and ultimately thrive in volatile times. You’ll also learn about the one competitive advantage that will deliver lasting business resilience.
Want to Learn More About How AI Can Improve Your Association?
AI has the power to have a significant impact on your association, from improving membership to driving profitability. But how? Find out by downloading our free ebook, ""Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations."
