Associations World Congress 2025

12:00 - 13:00

Registration and badging for the pre-congress session delegates

13:00 - 13:50

Lunch & Networking

14:00 - 17:30

Medical Associations Forum

This dynamic and interactive session ia designed to explore the evolving landscape impacting medical associations and their events.

Led by Linda Pereira, the Forum will delve into the contextual forces - from social shifts and digital transformation to changing member expectations - that are reshaping how associations engage and deliver value through meetings and congresses.

This collaborative session will not only highlight emerging trends but also feature curated case studies that bring real-world innovation from delegates, and the challenges to light.

Designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, the Forum will tap into the collective wisdom of attendees, creating a space where experiences, insights, and practical strategies can be shared openly. Whether you're reimagining your event strategy or seeking inspiration from fellow leaders, you will gain clarity and the connection needed to navigate what's next.

• Welcome & Introductions
• Introduction and setting the scene
• Interactive Discussion & Q&A
• Networking coffee break
• Case Studies by invited leaders
• Key takeaways

Linda Pereira

Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy

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14:00 - 17:30

Leadership & Governance Forum

Executive leadership in an association means working in an ever-evolving environment where volunteer leadership changes regularly. Defining the role of the executive and ensuring effective governance requires continuous effort, strategic insight, and adaptability.

In this interactive forum, we will explore the unique challenges of working with voluntary leadership and provide practical strategies to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and organizational impact.

Key topics include:

• Navigating leadership transitions – Defining and sustaining the executive’s role in a changing leadership landscape
• Understanding board dynamics – Helping boards embrace their responsibilities and function effectively
• Enhancing decision-making – Ensuring the right people make the right decisions at the right time
• Prioritizing impact – A strategic framework to help your association focus on the programs and services that truly matter

Join us for an engaging discussion designed to equip you with tools and insights to lead effectively in a dynamic governance environment.

Jim Meffert

Principal Consultant & Strategist, Tecker International

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15:30 - 16:00

Refreshments & Networking

18:30 - 19:30

Welcome Reception & Registration

At the Grand Elysee Hotel

An opportunity to meet your fellow delegates, speakers and association experts and partners, with drinks and canapés.

SPONSOR & HOST

19:30 - 21:30

Hosted Dinners

A number of dinners are hosted by suppliers at various restaurants.

State your interest in attending one of these when booking your delegate place.

08:00

Registration and badging desk opens

08:30 - 09:00

Welcome and Introduction to the Congress

• What to expect over the two days
• Key updates to the programme
• Introduce the hosts

Damian Hutt FIEM

Executive Director, Association of Association Executives

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09:00 - 09:45

Keynote Talk: Forging Bridges of Trust and Innovation in the Digital Era

Inspiring Author | Helicopter Pilot | Endurance Triathlete |  Executive Head of European Hematology Association

Ignacio Quiles Lara will address one of the most pressing challenges facing association leaders today: how to innovate and create added value while maintaining organizational relevance and stakeholder trust. In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, he will explore the delicate balance between leveraging innovation and fostering meaningful human connections. He will also guide leaders on how to navigate transitions effectively, ensuring their teams and members are empowered throughout the process.

Drawing on his extensive experience in translational research, business leadership, and his remarkable tenure as Executive Head of the European Hematology Association—where he has driven impactful change over the past three years—Ignacio will provide invaluable insights into modern association leadership. His emphasis on innovation, technology, and trust will illuminate the path forward for associations seeking to remain relevant while staying deeply human-centered. Attendees will gain practical guidance on developing associations, foundations, or federations that are technologically progressive yet aligned with their unique mission and values. Ignacio's approach ensured continued relevance and added value in today's ever-changing landscape.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ignacio is an inspiring author (his last book is titled Seven Minutes), a skilled helicopter pilot, and an accomplished endurance triathlete. With a rich background as a venture mentor, investor, and board member for early-stage ventures, Ignacio's multifaceted expertise uniquely positions him as a thought leader in his field. He has also held senior roles at renowned pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, AbbVie, Servier, and Novartis.

His remarkable academic credentials include a degree in Biochemistry and Bioscience, as well as Master’s degrees in Anthropology, Genetics, Public Health, Life Sciences, and European Studies, and a Doctorate in Experimental and Health Sciences. Additionally, he holds an MBA from ESADE and has completed the Executive Development Programme at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.

09:55 - 10:50

What is the Association's Role in a World of Disinformation and 'Alternative' Facts?

Keynote Panel

Jean-Luc Eiselé

Chief Executive Officer, World Heart Federation

Alison Abbott

Communications Director, World LPG Association

Jon Bisset

Chief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

09:55 - 10:50

How can Associations Justify the Inevitable Environmental Impact of Events?

Keynote Panel:

Rodney Cox

Global Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union

Linda Pereira

Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy

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Tim Hughes

Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association

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Sasha Frieze

Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook

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09:55 - 10:50

What is the Successful Membership Model of the Future?

Keynote Panel

Erika​​​​ Lundström

Director, Governance, Membership and Learning, International AIDS Society

Dan Waigl

Executive Director, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe

John Peacock

CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)

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09:55 - 10:50

Artificial Intelligence: The Key to Value & Growth or Low cost, High volume and Unreliability?

Keynote Panel

Alan King

Founder, AI-Your-Org, Head of Global Membership Development, IMechE

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Alex Skinner

Chief Executive Officer, Pixl8 Group

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Raza Hussain

Co-Founder, Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders Network

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10:50 – 11:25

Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition

11:25 - 12:20

Building Public Trust and Media Literacy

This presentation explores how associations can leverage their position to build trust and strengthen media literacy, with actionable frameworks for developing member-focused educational initiatives that enhance critical thinking across diverse demographic groups.

Jon Bisset

Chief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

Critical factors for Successful Governance and Constitutions that work

Associations around the world have the same principles and pressures, although with different legislation and culture. This presentation will highlight global best practice including small boards, strategic plans, delegation to CEO, accountability to members and readable constitutions.

John Peacock AM from Governology has presented to associations in 17 nations and will share his deep governance knowledge and looks forward to questions, comments and alternative viewpoints.

John Peacock

CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)

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11:25 - 12:20

Case studies from association executives of successes in their plans, activites and policies

11:25 - 12:20

Digital Transformation: From Complexity to Clarity

It's critical to have an orderly and planned adoption of your core technology and member interface. Without it your association may fail and your reputation destroyed. 

This case study highlights the practical steps a membership organisation took to address digital, data and process challenges that many others face. It provides real examples of how IStructE achieved long-term success.

You will be walked through the journey IStructE undertook, from recognising the need for change to achieving tangible outcomes. The focus will be on the practical lessons learned at each stage, showing what worked, what didn’t, and what others can take away.

• Why IStructE started this programme and what it set out to achieve
• The internal challenges they needed to overcome, including legacy systems and inefficient processes
• The role of external expertise in guiding their approach and securing the right suppliers
• How they gathered and documented business and data requirements
• What happened during implementation, including successes and challenges
• Reflections two years on – the benefits realised, lessons learned, and where the real value was delivered

Ben Sturt

Lead Consultant & Founder, Chrysalis Digital

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From zero to multi-million: Building organisational membership (at an individual member organisation)

Building organisational membership as an individual member organisation can reap rewards, but how can you ensure success ?

In this session you will learn how the International Bar Association, had exceptional success, with these issues covered:

• The proposition for organisations – values and value
• Deepening organisational engagement
• Avoiding a conflict between individual members and organisational members when its very successful

Tim Hughes

Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association

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11:25 - 12:20

Using AI to power an Association's news feed

Learn how an end-to-end content service that blends journalistic expertise with AI-sourced stories, provides an association with relevant high quality news stories from around the world.  Amplify is working with organisations including this association to source stories for its Spotlight news feed, providing members a highly valuable service.  The founders of Amplify, Alan Hunter and Michael Brunt, are both highly experienced with The Times and The Economist, explain how the service works and what it does for its clients, who range from associations to professional publishers, trade organisations and companies.

Michael Brunt

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

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Strategic Partner Exchange (12:30 - 12:45, 12:50 - 13:05, 13:10 - 13:25)

Lunch, Networking & Exhibition

14:15 - 17:30

Money Matters: Re-examining Financial & Investment Strategies

Financial strategy is often seen as a necessity and not a priority for association executives. However it is central to every association’s sustainability, resilience, and long-term future. In this session, we take a fresh look at how associations are managing their financial and investment strategies in today’s changing environment. Join your peers for an open, practical session about what’s working, what needs rethinking, and how financial decision-making can better support your organisation’s mission and future growth.  Considering :

• How diversified should your income stream be?
• What does a goods reserves policy look like?
• How should you fund major projects?
• How should you invest association funds?
• What determines your membership fee increases?

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session Leader: 

Rennie Schafer

Chief Executive Officer, Self Storage Association

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14:15 - 17:30

Creating Events Everyone Talks About and No One Wants to Miss

Crafting events that members and the sector prioritise

This interactive session led by Sasha Frieze – author and award-winning events producer, and producer of over 500 association conferences - will examine the essential strategies, models, and approaches to create events where insight meets influence. Events that become the go-to gatherings for your members and the wider sector.

In this session, we’ll review a blueprint to help you shape meaningful must-attend events and share experience and learning with your peers. Questions include:

• How do you design for transformation, and who is the transformation for?  Meeting the needs of participants, sponsors, your organisation and your sector.
• Putting the participants at the heart of the event story, and crafting their journey to achieve change that delivers value
• Do you have clarity on your event’s deep purpose?
• What types of content and experiences do participants want?
• Understanding competition mapping over competition tracking

This isn’t a lecture - it’s a collaborative session shaped by expert input and your voice. Immersive discussions form the core of this workshop:

• Understanding the blueprint and key themes
• Snapshot review of participant’s events, based on survey information (+/- 6 weeks prior to the event)
• Roundtable structured discussions
• Break
• Group reflection and experience-sharing session
• Workshop session – action plan for your events
• Review and wrap-up

Expect a responsive format, shaped by who’s in the room and what matters to them.

Session leader:

Sasha Frieze

Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook

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14:15 - 17:30

Redefining Success: Metrics That Matter in Today’s World

In a rapidly evolving landscape, traditional metrics alone are no longer enough to drive meaningful growth for membership organisations. This practical session explores how associations can redefine success by aligning the right data with strategic goals. From recruitment and retention to engagement and lapses, we’ll examine what leading membership bodies are measuring and what they should be measuring  to stay relevant and responsive. We’ll also explore how digital tools and platforms offer new opportunities for tracking behaviour, segmenting audiences, and forecasting future needs.

Drawing on real-world examples, this session will help you understand how to use data to:

• Identify early indicators of churn and loyalty
• Align recruitment efforts with high-value prospects
• Tailor engagement strategies based on member segments
• Measure digital engagement in ways that go beyond vanity metrics
• Create a metrics framework that informs growth and impact

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

Lisa Collins

Managing Director, Dovetail Creative

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14:15 - 17:30

Beyond the Hype: Practical AI for Membership & Advocacy Work

We've now got an understanding of what the standard AI tools can do and how to do basic prompts. We know AI can do so much more and need to know how we can take full advantage of what AI has to offer.

In this hands-on session, you will examine your time-consuming and repetitive workflows, and take this as a starting point for developing AI Agents that can drive greater productivity.

Stephanie will explain the various types of AI Agent tools, how you create an AI Agent, and take you through the process, workshop style.

Session leader:

Stéphanie Kioutsoukis

CEO & Founder, Fresh Strategies & Solutions

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09:00 - 11:45

Uncharted Income: Navigating New Revenue Initiatives in Turbulent Times

From global instability to rising costs and shifting workforce trends, today’s geopolitical and economic environment is anything but predictable. For membership associations, these uncertainties pose a direct threat to traditional revenue models, especially those heavily reliant on dues, events, or government funding. In this interactive session, participants will confront the real-world pressures driving the need for revenue diversification and discuss the importance of developing new ideas before the need becomes urgent.

Through facilitated brainstorming and collaborative discussion, we’ll explore how associations can build financial resilience by developing new, creative, and mission-aligned income streams. Attendees will share challenges, generate ideas, and leave with some actionable strategies to help their organizations navigate disruption—and thrive despite it.

• Is revenue diversification and developing new revenue streams important to your organization?  If not, why not?
• Do you feel that any of your traditional revenue streams are under threat?  Which ones?  What are the biggest threats that you are facing – either from with your organization or from external forces?
• How urgent is revenue diversification for your organization? 
• How much team/staff/volunteer organizational time is spent developing new ideas (not just thinking about it) – i.e. whiteboarding, brainstorming?
• What challenges/trade-offs do you face when considering new programs or ideas to generate revenue?
• Are there any new or unique ideas that you want to try but haven’t been able to?  What are the barriers (i.e. time, money, governance, resistance from stakeholders)?
• Have you had to overcome resistance to embracing the need for evolution in revenue streams specifically from internal sources (staff, board, committees, members)?  What approach did you take?> 
• What are some things that you have tried that didn’t work?  Why not? 
• Are you developing or have you initiated any new and/or unique ideas that you feel are promising or have proven to be successful?  
• What are some interesting or unconventional revenue streams you’ve seen in other industries – whether for-profit or nonprofit – that associations could consider adopting?

Session Leader: 

Barbara Grobicki

Executive Director, Strategic Management Society

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09:00 - 11:45

Growing Event Stakeholder Engagement & Revenue

This interactive deep-dive session led by David Hicks, addresses how you increase and develop your speaker's, sponsor's, exhibitor's and delegate's engagement in your flagship events. 

David has been working in customer relationships and journeys for decades, with some of the world's leading companies. His work on congresses in this area of stake-holder engagement is ground-breaking, and your access to this is a game-changer. He will reveal his case study of this approach on a major congress, and delegates will contribute to this and how it can be applied to their own flagship conference or event portfolio.

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

David Hicks

Global Experience Thought Leader; XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman, XM Coach | TribeCX | TMD

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09:00 - 11:45

Understanding your Membership & Stakeholders

Understanding your membership and your stakeholders, their points of view on issues in the sector, and being able to evaluate and anlyse them is vital to your ability to service their needs and represent them.

In this deepdive session you will examine:

• The challenges to gaining an understanding of your membership & stakeholders on a large scale, how to be up-to-date when the sector evolves rapidly, and how to resolve them
• Various successful methods that have worked for associations
• Example approaches that everyone can learn from
• Mistakes and how to avoid them

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

Simon Shelley

Consultant & Advisor , former Global Director of Programming, BBC Studios

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09:00 - 11:45

Creating Valuable and Reliable Content with AI

From member updates and marketing copy to research, reports and white papers, AI is transforming how associations produce content. But with opportunity comes risk: how can you ensure quality, accuracy and value while using AI to do more with less?

In this session, we’ll explore how associations are starting to harness AI tools to support their content strategies; practical lessons, common pitfalls and what it takes to build trust in AI-generated content.  We’ll examine the most pressing challenges you are facing, alongside real examples of what’s working well.

Michael and Alan will draw on their work with associations and experience as advisors to the publishing industry, and their experience at the globally recognised titles of The Economist and The Times.

• Learn how AI can support a range of content needs, from comms to commercial
• Gain understanding of the risks and how to maintain credibility and tone of voice
• Discover lessons from peer experiences and a real-world association case studies
• Leave with practical ideas to take back and apply

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leaders:

Alan Hunter

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

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Michael Brunt

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

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Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition

Strategic Partner Exchange (11:55 - 12:10, 12:15 - 12:30, 12:35 - 12:50)

Lunch, Networking & Exhibition

14:00 - 15:20

Owning the AI Space in your Sector

As a leading provider of information in your sector, your community are looking for authoritative guidance and leadership on the use of AI an how it is applied within the sector, best practices and transparency for retention of trust.  

This session will examine what the challenges are to doing this in both Individual Member Organisations and Business Member Organisations. The session leader, who has great experience with this in his organisation will provide guidance and best practices and ideas, as well as examples.

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

Raza Hussain

Co-Founder, Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders Network

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14:00 - 15:20

Creating Successful Event Portfolios

It's vital that we provide value and services for each and every member. By doing so you will ensure a robust and loyal membership, with a stable revenue stream.

In this session, we examine what a balanced portfolio of events should and could be, and how this squares with our obligation to provide for the whole membership, including:

• How should we adapt to reach a higher proportion of our members and what proportion should this be?
• Should you, and could you, be organising leadership summits, roadshows, and more
• Regional conferences vs global / european conferences - should we alternate them?
• Is a large portfolio of online events essential to the association's success, and if so, what is the full range of types of events that are most effective

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

Rodney Cox

Global Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union

14:00 - 15:20

Organisational Memberships: Engagement beyond the Main Contact

Some associations can choose their membership composition, whereas for others it is inherent in their organisation’s purpose. Membership models may allow for organisational as well as individual membership – yet what are the implications?

Regardless of membership structure, different tactics are required for engaging with organisational members.

This session interactive session will examine the issues:

• Advantages of a Main Contact in organisational membership
• How reliance on the Main Contact can be detrimental
• Targeting the CEO – or are they too busy?
• How to target more already senior and up-and-coming representatives
• How universal principals of recruitment and retention can be applied
• Techniques and tips for quality engagement
• Developing an Engagement Plan

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event.

Session leader:

John Peacock

CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)

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14:00 - 15:20

Harnessing the Power of AI in Your Organization

This engaging and interactive session is designed to equip organizational leaders and professionals with the strategic insight and practical frameworks needed to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence. Grounded in the concepts from Harnessing the Power of AI in Organizations by Alan King, the session explores the five-layer integration model and the Human-AI-Data Dependency Triangle. Delegates will first receive a dynamic 40-minute presentation unpacking key themes from the book, exploring how AI can empower decision-making, streamline operations, and unlock innovation.

Following the presentation, attendees will collaborate in table discussions, each focusing on one layer of the five-layer model. These group activities are designed to explore AI implementation within their own organizational contexts, analyzing opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations. Insights will then be shared with the full room, promoting cross-sector learning and reflection.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the foundational models for AI integration in organizations
• Explore real-world strategies for applying AI across different organizational functions
• Identify benefits, potential pitfalls, and ethical concerns of AI deployment
• Collaborate with peers to generate actionable insights for AI adoption
• Gain visibility into current sentiment through a delegate AI readiness survey

The first 20 delegates to book will receive a free copy of Alan's book "Harnessing the Power of AI in Organizations"

Session leader:

Alan King

Founder, AI-Your-Org, Head of Global Membership Development, IMechE

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15:30 - 16:00

Keynote Speaker 

16:00

Congress Closes

16:00 - 18:00

Check-in at the Grand Elysee Hotel

18:00 - 20:00

Dinner at the Grand Elysée Hotel

08:30 - 10:00

Breakfast & Site Inspection of the Grand Elysée Hotel

10:15 - 11:00

Visit to, and site inspection of Curio Haus