The future of accessible AI isn't just about creating new technologies – it's about ensuring technologies serve everyone regardless of ability. Ioana Tanase, AI and Accessibility Program Manager at Microsoft, shares 97% of the world's websites are not accessible, underscoring the magnitude of the digital divide that people with disabilities face daily. This reveals the tremendous opportunities and critical responsibilities of technological evolution, including data privacy, mental health applications, and the future of human-AI interaction. She delves into important considerations around meta-prompting and safety measures in developing responsible AI systems, offering valuable perspectives for developers and business leaders.

AI agents represent the next frontier in artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional AI, which requires explicit instructions, AI agents can take actions on behalf of users and solve semi-complex tasks. This democratization of AI allows businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field and innovate in ways that were previously unimaginable. Sam Mallikarjunan, a growth strategist, entrepreneur, and the Growth Lead at agent.ai, shares the importance of making AI accessible to everyone.

Leadership plays a crucial role in driving digital transformation. A hands-on approach is exemplified by leaders like Jeff Bezos and Satya Nadella, who are actively involved in solving problems and understanding their businesses from the ground up — actively rolling up their sleeves and working alongside their teams. Learn why traditional operational approaches often fail in transformation initiatives with John Rossman, Thought Leader and Advisor on Digital Transformation and author of Big Bet Leadership. He breaks down two principles that have had a profound impact on his career and continue to resonate with leaders worldwide: customer obsession and “invent and simplify.”

Join us as Javier Inclán, Assistant Inspector General for Management and CIO at the National Science Foundation - Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG), debunks the myth that government lags in technology. Discover how NSF OIG attracts top talent through programs like the NSF-funded Scholarship for Service, and learn about the critical role of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace. Plus, explore the transformative potential of generative AI in public service.

Imagine a world where sorting through stacks of invoices and summarizing financial reports is no longer a tedious task, but one accomplished quickly and accurately by AI. This picture is becoming increasingly a reality driven by technological advancements, private equity investments in CPA firms, and a shrinking talent pipeline. David Hartley, Partner-in-Charge of Advisory at Anders CPAs + Advisors, discusses AI adoption challenges and how technology is reshaping the industry known for its conservative nature and resistance to change. How can accounting firms successfully navigate this shift?

The business technology landscape is rapidly evolving, but not in the ways many expected. Rather than returning to "normalcy" following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations face new challenges in a more complex environment accelerated by digital transformation. Jon Reed, Co-Founder of diginomica, offers a unique perspective on responsible AI implementation, the gap between vendor hype and practical reality, and the importance of education in successful AI deployments.

One of the key challenges in AI adoption is overcoming resistance rooted in misconceptions about what AI is and how it works. Daniel Larsson, Senior Architect at Cristie Nordic, highlights the importance of education in the AI adoption process. By demystifying AI and explaining its limitations as well as its capabilities, organizations can help employees feel more comfortable with the technology and understand its potential benefits.

How can we overcome the stigma that when one uses AI, it means they didn’t put any thought into their task? By understanding AI's strengths and limitations, we can create a distinction that the future of AI is not about automation, but collaboration. Maarten Eekels, Global Solution Director for Data & AI at Rapid Circle and Microsoft MVP & Regional Director shares his insights on adopting generative AI in businesses. He also explores innovative use cases, from AI-powered conference hosts to mental health applications, encouraging responsible AI use as a copilot and its potential to elevate our work, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.