About Event
Submerge yourself in innovation at LISUG's crown jewel event of the year, Horizons 2024. Amidst a backdrop of technological breakthroughs, this premier event unveils a path through the evolving world of AI, led by industry forerunners and visionaries. Horizons 2024 stands as your portal to the vast universe of artificial intelligence, offering a blend of expert-driven sessions, practical insights, and unmatched networking avenues.
From your arrival, immerse in an experience crafted to illuminate, captivate, and motivate. The event sets in motion with a warm reception and networking, quickly advancing to AI-centered talks examining trends, foresights, and practical applications. Esteemed professionals, including Jesse Gorzinski, Chris Gonzalez, Brandon Swink, Alan Seiden, and Paul Trapani, lead the charge, sharing their invaluable insights into the real-world implementation of AI, the complexities of machine learning, and the strategic application of AI within business processes.
Horizons 2024 evolves into a dynamic networking sphere as dusk falls, with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres fostering meaningful exchanges. The climax of the event features a distinctive dinner, complemented by "Vendor Speed Rounds," where a select number of sponsors will present brief, insightful talks on AI-related topics, promising an educational as well as an entertaining experience.
This year, we're excited to feature three main sessions that delve deeper into how AI can transform your business, address AI-related challenges, and offer practical steps for implementing AI solutions. A highlight will be a panel discussion with all five of our AI industry experts, offering an unprecedented opportunity to gain clarity on any AI-related queries you might have.
Horizons 2024 is more than an event; it's a beacon for the intellectually curious and those earnestly seeking mastery in AI. It's a rewarding journey for anyone looking to delve into AI, build impactful connections, or scout out new innovations. Reserve your place at this exclusive yearly convergence of education, networking, and breakthroughs. Welcome to Horizons 2024 — the intersection of today’s tech leaders and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Schedule
Arrival, Check-in & Networking
Begin the event with check-in and networking.
2:00 PM
AI Session 1
Discover common business processes that can benefit from AI, with practical examples and insights.
2:30 PM
Break & Networking
A short break to network and refresh.
3:30 PM
AI Session 2
Dive into computation power, ML workloads, training vs. inference, and governance/security for AI projects.
3:45 PM
Cocktail Hour & Networking
Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while networking.
4:45 PM
Panel Discussion with AI Experts
Engage with Jesse Gorzinski, Chris Gonzalez, Brandon Swink, Alan Seiden, and Paul Trapani in an insightful Q&A session.
5:45 PM
Dinner & Vendor Speed Rounds
Dinner accompanied by quick vendor presentations.
7:00 PM
AI Session 3
A how-to approach to implementing AI within your business, from the "Mr. Open Source" himself.
8:00 PM
Session Ends
Wrapping up with gratitude
9:00 PM
What Will You Learn?
AI Business Use Cases and Implementation
Dive into the practical side of AI as Brandon Swink discusses real-world business use cases and the transformative potential of AI across various processes. Learn how to identify opportunities for AI in your organization and the steps to implement these solutions effectively, bringing about significant improvements in efficiency and innovation.
Navigating the AI Landscape: From Ethics to Enterprise
Chris Gonzalez and Jesse Gorzinski will guide you through the critical aspects of AI, from ethical considerations and policy implications to practical implementation within enterprise workloads. Gain insights into managing computation power, differentiating between machine learning models, and ensuring governance and security in AI projects. This session promises a comprehensive overview of navigating AI's complexities in a business setting.
AI's Role in Future Technologies and Innovations
Discover the forefront of AI technology and its role in shaping future innovations with our panel of AI experts, including Alan Seiden and Paul Trapani. Engage in discussions about the latest AI trends, such as generative AI and AI's intersection with quantum computing, and how these advancements will revolutionize industries. Prepare yourself for the technological evolution that lies ahead and how you can leverage AI to stay at the cutting edge.
Keynote Speakers
Jesse Gorzinski
STSM & Senior Business Architect at IBM
Jesse Gorzinski, a Senior Technical Staff Member and Senior Business Architect at IBM, has built a distinguished career over 17 years, focusing on open source software and AI solutions for the IBM i platform. His innovative work integrates AI with IBM's legacy systems, showcasing his dedication to technological progress, rooted in his education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Jesse is known not only for his professional expertise but also for his engaging personality, culinary skills in making Liège waffles, prowess in Mario Kart, and a love for dogs, adding a unique blend of insight and personal charm to his professional endeavors. His sessions are highly anticipated for their ability to not just inform, but also inspire, presenting the future possibilities of AI and open source technology in an approachable and engaging manner.
Alan Seiden
Principal at Seiden Group
Alan Seiden, principal at Seiden Group, stands out for his significant contributions to IBM i web and mobile application development, focusing on PHP, Python, Node.js, and open-source technologies. He has played a critical role in co-developing IBM's PHP Toolkit and is a pioneer Zend Framework engineer, earning him the title "performance guru of PHP on IBM i." Alan is highly regarded in the tech community, serving in an advisory capacity on the IBM/COMMON PHP Advisory Board and sharing his expertise at leading conferences such as COMMON and ZendCon. Beyond his technological achievements, Alan is also passionate about playing the trombone and teaching the Feldenkrais Method®, reflecting his commitment to both innovation and personal development.
Paul Trapani
Co-Founder at PassTech Development
Paul Trapani, co-founder of PassTech Development, LLC, and President of the Long Island Software & Technology Network (LISTnet), has significantly influenced New York's technology community. With a career spanning decades in software consulting and academia, including teaching positions at the New York Institute of Technology, Paul has dedicated himself to fostering innovation and supporting tech entrepreneurship. His journey from a developer at Centauri Systems to leading LISTnet illustrates his deep commitment to the technology and education sectors. Paul's leadership has been instrumental in nurturing the tech ecosystem, creating growth opportunities, and empowering the next generation of technology entrepreneurs.
Brandon Swink
Senior Solution AI Architect & Specialist at IBM
Brandon Swink, Senior Solution AI Architect & Specialist at IBM Technology US, boasts a 19-year career leveraging AI for business transformation. A Lindenwood University alum, his expertise in cognitive systems and information architecture has played a crucial role in driving data-driven outcomes for clients. With significant experience in technical sales and leadership, Brandon is recognized for his innovative approach in the AI and automation sectors. His impactful contributions at IBM Innovation and TechExchange events highlight his influence in practical AI applications.
Chris Gonzalez
Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM
Chris Gonzalez, a Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM, currently serves as the Chief Engineer for Power processors, focusing on the development of IBM’s future Power processors. With a master's degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University, his 22-year journey at IBM has been marked by significant contributions to chip design. Chris has been instrumental in the development of all Power processors from Power7 onward. Recently, he has shifted his focus towards integrating AI hardware into IBM’s systems roadmap. Outside of work, Chris enjoys sports, outdoor activities, and spending quality time with his wife and daughter.