Ready to explore the Next Wave of Technology?
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Event Details
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM CT
Venue: Hotel Indigo Irving Las Colinas, an IHG Hotel
Admission: Ascend Members: $25 I Ascend Non-Members: $40 I Students: $20
Description
Join our informative session on Emerging Technologies! Expand your knowledge by joining insightful sessions led by AI75 Honorees, recognized by the Dallas Chamber of Commerce, and connect with your professional network! This unique event is designed to bring together professionals, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts with the DFW marketplace to explore the latest innovations transforming industries and our daily lives.
What to Expect:
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Opening Remarks: Kick off the evening with insightful perspectives on the future of technology from prominent local leaders.
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Parallel Sessions: Choose between two engaging tracks featuring expert-led discussions on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and more. Gain insights into how leading corporations are integrating these emerging technologies to drive innovation, optimize supply chains, and create new business models—transforming industries from finance to manufacturing.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential collaborators.
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Free Food: Enjoy delicious food while you learn and connect.
Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the latest trends, expand your professional network, or simply enjoy a night of learning and conversation, this event offers valuable opportunities for all attendees.​​
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Don't miss out – secure your limited spot by June 17th.​
Agenda
Session 1: AI's Trajectory in Business: Past Lessons, Present Applications, and Future Visions
Speaker
Raju Balan
Director of Data Strategy
Data Science & AI at Slalom
Raju Balan is an experienced professional currently serving as the Director of Data Strategy, Data Science & AI at Slalom, where he leads AI initiatives for business and tech consulting firm Slalom, aims to foster AI literacy and strategy for enterprise clients across industries. With his background in data analytics, having worked previously for Mu Sigma Inc. in India and, in the U.S., on the East and West coasts, his speaking engagements and mentoring efforts have made him a prominent North Texas voice advancing AI education and advancement.
Session 1 Description:
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Overview of the key milestones in AI development and its initial applications
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Insights from early AI implementations in business, including successes, challenges, and key takeaways.
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Examination of the current landscape of AI technologies and their integration in various industries.
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Case studies highlighting how businesses are currently leveraging AI for productivity, differentiation and disruption
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Predictions and strategic insights into where AI is headed in the business world, including potential opportunities and risks.
Session 2: Upskilling in the age of Agentic AI
Speakers
Babar Bhatti
Principal, AI Customer Success
IBM
Babar Bhatti is co-founder and Executive VP of Dallas AI, a rapidly growing meetup group comprising over 8,000 AI professionals. He is a Principal AI Customer Success Manager at IBM, a hybrid technical and business role dedicated to guiding corporations through leading-edge AI deployment and adoption. In this capacity, he drives cutting-edge Generative AI implementations such as LLMs and AI Agents at enterprise scale.
Gertrude G. Van Horn
Cien.ai, SVP & CIO
Board Member, CIO, C-Suite Executive
Trude is currently a Tech Executive at Cien.ai - an award-winning, AI-native Sales, CRM, and GTM intelligence platform. Cien is trusted by top management consulting firms, private equity groups, and B2B enterprises to uncover the true drivers of stalled growth and revenue underperformance, and to provide the clarity to act fast. Cien delivers transformative insights with remarkable speed—going from contract to strategic action in days. Cien has already identified over $1 billion in revenue growth opportunities for its clients.
Session 2 Description:
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Overview of the key milestones in AI development and its initial applications
-
Insights from early AI implementations in business, including successes, challenges, and key takeaways.
-
Examination of the current landscape of AI technologies and their integration in various industries.
-
Case studies highlighting how businesses are currently leveraging AI for productivity, differentiation and disruption
-
Predictions and strategic insights into where AI is headed in the business world, including potential opportunities and risks.
Safety of our guests is paramount to Ascend. Attendees are responsible for monitoring their own condition and agree to comply with the safety, hygiene and CDC identified pandemic level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19) guidelines established by relevant health authorities. We request that attendees not attend an event should they test positive or if they experience COVID symptoms prior to the event.