Executive Retreat
Co-presenters

Helix Logo

Advance your strategic priorities with AI technologies tailored to your organization’s unique environment, data, and goals. Connection’s Helix Center for Applied AI and Robotics offers technical expertise, end-to-end solutions, and deep partnerships to harness the power of artificial intelligence.

visit website
Helix Logo

At the Institute for AI Transformation, we stand at the forefront of the AI revolution, empowering business leaders.
We are committed to educating, empowering, and equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead their organizations into a new era of innovation and influence.

visit website
Helix Logo

At the Institute for AI Transformation, we stand at the forefront of the AI revolution, empowering business leaders.
We are committed to educating, empowering, and equipping leaders with the knowledge and tools necessary to lead their organizations into a new era of innovation and influence.

visit website

Executive Retreat
2024 Agenda

Join us for an unparalleled executive retreat in the heart of wine country, where luxury meets high-impact thought leadership on AI. Presented by the prestigious Helix Center for Applied AI & Robotics & the Institute for AI Transformation, this exclusive event is tailored for the C-suite, offering an immersive experience into the transformative power of AI.

Engage with top-tier executives in interactive sessions focused on driving business outcomes and exploring real-world AI use cases. Assess your organization’s AI readiness and maturity, and delve into critical discussions on AI safety and governance necessary for your success. Our executive roundtables provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in conversations that matter, with peers who are equally committed to harnessing the most transformative technology of our time.

Everything from your flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), to gourmet dining, luxury accommodations, and exclusive activities, is complimentary. Each executive is invited to bring a plus one to share in this exceptional experience.

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Arrival Window

Location: San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

Travel Experience:
  • Upon arrival at SFO, our staff will greet you and assist with any immediate needs. Your flights will be arranged by us, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
  • Luxury vehicles will transport you from SFO directly to The Lodge at Sonoma Resort.
  • Our staff will provide a brief tour of the property to help you become familiar with the resort’s exceptional amenities.
  • Your baggage will be handled by our team and delivered directly to your room, ensuring a hands-free and stress-free arrival.

Evening Schedule:
Think Tank Dinner & Networking

6:00 PM - 7:00PM

Welcome Cocktail Reception

Location: Stone Lawn Tent

Begin your Executive Retreat experience with a sophisticated cocktail reception at The Lodge. This is a prime opportunity for networking and forming peer connections. Enjoy a curated selection of fine wines and spirits prepared by our expert sommelier and mixologist.

7:00 PM - 8:15 PM

Location: Stone Building

The Experience:
  • Silent Service: Our signature ‘Silent Service’ dining approach ensures a seamless blend of fine dining and intellectual exchange, minimizing interruptions from the staff.
  • Interactive Discussion: Engage in structured roundtable discussion led by our expert moderator, focusing on AI’s transformative role in business. The Think Tank Dinner Booklet, containing insightful graphs and charts from pre-dinner surveys, will guide the conversation for the entire dinner party.
  • Focused Dialogue: The moderator will steer the discussion with the group driving key 5 key questions derived from our pre-retreat survey responses, ensuring relevance and depth.
8:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Post-Dinner Reception

Location: Stone Lawn Tent

The Experience:
  • Engaging Activities: Enjoy more casual activities designed for both individuals and couples. Music and interactive games will be available to encourage mingling and team spirit in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.
  • ‍Networking Opportunities: Mingle with fellow executives, exchange contacts, and explore potential partnerships. This is an excellent opportunity to solidify new relationships and conceptualize future AI business initiatives.‍
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

Breakfast

Early networking opportunity over a gourmet breakfast. blue oak. Sonoma ballroom. Front lobby
Heritage tree. stone lawn. stone building.

8:50 AM - 9:00 AM

Opening Remarks

Kick off Day 2 with inspiring opening remarks from our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Jaggers, who will be setting the stage for a day of learning  and collaboration. This short session will introduce the opening panel of the Retreat, laying the foundation for the transformative discussions and insights to follow.

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
Opening Panel

This session will officially kick off the Executive Retreat content with a compelling discussion on how AI is revolutionizing every aspect of business and technology. Our panelists, comprising top executives and thought leaders, will explore the urgent need to innovate and move beyond legacy IT systems to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. The discussion will highlight the transformative impact of AI and the critical steps organizations must take to embrace this change.

What You Will Learn:

  • Resource Allocation in the AI Era: Discover how AI changes the way organizations allocate resources. Learn about the shift from traditional resource-intensive projects to more agile, AI-driven initiatives that optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Overcoming Pilot Failures: Explore the challenges of AI implementation, including the high failure rates of AI pilots. Panelists will share insights on why 90% of AI projects fail within the first 18 months and provide strategies to improve success rates through better planning, execution, and iteration.
  • Reskilling and Upskilling Leaders: Examine the critical need for reskilling and upskilling leaders to manage AI-driven change. Learn about the new skills and competencies required to lead in an AI-driven world, and how to foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability.

We will have an Interactive Q&A section for 10 Minutes to close each panel session.

9:45 AM - 10:10 AM
Interactive Polling Session

In this dynamic session, Jamal Khan, from the Helix Institute of Applied AI & Robotics, will facilitate an interactive polling discussion and . Participants will engage in real-time polls and structured discussions to assess their AI and data readiness, providing valuable insights into the state of AI implementation across different organizations.

AI Roadmap Assessment:

  • How effective is your current AI roadmap?

Governance Framework:

  • Do you have a comprehensive AI governance framework in place?
  • Challenges in establishing and maintaining governance standards.

Resource Allocation:

  • Have you properly allocated resources for the next 6-24 months?
  • Strategies for optimizing resource distribution.

Buy vs. Build Strategy:

  • Are you in a buy or build mode for AI solutions?
  • Comparing effectiveness of buying vs. building AI solutions when rolled out.
10:10 AM - 10:50 AM
Closing Panel

This session dives deep into the organizational challenges of balancing AI safety with the rapid pace of AI innovation. Our expert panel will explore the critical role of executive leadership in navigating this balance, discussing the frameworks and practices necessary to ensure AI technologies are both safe and transformative within your organization.

What You Will Learn:

  • AI Safety Protocols: Understand the key safety measures required to mitigate risks associated with AI technologies and protect organizational assets. Leaders will share their experiences in establishing and maintaining robust safety protocols that ensure AI systems are secure and reliable.
  • Managing Innovation: Explore strategies to foster rapid AI innovation without compromising safety standards. This discussion will highlight how to maintain a culture of innovation while implementing necessary safeguards, ensuring that AI developments are both cutting-edge and secure.
  • Leadership in AI Governance: Examine the critical role of executive leaders in championing AI safety and guiding their organizations through AI transformations. The panel will discuss the importance of governance frameworks, ethical considerations, and the executive's role in ensuring responsible AI use.
  • Organizational Alignment: Learn how to ensure alignment between AI safety initiatives and business objectives to drive sustainable growth. This segment will cover how to integrate AI safety into the overall strategic plan, ensuring that innovation efforts are aligned with the organization’s long-term goals.

INTERACTIVE Q&A:

Engage with other executives in an interactive Q&A session, providing an opportunity to ask pressing questions, share experiences, and discuss the challenges of balancing AI safety with innovation.

10:50 AM - 11:00 AM

Coffee Break

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a selection of grab-and-go snacks, perfect for those who might have missed breakfast.

Recharge and reconnect as we prepare for the upcoming roundtable discussions!

11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Executive Roundtables

This session features focused roundtable discussions, segmented by industry verticals, where executives will explore the strategies and challenges of transforming team dynamics and operational culture through AI. Each roundtable will consist of 5-7 executives, allowing for in-depth dialogue and maximum engagement from each participant. Data from pre-retreat surveys will be used to curate the best possible matches, ensuring relevant and productive discussions.

What You Will Discuss:

  • AI-Driven Cultural Transformation: Strategies for embedding AI into your organizational culture and team dynamics.
  • Change Management: Approaches for managing the human aspects of AI transformation, including overcoming resistance and fostering a culture of acceptance and innovation.
  • Operational Excellence: How to enhance team collaboration and operational efficiency in an AI-driven environment.
  • Leadership Challenges: Insights into leading AI initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals, and navigating the complexities of change.
  • Vertical-Specific Strategies: Tailored strategies and best practices that address specific challenges within different industry verticals.
11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
Roundtable Review

After the roundtable discussions, each group will select a leader to present their findings on stage. This segment will summarize the key insights, challenges, and solutions discussed during the roundtables, providing a broader perspective on AI transformation across different industry verticals.

What You Will Hear:

  • Summary of Insights: Key takeaways from each roundtable discussion.
  • Identified Challenges: Common challenges faced in AI transformation and proposed solutions.
  • Innovative Strategies: Effective strategies and best practices shared by executives from different industries.
  • Collaborative Outcomes: How peer collaboration during the roundtables has led to new ideas and approaches.
  • Actionable Recommendations: Practical recommendations for implementing AI-driven cultural and operational changes within your organization.
12:20 PM - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Take a 45-minute break to enjoy a delicious lunch and catch up on emails or calls before we continue with the final content sessions of the day. Refuel, stay connected, and prepare for the last two engaging sessions of the day!

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Closing Panel

This high-level panel discussion wades deep into the complexities of calculating the return on investment (ROI) for AI implementations, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency. Despite the significant investments in AI, many executives struggle to quantify its economic impact accurately. Our expert panel will explore the methodologies, challenges, and strategies for benchmarking AI performance, providing valuable insights for executives seeking to navigate this intricate landscape.

What You Will Learn:

  • Overcoming Challenges: Explore the inherent challenges in measuring AI ROI, such as data quality issues, the long-term nature of AI benefits, and the difficulty in isolating AI’s contribution from other factors. Panelists will share strategies for overcoming these obstacles.
  • Benchmarking Performance: Learn how to benchmark your AI implementations against industry standards and best practices. This segment will highlight the importance of comparative analysis and the benefits of understanding where your organization stands in relation to peers.
  • Methodologies for ROI Evaluation: Understand the various methodologies used to estimate the ROI of AI projects. Panelists will discuss key metrics and financial indicators critical for assessing AI’s impact, and share insights on why calculating true ROI remains a challenge.

We will have an Interactive Q&A section for 10 Minutes to close each panel session.

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM

Closing Remarks

Finish off Day 2 with inspiring opening remarks from our Chief Executive Officer, Robert Jaggers to end the content for the Executive Retreat.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Afternoon Break Session

We will be taking a short break to recharge and reunite with your plus one and get ready for a fun night out in Sonoma.

Departure Time: 3:30 PM

Meet us in the lobby with your +1

We will be taking luxury vehicles from The Lodge to Bouchane for Wine tasting, fun, and networking. We will be meeting in the lobby around 3:15 PM and will leave the Lodge at 3:30 PM sharp.  

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Wine Tasting at Bouchaine

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Depart for Ram’s Gate Winery

6:00 PM - 6:45 PM

Reception Event

6:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Private Dinner

9:00 PM - 9:15 PM

Return back to The Lodge

We will be returning home for the night on the shared transportation at 9 PM, however you are welcome to stay out longer if you'd like.

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Farewell Breakfast

Enjoy a delightful breakfast featuring a selection of gourmet options as you engage in final conversations with your peers under the Heritage Tree. This is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the insights gained over the past two days and discuss potential collaborations and takeaways.

10:00 AM-

Departures: Our luxury sprinter vans will be available to take you directly back to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey home. Vans will depart at scheduled intervals to accommodate your flight times.

Optional Resort Activities: Should you wish to extend your stay, we offer a range of complimentary resort activities:

  • Golfing: Enjoy a round of golf on our scenic course.
  • Spa Treatments: Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment tailored to rejuvenate your mind and body.
Additional Information:
  • Late Departures: For those opting to stay an extra night, our staff will assist in arranging your departure the following day with the same level of care and service.
  • Continued Networking: The relaxed atmosphere of the resort provides an ideal setting for continued networking and informal discussions with your peers.

Sponsoring Partners

Dell Technologies

Accelerate your strategic goals with AI technologies designed to align seamlessly with your organization’s operational environment, data architecture, and growth plans. Dell Technologies provides comprehensive, enterprise-grade AI solutions, supported by deep technical expertise, end-to-end integration, and collaborative partnerships to maximize the value of AI for your business.

visit website
Intel Logo

Empower your strategic initiatives with AI solutions that are specifically optimized to meet the demands of your organization’s infrastructure, data landscape, and long-term objectives. Intel’s advanced AI platforms deliver technical innovation, scalable solutions, and robust partnerships to help you drive innovation and harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

visit website
Intel Logo

Microsoft empowers our executive AI community by providing innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies that drive transformation. Their Azure AI platform enables organizations to build and deploy AI models efficiently, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive tools,

visit website
Leaders In AI Executive Retreat
The Lodge Sonoma

November 11th-13th, 2024

Leaders In AI executive golf scramble
Mayacama

November 13th, 2024

Location

REACH US

Get Directions to The Lodge at Sonoma Resort

speaker image
Kyle Dufresne

AI GTM & Enablement

speaker logo
speaker image
Anil Nanduri

Head of Intel AI Acceleration Office (AAO)

speaker logo
speaker image
Robert Jaggers

Chief Executive Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Tim McGrath

Chief Executive Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Singari Seshadri

Head, Digital Experience Innovation

speaker logo
speaker image
Antoine Holman

Chief Development Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Chris Jones

Senior Director ML, Data and Enterprise Platforms

speaker logo
speaker image
Kalene Gomez

VP of IT

speaker logo
speaker image
Arun Nandi

Head of Data & Analytics

speaker logo
speaker image
Matthew Murphy

Chief Data Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Carolyn Scott

Chief Academic Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Yury Gomez

Chief Commercial Officer, Manufacturing

speaker logo
speaker image
Steven Choi

Chief Medical Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Matthew Klos

Senior Storage Architect

speaker logo
speaker image
Rob Teel

Chief Technology Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Louis Landry

Head of Technology & Innovation

speaker logo
speaker image
John Squeo

SVP & Market Head, Healthcare Providers

speaker logo
speaker image
Priya Gore

General Manager, Data & AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Yann Lecun

Chief AI Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Rameshwar Balanagu

Chief Enterprise Architect

speaker logo
speaker image
Barbara Widholm

Vice President Global Technology

speaker logo
speaker image
David Reich

Chief Magic Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Jennie Baird

Chief Product Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Victor Tewari

SVP Wealth Management & Private Banking

speaker logo
speaker image
Anthony Candeias

Chief Information Security Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Holly Mintz

Chief Medical Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Andrew Patricio

Chief Digital and AI Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Jamal Khan

Head of Helix

speaker logo
speaker image
Hema Retty

Senior Executive, AI For Enterprise Technology

speaker logo
speaker image
Saydulu Kolasani

SVP of Enterprise IT, Digital, Data & Analytics Transformation & Operations

speaker logo
speaker image
Nancy Hauge

Chief Human Resources Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Jurgen Weichenberger

Head of AI Strategy & Innovation

speaker logo
speaker image
Stephanie Bohn

Former Chief Marketing Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Dr. Arun Krishnan

Sr. Vice President, Analytics & AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Amit Padalkar

Sales Leader

speaker logo
speaker image
Maxwell Williams

VP of AI Product Management

speaker logo
speaker image
Pranay Pasula

VP of AI Research

speaker logo
speaker image
Anupama Ambe

SVP & Managing Partner

speaker logo
speaker image
Arnold Kravitz

Chief Technology Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Laura Shact

Principal & AI Leader for Human Capital

speaker logo
speaker image
Alok Agrawal

Chief Strategy Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Anurang Revri

Chief Enterprise Architect

speaker logo
speaker image
Allan Mclennan

President / CAO

speaker logo
speaker image
Dawn Fitzgerald

Chief Technology Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Supriya Thorbole

Managing Director Data & Analytics

speaker logo
speaker image
Lawana Jones

Chief Technology Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Aditya Tahilramani

Vice President of IT

speaker logo
speaker image
Ashley Page

Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Megan K. Clarke

Chief Information Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Michael Payne

Head of AI, Data and Analytics Engineering

speaker logo
speaker image
Justin Molavi

Director, Commercial Strategy and Insights

speaker logo
speaker image
Austin Walsh

Managing Director of US Healthcare, Data/AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Manisha Gupta

VP, Products, AI/ML Analytics on People Intelligence

speaker logo
speaker image
Corinne Stroum

Head of Emerging Technologies

speaker logo
speaker image
Jie Yu

Head of Digital & Data Science

speaker logo
speaker image
Michael R. Boone

Trustworthy AI Product Manager

speaker logo
speaker image
Nina D’Amato

Chief Information Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Katie Heupel

VP, Technology Strategic Initiatives

speaker logo
speaker image
Satya Choudary

VP of Data/Analytics & Global Head of Cloud

speaker logo
speaker image
Satish Katakam

Managing Director of CyberSecurity Head of AI/ML

speaker logo
speaker image
Kris Crichton

Deputy CTO

speaker logo
speaker image
Michael Nirschl

Chief Data Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Rob Neville

Chief Executive Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Sandeep Puri

Vice President, Enterprise Technology & Architecture

speaker logo
speaker image
Lambert Hogenhout

Chief Data & AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Rajkumar Bondugula

Luminary AI Scientist & Digital Twins Expert

speaker logo
speaker image
Bruce Monaco

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Sanjay Basu

Senior Director Generative AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Stephen Erberich

Chief Data Officer, Data Science & AI

speaker logo
speaker image
Christopher Stidvent

VP of Commercial Litigation

speaker logo
speaker image
Christopher Peter Makris

Lead Data Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Sourav Mazumder

Distinguished Engineer AI in Sustainability

speaker logo
speaker image
Frederique De Letter

Senior Director Business Insights & Analytics

speaker logo
speaker image
Jennifer Price

DesignOps Lead & Manager Business Platform Transformation Operations

speaker logo
speaker image
Ari Kaplan

Head of Evangelism

speaker logo
speaker image
Viktoria Semaan

Senior AI Developer & Advocate

speaker logo
speaker image
Sunanda Saxena

Global Transformation Leader

speaker logo
speaker image
Lisa Patterson

Senior Data Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Neha Parekh

General Counsel for Global Data Protection & Privacy

speaker logo
speaker image
Bill Genovese

CIO Advisory Partner

speaker logo
speaker image
Lila Landis

Chief Compliance Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Kelly Watt

Digital Twin & AI/ML Programs

speaker logo
speaker image
Ravi Pasula

Head of AI/Machine Learning

speaker logo
speaker image
Manoj Saxena

Executive Chairman

speaker logo
speaker image
Anne Boysen

Lead Quality Engineer

speaker logo
speaker image
Slyvia Martin

Chief Nursing Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Shruti Pandey

Specialist, Analytic Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Krish Das

VP Enterprise Data Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Arjun Srinivasan

Director of Data Science

speaker logo
speaker image
Dr Jyotirmay Gadewadikar

Chief AI Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Prakhar Bajpai

Senior Data Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Daniel Spurling

SVP of Product Management

speaker logo
speaker image
Rachini Moosavi

Chief Analytics Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Anupam Datta

Co-Founder/Chief Scientist

speaker logo
speaker image
Shannon Chapman

Sr Director of Enterprise Service Management

speaker logo
speaker image
Shannon Smith

CIO & Chief of Staff

speaker logo
speaker image
Sree Kancharla

Chief Information Officer

speaker logo
speaker image
Phil Wiser

Chief Technology Officer

speaker logo