
Data+AI Day Melbourne
Integrating Data Strategies for Sustainable Growth and Innovation
The Events Centre, Collins Square Melbourne, Australia
Hosted by Factor
- 2 attendees
- 8 hours
Overview
This event delves into the pivotal role of data strategy in fostering sustainable growth and driving innovation. We will explore how organisations can align cutting-edge technologies with business goals to enhance productivity and performance. Discussions will span key areas including leveraging AI, advancing data literacy, addressing privacy concerns, and navigating data governance challenges.
Join us to gain insights on bridging global and local data trends, integrating sustainability into business operations, and optimising data-driven decision-making to achieve lasting impact and competitive advantage.
What we will cover
- Business Alignment Business alignment enables organisations to adapt quickly to market changes, capitalise on opportunities, and sustain long-term success in a competitive landscape.
- Compliance & Regulations Explore the hurdles and potential in data integration, compliance, and nurturing effective leadership.
- Data Literacy Fostering a data-driven culture, addressing resistance, and measuring transformation impact.
- Data Governance By prioritising data governance, organisations can enhance decision-making, mitigate risks associated with data breaches or inaccuracies, and optimise the value derived from their data assets.
- AI & Productivity Integrating artificial intelligence to streamline workflows, boost efficiency, and drive innovation in the workplace.
- Cost Optimisation Discuss practical approaches to streamlining operations, leveraging technology, and making data-driven decisions to reduce costs without compromising quality or efficiency.
Agenda
- Registration & Welcome Coffee(CDO Day)
- Welcome Address & Introduction(CDO Day)
- Navigating the Tech Frontier: Peer Problems, Performance, Plans and Preparation for Productivity(CDO Day) This keynote explores the intricate dynamics at the intersection of technology and business management, focusing on peer challenges, performance metrics, and the strategic plans of CDOs aimed at enhancing productivity. By examining how executives navigate technological advancements and address peer-related issues, the research provides insights into optimising organisational performance and preparing for future tech-driven landscapes.
- Fourth Generation Data Platforms: Navigating Challenges, Seizing Opportunities(CDO Day) This address discusses fourth generation data platforms and their implications for CDOs. We'll examine how Data Fabric and Data Mesh have evolved from theoretical concepts to practical realities, reshaping data management landscapes. The talk will tackle key challenges head-on: managing governance in federated models, adapting to one-copy paradigms, and realigning organizational structures. But alongside these hurdles lie significant opportunities. We'll explore strategies to tightly integrate data practices with business objectives and leverage domain expertise across your organization. By the session's end, you'll be better equipped to transform data management challenges into drivers of innovation and value. This isn't just about keeping pace with technology – it's about positioning your organization at the forefront of data-driven decision making.
- Banking on Sustainability: Lessons and Strategies for Implementing New Sustainability Reporting Standards(CDO Day) Join us for an insightful discussion on how organisations worldwide are embracing corporate climate responsibility and integrating sustainability into their business operations. Discussion points: Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change: Discover the roles large organisations are playing in creating strong incentives to decarbonise the economy and build resilience across their customer, supplier and stakeholder communities. Climate Risk Management: Explore effective approaches for assessing and managing climate-related risks, including physical risks, transition risks, and regulatory compliance. Setting Ambitious Climate Goals: Learn about the importance of setting clear and ambitious climate targets aligned with science-based methodologies and the role of data and analytics in driving accountability and transparency. Lessons from Building the Climate Data and Analytics Strategy for NAB: Understand the value of collaborative partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders as well as the role of technology and data in achieving shared sustainability goals.
- Morning Tea & Networking(CDO Day)
- Fireside Chat: Generative AI vs Traditional AI: Making the Right Decision(CDO Day) GenAI is just one component of the broader AI landscape. For many business problems to be effectively addressed, a combination of different AI techniques should be considered. Not doing so can lead to technology decisions that are not a good fit for the problems they’re seeking to resolve, increasing the risk of added complexity and project failure. Trying a more simple, alternative AI technique before diving into Generative AI can be a smart move; often less risky, less expensive, and easier to understand. Discussion points: The different AI Techniques: GenAI, Machine Learning, Simulation, Mathematical Optimisation, Neural Networks, Hueristics, Graphs, etc. Which AI technique to use and when: Practical advice on how you can make the right decision, how to implement and monitor your AI solution. The good, the bad and the ugly: A few real-life examples of AI successes and failures from across the globe. Ethical and responsible AI and governance: Different approaches across an AI journey, accuracy vs experience governance model management.
- Integrating AI Initiatives with Data Strategy for Organisational Growth(CDO Day) In today's fast-paced business landscape, the integration of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly crucial. However, implementing AI initiatives in alignment with a robust data strategy poses both challenges and opportunities for organisations. Discussion points: Aligning AI Initiatives with Data Strategy Objectives: Discuss strategies to align AI projects with broader data strategy objectives, ensuring that AI investments contribute directly to organisational growth and efficiency. Overcoming Implementation Challenges in AI and Data Strategy Integration: Identify common challenges organisations face during the integration process and propose strategies to overcome them effectively. Maximising Business Value through Synergistic AI and Data Strategy Execution: How can organisations establish feedback loops and mechanisms for continuous improvement to maximise the long-term impact of their AI investments on organisational growth?
- Fireside Chat: Data and Analytics Business Partnerships(CDO Day) This session will delve into the practical applications of data analytics, focusing on how to bridge the gap between complex technical solutions and their real-world business impacts. We’ll explore how data analytics should act as a collaborative partner in business problem-solving, ensuring that analytical tools are used effectively to drive meaningful improvements and outcomes. Discussion points: From Technical Models to Business Value: What strategies can be used to translate complex analytical insights into clear, actionable recommendations that align with business goals? Choosing the Right Tools for the Problem: How do you determine when to use advanced technologies like AI and machine learning versus simpler analytical tools or methods? Fostering a Collaborative Analytics Environment: How can data analytics teams position themselves as integral partners in business decision-making rather than just service providers?
- Connecting Data Literacy and Data Harmony through Integrated Management Approaches(CDO Day) In the era of big data, the importance of data literacy and effective data management strategies cannot be overstated. This session explores the concept of bridging data literacy with data harmony through unified management strategies. It delves into the significance of ensuring that all stakeholders within an organisation possess the necessary skills to understand and utilise data effectively, while also implementing cohesive management strategies to maintain data integrity and coherence across various platforms and systems. Discussion points: Importance of Data Literacy: Highlight how a workforce equipped with data literacy skills can interpret, analyse, and derive insights from data, leading to more informed decision-making and improved organisational performance. Achieving Data Harmony: Explore the concept of data harmony and its significance in ensuring coherence and consistency across diverse data sources and systems within an organisation. Synergy between Data Literacy and Data Harmony: Discuss how fostering data literacy among employees can facilitate the implementation of unified management strategies and vice versa.
- Lunch Break & Peer Connect & Roundtable Luncheon(CDO Day)
- Peer-Led Roundtable Discussions(CDO Day) Instead of a designated expert leading the discussion, participate in sharing your insights, experiences, and perspectives with your peers. These discussions are often structured to ensure everyone has an opportunity to contribute, and they can be highly effective for generating new ideas, problem-solving, and building connections within a professional or academic community.
- Homegrown Data Management: Sustaining Data Quality Across System Migrations(CDO Day) This session explores the challenges and strategies associated with sustaining data quality across system migrations in the context of homegrown data management. It examines the processes and capabilities required to support data producers in generating clean, actionable data, focusing on collaboratively setting up business rules and ownership to ensure accuracy and timeliness in dashboards and reports. Discussion points: Sustaining Data Quality Amidst System Migration: What are some best practices for managing data migration to minimise disruptions to data quality? How can businesses effectively validate and verify data accuracy post-migration? Empowering Data Producers for Quality Data Generation: The emphasis on supporting data producers in generating clean, actionable data highlights the significance of fostering a data-driven culture within organisations. Establishing Collaborative Governance Structures: Collaboratively setting up business rules and ownership signifies the importance of establishing clear governance structures for data management.
- Fireside Chat: Capitalising on APAC’s Data Centre Investment Boom(CDO Day) As the demand for AI and cloud services accelerates, APAC's data centre market is booming, presenting both opportunities and challenges. This discussion will delve into how organisations can align their data strategies with business objectives to stay agile and competitive. Learn practical approaches to optimising costs while enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving landscape. Discussion points: Aligning Strategies: How aligning data centre investments with business goals can help organisations adapt quickly to changing market conditions and capture new opportunities. Cost Optimisation Tactics: Practical ways to streamline data centre operations and make data-driven decisions that reduce costs without sacrificing quality or performance. Sustainable Success: Balancing innovation and cost efficiency to build resilient data infrastructure that supports long-term growth and competitiveness.
- Lessons from Large Scale Data and AI Transformation Journeys(CDO Day) Embarking on a significant transformation journey within any organisation is a monumental task, often requiring meticulous planning, resource allocation, and strategic execution. SEEK has just completed a highly successful transformation to unify their core product, corporate, and Data and AI platforms across eight Countries in APAC. This monumental transformation involved 1,000 people across SEEK including 350 in-house software engineers, and running over three years and is being looked at by McKinsey as a potential case study. This topic delves into the Data and AI implications and lessons learned during this transformation, exploring the challenges, strategies, and opportunities that you can leverage when embarking on your own transformation journey.
- Data Governance in the Age of New Technologies(CDO Day) This session navigates through the challenges and strategies employed in managing data in the age of new technologies. It delves into the intricacies of balancing innovation and regulation, ensuring data security and privacy, and fostering responsible data usage to harness the full potential of emerging technologies while mitigating risks. Key discussion points include the integration of new technologies such as AI and Gen AI, optimising data governance frameworks, empowering data literacy, and navigating the complexities of data migration and standardisation. Discussion points: Harmonising Innovation and Regulation: This discussion focuses on the delicate balance between fostering innovation in data-driven technologies like AI and ensuring robust regulatory frameworks to protect privacy and security. Navigating Data Migration Challenges: Delve into the complexities associated with migrating data across different platforms and systems while maintaining security and integrity. Building Resilience Against Data Breaches: Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, how can organisations enhance their resilience against data breaches while adhering to data governance principles?
- Closing Remarks(CDO Day)
- End of Day Drinks(CDO Day)
Speakers
Emily Ryder · CDAO, St John of God Healthcare
Dmitri Markman · Executive of Climate Data and Insights, NAB
Sharon White · AVP Next Gen Data & AI, HCLTech Sharon White is HCLTech’s Vice President of Next Generation Data, Analytics and AI for Australia and New Zealand, based in Sydney. Sharon has over 25 years’ experience in Data and Analytics consulting, gained at consultancy firms, software vendors, value-added resellers and blue-chip organisations in Europe and Asia Pacific. Always customer-facing, Sharon works at all levels of an organisation across sectors such as telco, insurance, retail, travel, hi-tech, e-commerce, government, utilities, and consumer.
Borhan Kazimipour · Director of Data Science, ATO
Rose Rodriguez · Head of Data and Analytics, cohealth
Murugan Anantharaman · Practice Director, Data, Analytics and AI, HCLTech Murugan Anantharaman is HCLTech’s Data and AI Practice Director with responsibilities across the APAC region. He has over 25 years of global experience, having worked in organisations like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Unisys, Larsen & Toubro Infotech, Teradata and KPIT Cummins in various geographies, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. With the client's business objectives in mind, Murugan has conceptualised, designed, and developed Data & Analytics solutions using Big Data platforms and Data Visualisation, and Advanced Analytics solutions involving Artificial Intelligence/GenAI, Machine Learning and IoT.
Shehan Arangala · General Manager - Data, Analytics & Insights, Service Stream Shehan Arangala is a Group Data & Insights Manager at Service Stream. He has over 15 years of experience in data analytics and has held senior roles at companies such as Costa, Village Roadshow, and Carlton & United Breweries. In his current role, he is responsible for driving the company's data analytics strategy and analytics transformation.
Lorne Easton · Director, Tridant
Fahed Mostafa · Director, Head of Data and Analytics, CSL Behring
Bryn Goodey · Head of APAC Data Delivery, Seek
Rakesh Kalyankar · Head of Data Services, AustralianSuper
Casey Morter · Director, Business Analytics, JLL
Craig Baty · VP & Head of Research, Factor
Madeline Palmer · Editor In Chief, Factor
Alex Moffatt · Australian Head of APAC Data Centre Advisory Team, Cushman & Wakefield
Danny Sittrop · Business Intelligence Lead, MECCA Brands
Partners
Dataiku Dataiku is the centralized data platform that moves businesses along their data journey from analytics at scale to enterprise AI. By providing a common ground for data experts and explorers, a repository of best practices, shortcuts to machine learning and AI deployment/management, and a centralized, controlled environment, Dataiku is the catalyst for data-powered companies. Customers like Unilever, GE, and Comcast use Dataiku to ensure they are moving quickly and growing exponentially along with the amount of data they’re collecting. By removing roadblocks, Dataiku ensures more opportunity for business-impacting models and creative solutions, allowing teams to work faster and smarter.
Qlik Qlik, with the recent addition of Talend, is the global leader in data integration, data quality, and analytics solutions. Its comprehensive cloud platform unifies data across cloud and hybrid environments, automates information pipelines and data-driven workflows, and augments insights with AI. Qlik enables users to make data more available and actionable for better, faster business outcomes. With more than 40,000 active customers in over 100 countries, Qlik is committed to providing powerful data solutions to meet the evolving needs of organizations worldwide.
Tridant www.tridant.com.au
HCLTech
BMC Software From core to cloud to edge, BMC continues to build on a 40-year heritage of shaping digital transformation for organizations around the world. We deliver the software and services innovations that help over 10,000 global customers, including 84% of the Forbes Global 100, thrive in their ongoing evolution to an Autonomous Digital Enterprise—a state in which intelligent, integrated, value-creating functions operate with minimal human involvement across every facet of the organization and its ecosystem. We are proud to have earned recognition as an ITSM Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader for seven years running, as well as being named overall leader in the EMA Radar Report for Workload Automation for five years in a row and top of the charts in EMA’s recent AIOps Radar report. Our future-focused portfolio helps drive business success with AI-enabled solutions for automation, optimization, performance, security, and service management, covering everything from mainframe to multi-cloud. BMC’s open, scalable, modular technologies help ensure that our customers can run and reinvent their businesses for growth and competitive edge while optimizing cost, performance, and security. For more information about BMC, please visit www.bmc.com.
VPMA Group- Factor Leading market research in APAC.
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