Reflections on AI and the Thrill of In-Person Conferences: My Experience at the Data & AI Summit in Lima, Peru
So, I’m back home after an exhilarating trip to Lima, Peru, where I had the privilege of delivering a keynote speech at the Data & AI Summit. The experience was not just a professional milestone but also a personal joy, as it marked my return to the stage after years of virtual presentations.
The Journey to Lima
As I boarded the flight to Lima, a wave of anxiety washed over me. In the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence, news can break at any moment, and I was acutely aware that a major announcement from industry giants like Nvidia or OpenAI could force me to overhaul my carefully crafted presentation. Fortunately, while there were some updates during the conference, none were earth-shattering enough to require a complete rewrite. No CEOs were ousted, and no lawsuits emerged to halt generative AI training. I breathed a sigh of relief.
The Keynote Experience
Standing before a sold-out audience at the summit was nothing short of exhilarating. The energy in the room was palpable, and it felt incredible to engage with fellow enthusiasts and professionals who share a passion for AI. My presentation, distilled from countless conversations with corporate executives, analysts, and experts, aimed to shed light on the transformative potential of AI in enterprise settings.
After years of delivering webinars and virtual talks, the opportunity to connect with an audience in person was refreshing. The laughter, nods of agreement, and even the occasional gasp of surprise during my talk reminded me of the unique dynamics that only live interactions can provide.
The Aftermath: Recording for YouTube
Upon returning home, I recorded a version of my presentation for YouTube. While it captured the essence of my talk, it lacked the spontaneous interactions that make live conferences so special. There were no callbacks to previous speakers, no post-speech Q&A with the conference moderator, and no audience members approaching me afterward with questions and insights. These moments are what truly enrich the conference experience, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
If you’re interested in watching my presentation, you can find it on my YouTube channel. I hope it sparks discussions and inspires others in the field.
A Journey Through AI
For those who may not know me, I am a tech journalist with over twenty years of experience covering enterprise technology. My journey has taken me from running a business news bureau in China to focusing on the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Since late 2022, my reporting has increasingly centered on generative AI, a field that has captured the imagination of many.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of speaking with hundreds of individuals—corporate leaders deploying AI technologies, analysts dissecting trends, consultants offering insights, and vendors showcasing their innovations. Each conversation has contributed to my understanding of the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.
The Importance of Community
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending conferences like the Data & AI Summit is the opportunity to connect with others in the field. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and insights is invaluable. I encourage anyone interested in AI, especially those working with OpenSim grids, to reach out to me. I would love to hear about your experiences and how you are leveraging AI in your projects.
Conclusion
As I reflect on my time in Lima, I am reminded of the importance of in-person interactions in our increasingly digital world. Conferences provide a unique platform for learning, sharing, and growing together. I look forward to more opportunities to engage with the AI community and continue exploring the fascinating developments in this field.
For more insights and updates on my work, feel free to visit my website, MariaKorolov.com, or connect with me on social media. Let’s keep the conversation going!