SAIT AI Summit: From Hype to Impact
October 22, 2025
Join us for a transformative one-day summit that cuts through the AI noise to deliver real, actionable strategies for Alberta's business leaders.
The artificial intelligence revolution is here, but are you ready to move beyond the headlines to meaningful implementation? Hosted by SAIT, Society 5.0 and Braintoy, the SAIT AI Summit: From Hype to Impact brings together industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners to explore how AI can drive genuine business impact across Alberta's key sectors.
This isn't another AI hype session. We're focused on practical applications, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies that you can implement immediately. Whether you're taking your first steps into AI or looking to scale existing initiatives, this summit provides the insights, tools, and connections you need to succeed.
Attend the summit
The summit will run on Wednesday, Oct 22, from 7:30 am to 4 pm, with a networking event from 4-6 pm to follow. Tickets are $99 + GST.
The summit will focus on four strategic pillars:
- The state of AI in Alberta and why it matters - Keynote exploring global trends, local success stories, productivity impacts, workforce implications, and Canadian AI regulations (AIDA)
- Leadership: Getting started and beyond - Interactive breakouts covering AI quick wins, transformation strategies, non-technical leadership, change management, team building, and 90-day action plans with hands-on demonstrations
- Talent pipeline: Building Alberta's AI-Ready workforce - Executive roundtables addressing role impacts, reskilling strategies, learning cultures, post-secondary alignment, and industry-academic partnerships
- Sector-specific AI applications - Industry-focused breakouts for construction, energy, supply chain, finance, and public services with real-world applications and case studies
Venue and travel details
The event will be hosted in the Heritage Hall building, on SAIT's main campus.
Sessions will be held in SAIT's state-of-the-art conference facilities, providing an ideal environment for learning, networking, and hands-on demonstrations.
Getting to campus
- Driving - Parking is available on campus
- Transit - Accessible via Calgary Transit Routes 9 and 301
- Airport - 20 minutes from Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Schedule
Download a .pdf schedule| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 - 8:30 am |
Check-in and Continental breakfast |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 8:30 - 8:45 am |
Welcome program |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 8:45 - 9:30 am |
Keynote: The Intelligence Frontier – Navigating the Future of AI Presented by: Bill Wong, AI Research Fellow, Info-Tech |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 9:30 - 10 am |
Networking break |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 10 - 10:45 am |
Concurrent breakout sessions |
|
|
Opportunities at the Intersection of AI and Energy Moderated by: Mark Speaker |
Irene Lewis Atrium | |
|
Accelerating Responsible AI powered Transformation, Balancing Innovation and Risks Presented by: Pradeep Karpur, EY and Jason Hinchliff, Cenovus |
MacDonald Hall | |
|
It Takes a Village to Raise a Model: Building Practical AI for Risk Management Presented by: Michael Nar and Alireza Farhangdoost, Helcim |
Heritage Hall AA109 |
|
|
The Modern Investment Management Firm in 2030 Presented by: Ben Reeves, Viewpoint Investment Partners |
Hertiage Hall AA124 |
|
|
The Future of Work: How Agentic AI is Transforming Workflows and What it Means for Your Organization Presented by: Ian Hargreaves, ATB Financial |
Heritage Hall AA 117 |
|
|
From Hype to Impact: How Leaders Can Identify the Right AI Use Cases with Real ROI Presented by: Joseph Ngae |
Heritage Hall AA119 |
|
|
Ellis Don VR Headset Demo Facilitated by: Mahsa Rezvani and Ana Davisson Available 9:30 am - 10:30 am |
Heritage Hall AA 118 |
|
| 10:45 - 11:15 am |
Networking break |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 11:15 am - 12 pm |
Concurrent breakout sessions |
|
|
Implementing AI in the Largest Industries Moderated by: Bri Falls, Leeg Group. |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
|
|
Autonomous Intelligence in the Field: A Case Study in Rod Pump Analytics Presented by: Gabriel Jarillo Alvarado, Emerson |
Heritage Hall |
|
|
Zero to One in AI - Move from Fear to Flow Presented by: Christa Hill, Tacit Edge |
Heritage Hall |
|
|
Build Your Own Client Chatbot / Virtual Assistant Presented by: Kanika Sehgal, Braintoy |
Heritage Hall |
|
|
From AI Hype to Market Reality: Building Solutions That Actually Work Presented by: Jesse James, ViCARE |
Heritage Hall |
|
|
A Conversation about Funding Moderated by: Denise Baril, The Grant Sherpa;. Panelists: Archana Singh, PrairiesCan; Hamid Sarreshtehdari, NRC-IRAP; Deana Haley, Calgary Economic Development; Graham Blyth, Copoint |
MacDonald Hall | |
|
12 - 1 pm |
Lunch and networking break | Irene Lewis Atrium |
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - 1:05 pm |
Afternoon welcome |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 1:05 - 1:30 pm |
Keynote: From Hype to Human Impact — Making AI Work for Business Presented by: Sir Nishan Chelvachandran, Founder, CEO - Iron Lakes; FRSA |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 1:30 - 2:15 pm |
Talent panel Moderated by: Brenda Beckedorf, Society 5.0; Sir Nishan Chelvachandran, Founder, CEO - Iron Lakes; FRSA. |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 2:15 - 2:45 pm |
Networking break |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 2:45 - 3:30 pm |
Concurrent breakout sessions |
|
|
AI and Talent in Calgary Moderated by: Phil Burns, Tech Thursday. Panelists: Shaharyar Ahmad, Robin; Amanda Broos, Neo Financial; Jana Shelford, Validere |
Irene Lewis Atrium | |
|
Construction Roundtable Moderated by: Olivia Brown, Ellis Don. |
MacDonald Hall | |
|
Supply Chain Roundtable Moderated by: Taylor Nikkel, Toast. |
Heritage Hall AA117 |
|
|
Education Roundtable Moderated by: Matthew Hall, SAIT. |
Hertiage Hall AA109 |
|
|
Ellis Don VR Headset Demo Facilitated by: Mahsa Rezvani and Ana Davisson Available 2:15 - 3:30 pm |
Heritage Hall AA 118 |
|
| 3:30 - 3:45 pm |
Networking break |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
| 3:45 - 4 pm |
Closing program |
|
|
4 - 6 pm |
Reception | Irene Lewis Atrium |
Speakers, panellists and moderators
Bill Wong
AI Research Fellow
Info-Tech Research Group
Sir Nishan Chelvachandran
Founder, CEO
Iron Lakes
Christa Hill
Co-Founder and CEO
Tacit Edge
Gabriel Jarillo Alvarado
Product Manager, Zedi Platform
Emerson
Janak Alford
Deputy Minister of Technology and Innovation
Government of Alberta
Pradeep Karpur
Partner, Canadian Leader for AI & Data
Ernst & Young
Olivia Brown
Senior Manager, Innovation & Construction Technology
Ellis Don
Jesse James
Co-Founder & Full Stack Engineer
Vi CARE + Cherish Community Living Ltd.
Mark Le Dain
Chief Revenue Officer
Fuelled
Kwame Asiedu
Chief Executive Officer
Braintoy
Brenda Beckedorf
Chief Executive Officer
Society Five.0
Ian Hargreaves
Data Science Fellow
ATB
Joseph Ngae
Senior Manager – Business & Solution Integration Architect
Hamid Sarreshtehdari
Industrial Technology Advisor
NRC-IRAP
Archana Singh
PrairieCan
Suhayl Patel
Associate Dean of the Centre for Workforce Development
Bow Valley College
Taylor Nikkel
Senior Recruiter
Toast
Jason Hinchliff
CIO and VP – Data & Information Technology
Cenovus Energy
Curtis Nybo
Director of AI & Quantum Computing
CGI
Jessie Mazzei
Construction Project Manager
City of Calgary
Shaharyar Ahmad
Eggspansion Lead
Robin
Michael Nar
Director of Data and Risk
Helcim
Alireza Farhangdoost
Data Scientist
Helcim
Kanika Sehgal
Data Scientist
Braintoy
Bri Falls
Co-CEO & Chief Business Officer
Leeg Group
Denise Baril
The Grant Sherpa
Philippe Burns
CEO & Co-Founder
Tech Thursday
Amanda Broos
Chief People Officer
Neo Financial
D'Andre Wilson-Ihejirika
Sr. Director Program Design
ICTC-CTIC
Daniel Erhardt
CEO
Arcus Power
Erik Christiansen
Assistant Professor / Librarian
Mount Royal University
Graham Blyth
Director, Science
Copoint
Hon. Doug Schweitzer
Co-Founder and CEO
Ultimarii Ltd.
Mark Derry
Manager of Data and Analytics
ARC Resources
Michelle Dolan
Human Resources Director
MNP Community & Sport Centre
Ben Reeves
Senior VP, Data Science & Engineering
Viewpoint Investment Partners
Allan To
President & CEO
Supply Chain Canada – West
Deana Haley
VP, Intelligence, Productivity & Economic Developer in Residence
Calgary Economic Development
Frank Bergdoll
AI Program Lead
SAIT
Graeme Harrison
Managing Partner
Augur VC
Ian Gonzalez
Advisor, SC&P Analytics
NOVA Chemicals
Jana Shelford
VP, Talent & Business Strategy
Validere
Jeff Cartwright
Chief Growth Officer
S.i. Systems
Jeremy Garton
Consultant
Your 360 Growth
Kurtis Poettcker
CTO
AbaData
Marvin Wong
VP – Business Intelligence, Technology & Security
SECURE
Stephen Wensley
Founder / CEO
Acuspire
Ana Davisson
Virtual Design and Construction Coordinator
Ellis Don
Mahsa Rezvani
Virtual Design and Construction Coordinator
Ellis Don
The SAIT AI Summit: From Hype to Impact is brought to you by:
Contact
Questions?
-
Email - AI.Summit@sait.ca
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.