SAIT AI Summit: From Hype to Impact
October 22, 2025
The summit has wrapped for 2025! Thank you to every that attended, presented, moderated and sponsored the event.
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.
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
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 |
|
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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 |
|
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From Hype to Impact: How Leaders Can Identify the Right AI Use Cases with Real ROI Presented by: Joseph Ngae |
Heritage Hall AA119 |
|
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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 |
|
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Implementing AI in the Largest Industries Moderated by: Bri Falls, Leeg Group. |
Irene Lewis Atrium |
|
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Autonomous Intelligence in the Field: A Case Study in Rod Pump Analytics Presented by: Gabriel Jarillo Alvarado, Emerson |
Heritage Hall |
|
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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 |
The SAIT AI Summit: From Hype to Impact is brought to you by:
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.