DePaul Symposium for AI in Business
Navigating the AI Revolution: DePaul's Symposium on AI in Business
The artificial intelligence transformation isn't coming to business - it's already here. As organizations across every industry grapple with how to harness AI's potential while managing its challenges, one question emerges above all others: How do we prepare today's professionals and tomorrow's leaders for an AI-driven business landscape?
DePaul University's Symposium for AI in Business addresses this critical question head-on, offering a comprehensive exploration of AI's role in modern commerce. This intensive half-day event brings together industry leaders, educators, and students to examine not just what AI can do, but how we can do AI responsibly and effectively.
Agenda
1:00 – 1:20 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks
1:20 – 1:50 PM: Opening Keynote
Paul Hsu (CEO and Founder, Decasonic)
1:50 – 2:00 PM: Short Break
2:00 – 2:50 PM: Panel Discussion: What AI skills are employers are looking for?
Moderator: Geoff Nyheim (Instructor, DePaul University)
Panelist: Matthew Hong (Senior AI Engineer, BCU)
Panelist: Sara Master (Director, Digital Integration (AI), Constellation Brands)
Panelist: Janaki Soni (Partner Marketing Analytics Manager, CDW)
2:50 – 3:00 PM: Short Break
3:00 – 3:30 PM: Presentation: AI Ethics and Governance in Business
Bamshad Mobasher (Professor of Computer Science, Director of the DePaul AI Institute, DePaul University)
3:30 – 3:40 PM: Short Break
3:40 – 4:10 PM: Presentation
Lynn Hazan (President, Lynn Hazan & Associates, Inc.)
Rylee Johnson (Student, DePaul University)
4:10 – 4:20 PM: Short Break
4:20 – 4:50 PM: Closing Keynote
Karrie Sullivan (Principal and Chief Transformation Officer, Culminate Strategy Group)
4:50 – 5:00 PM: Closing Remarks
Why This Symposium Matters Understanding AI in business requires more than knowing the latest tools. It demands a deep comprehension of how artificial intelligence is reshaping fundamental business processes, changing employer expectations, and creating new ethical considerations that every professional must navigate.
This symposium approaches these challenges systematically. The event’s structure moves participants through increasingly sophisticated concepts while maintaining practical relevance throughout. Rather than offering superficial overviews, each session dives deep into specific aspects of the AI business landscape.
Who Should Attend
Students Gain crucial insights into employer expectations and career preparation strategies. The panel discussion addresses the evolving job market head-on, examining the specific competencies that different industries value most. You’ll discover that AI skills aren’t just technical—they encompass critical thinking about AI applications, understanding AI’s limitations, and the ability to work effectively alongside AI systems.
Working Professionals Update your understanding of AI trends while developing frameworks for navigating AI implementation in your organization. Learn how employers balance AI technical skills with traditional business acumen and understand the difference between AI literacy and AI expertise.
Educators and Trainers Benefit from the symposium’s systematic approach to complex topics, potentially informing your own curriculum development. The cross-industry perspectives offered throughout the event reveal how AI skill requirements vary dramatically between sectors.
Business Leaders Explore how AI strategies must be tailored to local business environments. Chicago’s approach to business AI reflects specific economic strengths, industry clusters, and talent pipelines that create unique opportunities and challenges.
Even those without technical backgrounds will find the content accessible—the focus remains on business applications and implications rather than technical implementation details.
Location This is a Flex event. You can attend in person or virtually via Zoom.
In Person: Daley Building, Room 805 (8th Floor) 14 E. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60604 Building entrances on both State Street and Jackson Boulevard
Virtual: Zoom link provided upon registration