Fawad is a results-driven technology leader with 20+ years of experience in across 50+ countries. He excels in enterprise data warehouses, big data analytics, and shared economy business models. Currently serving as Global Industry Field CTO, Fawad advises C-level executives across diverse sectors on leveraging data and technology to drive success. His expertise in data monetization, data as a service, and data products enables him to develop innovative strategies that fuel revenue growth. Passionate about sustainability, Fawad utilizes data and analytics to achieve impactful business outcomes and foster positive environmental change.

Conor is a data maestro with a master’s degree in digital Innovation from UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School.  Conor's expertise is working with Sisense to weave analytics into the fabric of Luzern’s eCommerce platform, presenting data in a unique and visually appealing way. This enables him to effortlessly translate data into actionable insights. At Luzern, where he also leads the charge in product innovation, data takes centre stage, driving the company's cutting-edge initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation that pushes boundaries in the eCommerce industry. His pivotal role in seamlessly integrating Sisense throughout Luzern's platform, underscores his profound impact on steering data-driven decisions into uncharted territories of success.

Sunil Menon serves as DXC Technology’s Head of Data Analytics/AI and Industries in Europe. A catalyst for large-scale initiatives, Sunil spearheads DXC’s European organisation, aiding customers in meeting the deep transformation demands of today's digital economy. His extensive expertise is cultivated from numerous years leading business and technology organisations, collaborating with major global companies in the US and Europe. In prior roles, he led Hewlett Packard’s Supply Chain and Manufacturing IT regional organization and provided program leadership in Hewlett Packard’s IT and Business transformations—regarded as one of the industry's most remarkable successes. Sunil initiated his career as a software engineer, contributing to DEC OSF1 Unix development team at Digital Equipment Corp.

Gráinne Barry is SVP, Operations, Stats Perform, a world leader in sports data and insights.  Gráinne leads Customer and Business Operations and is based at their Limerick campus, a centre of excellence for Rugby Sports Data and Customer Operations, where Stats Perform employ over 300 people.  Gráinne also chairs the Women of Stats Perform ERG.

Gráinne is co-founder and chair of SportsTech Ireland, the leading not-for-profit organisation powering the industry cluster for sports technology and innovation in Ireland.  Gráinne is a subject matter expert on the convergence of sport with technology, and a trusted speaker on championing innovation and diversity within the industry.  She is a board level advisor to both national and global organisations and is an IoD chartered director.

Bio coming soon.

Dr James McCabe is one of the first pioneers of classical story design in the corporate space. Over twenty-five years, he has delivered narrative strategies to brands and organizations all over the world. With an award-winning literary doctorate from Oxford, James transfers the dramatic knowledge of the great storytellers to business decision makers in complex and rapidly evolving scenarios - from leadership and reputation to strategy, brand and culture. James is a special adviser to Capventis.

Tim Marston is an alliances leader with 15 years' experience across a number of significant data-platform brands. Providing a bridge between product teams and the commercial & delivery teams of both technology and consulting organisations, Tim's expertise is the connection of innovative data technologies into real-world business scenarios. Currently the Director of International Alliances at Immuta, he has previously held similar roles at pioneering technology brands including Red Hat, MongoDB, Hortonworks, Carto and Elastic.

Eloisa has engaged with the technology sector in some shape or form since 2016. She is currently the Content and Marketing Manager at GlobalLogic, specialising in content strategy, multi-channel GTM campaigns and sustainable growth in the digital transformation and product engineering space. As well as public speaking, Eloisa hosts a bi-monthly podcast and was a UN delegate for the CSW67.

Patrick is a technology leader with over twenty years' experience in senior development and architecture roles. He has a successful track record closing complex deals and delivering innovative solutions for international clients across leading financial and technology sectors. Blog and article writer as well as public speaker at leading technology conferences, Patrick has a keen interest in IoT and data modelling for complex time series applications.

Dr. Maria Aretoulaki has been working in AI and Machine Learning for the past 30 years. Maria joined GlobalLogic in 2022, where she is heading the company group’s Explainable Conversational AI and Responsible Generative AI Design strategy. She focuses on Language and Prompt Engineering, Prompt and Chatbot Design, Ontology Design, Knowledge and Content Engineering as well as AI Ethics and AI Law. She is a Core member of the global HITACHI Generative AI and the AI Policy Working Groups, and has contributed to the Hitachi official responses to the Biden-Harris proposals on Accountability in AI and US National Priorities for AI.

Joanne's blueprint for the digital era lies in deepening our understanding of human psychology to foster a healthier and more sustainable relationship with technology. 

In 2022, she co-authored the multi-award-winning bestseller ‘Humology: how to put humans back at the heart of technology’. Her work seamlessly weaves together change management, cognitive science, and contemporary technology principles. With over three decades of corporate expertise, including senior leadership roles at global titans like LinkedIn, Nielsen, and EY, Joanne brings a wealth of lived experience to the table. Widely recognized on a global scale, Joanne is celebrated as one of the foremost thought leaders in digital disruption, change management, and human effectiveness.

Session Title: Seeing humans through 5 I’s

In this session, we’ll delve into five fundamental aspects of human psychology, dissecting how they shape our choices, our behaviours, and our relationship with technology. With greater understanding of the human element within the technology equation, we can unlock insights into how we design, build, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of our fast-paced world.
So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey to see humans through 5 I's, gaining a fresh perspective on the profound impact these traits have on the way we create and engage with technology.

Ciaran Kirk has worked in the IT industry for over 2 decades, initially as a software developer and for over 20 years in both the GIS and Data Analytics Sectors with IMGS and DataBuilders, where he is now Operations Director.
With a proven track record in delivering enterprise solutions which deliver significant savings for customers through the intelligent use of data, Ciaran is passionate about achieving real digital transformation through data agility through our DataBuilders Data Intelligence Platform.

The DataBuilders Data Intelligence platform provides a complete 360-degree data solution built on our partners – Safe Software, Sisense and DataGalaxy technology.

Talk: “Harnessing the Power of Embedded Analytics”.

Glyn Townsend leads a team across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) focused on closing the analytics skills gap, and driving value for our customers and business growth for SAS. He is responsible for ensuring our customers have the talent and skills to succeed within the economically and culturally diverse regions of EMEA.

His passion for developing talent and skills across industry sectors, has been instrumental in driving the SAS approach to Talent Connection, and new approaches to skills and training, building new partnerships and creating relationships between SAS’ extensive academic partners and customers, whilst building campaigns to increase the number of people considering analytics as a career path.
Townsend’s focus is driven by a desire to ensure that countries and markets are fostering the future needs of their economies, working with governments, NGOs, training partners, academic institutions and customers, to ensure they are prepared for the future with a data-literate workforce, ready to embrace the opportunities data and AI will offer them.

Townsend spent more than 25 years working in high-technology industries across a number of areas including ITSM, Automation, Cyber Security and Data Analytics business transformation consulting and training, leading global training teams at a number of leading software companies before joining SAS in 2021 to lead the EMEA Education and Academic team.

Ireland Business Lead | SAS | Global Leaders in Advanced Analytics & AI at SAS

Jay Limbasiya is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. He currently leads the Global AI & Data Science business development at Dell Technologies, where he has designed and launched numerous AI solutions across a range of industry verticals. Jay has been awarded three international patents, with one currently pending.

Jay holds a bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management, a master's degree in Information Technology: Systems Engineering, and an MBA, all from the University of Maryland, University College.

Prior to joining Dell Technologies, Jay led various AI and data science programs for NextEra Energy, where he worked with a wide range of AI and data analytics solutions, including robotics, machine learning, predictive analytics, image/facial recognition, enterprise data platform, IoT, natural language processing, and RFID.

Before NextEra Energy, Jay supported the United States Department of Defense through the delivery of AI and data science solutions for their intelligence initiatives.

Jay's passion for AI and engineering innovation drives him to bring change to the world. He believes that collaboration happens through networking and is committed to fostering stronger connections across the industry. Feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn.

Kieran McCorry is the National Technology Officer for Microsoft in Ireland and has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years. He is a frequent speaker at worldwide conferences, is the author of four books, has presented multiple papers and articles, and holds several patents. He has a variety of degrees and post-graduate qualifications in computer science, law, corporate governance, digital policy, innovation and enterprise development, and data protection. He sits on several industry boards and Government forums, focused on technology skills development and strategic planning and is a Fellow of the Irish Computer Society.

John Glennane, CEO and founder of Capventis, has been pursuing the goal of aligning technology, and systems to serve the real-world needs of people and business for over 35 years.

In 1999 he established Capventis, a leading consultancy which helps organisations to deliver business value to consumers and citizens in the eXperience Economy. Capventis evolved from an early focus on CRM, to specialise in wider and deeper areas of Customer Engagement, eXperience Management, Data Analytics and Data Science and today supports public sector and private sector clients in more than 25 countries.

Continuing his mission, John’s energy is now devoted to new-generation propositions, integrating core business enablement, data management, analytics and market engagement in a single platform, called GluPlatform, being brought to market by the Glu Systems SaaS start up and its partner Spontza.

Prior to founding Capventis, John held senior and leadership roles at Accenture (then Andersen Consulting), focussing on the UK Department of Social Services (DSS), and PwC (then Price Waterhouse) in Netherlands.

Step into the future with us as Lorna Brady, Head of SMB Ireland at AWS, hosts an intimate fireside chat. Delve into the ground-breaking journeys of industry trailblazers who have harnessed the power of genAI. Explore their visionary strategies, challenges faced, and the transformative potential AI holds for their organizations. This session promises not just stories, but insights into the next chapter of AI innovation.

Mark is a seasoned founder and leader, boasting a decade of executive experience, including a notable role within the leadership team of a FTSE 100 company for several years. This strategic background paved the way for his venture, Spontza, a tech startup poised to revolutionise the sponsorship industry through data and analytics. Mark's vision and expertise drive Spontza's mission to reshape sponsorship landscapes with technology at the helm.

With a history in corporate leadership, Mark's entrepreneurial journey was inspired by his deep understanding of industry challenges. His foresight and strategic thinking have been instrumental in Spontza's vision and future growth.

Domhnaill Hernon is an award-winning technology and innovation executive. Domhnaill received an undergrad in Aeronautical Engineering and a PhD in Aerodynamics from the University of Limerick and an executive MBA from Dublin City University, Ireland.  He currently holds two positions as Global Lead of the Metaverse Lab and the Cognitive Human Enterprise at EY. These are pioneering new approaches placing Humans@Center between business, technology, and society. Prior to that he held several senior leadership positions across R&D, innovation, and creativity while at Nokia Bell Labs. Domhnaill’s work has been featured in Wired Magazine, Forbes, Times Square, SXSW, Nasdaq, MWC, Ars Electronica, and TEDx and he advises innovation and cultural programs globally.

Viktorija is the Senior Manager of Analytics at Virgin Atlantic and Chief Digital Officer for International Youth Federation. An authentic and bold leader, she places people at the heart of her approach, empowering the organization to harness the power of data for creating value. With an unwavering commitment to cultivating a healthy data culture, Viktorija steers clear of data strategy paralysis, guiding businesses towards sustainable future through data and analytics. Her leadership inspires innovation and progress, redefining the role of data in organisations”.

Talk: Data Strategy Pitfalls and Paradoxes: Navigating the Value Maze.

Mark has spent a lifetime analysing trends, understanding what drives them, and explaining their implications. After graduating as a psychologist, he led the research and strategy function for Irish technology companies before turning to do the same for the tourism sector. Having spent two decades telling people all over the world what a great country Ireland is, he is on a mission to prove that it’s true.
 
Mark’s best-selling book In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100 was the first to take a data-led approach to telling the story of Ireland’s modern progress. He is a regular media commentator, providing an optimistic take on the state of Ireland today.
 
Mark currently leads the communications and marketing team at Technological University Dublin. He holds an MBA from University College Dublin and a PhD from the University of Westminster.

Talk: In Fact: Telling A Positive Story of Ireland's Progress with Data 

Volker is the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at the UK’s Medicines Discovery Catapult as well as a Venture Partner in the early-stage funds at Amadeus Capital, the Cambridge- and London-based “deep” tech VC where he previously served as a general partner. As an angel investor he was amongst the first money in companies like Pi-Top, Bibblio (acquired by Ex.Co), Wonde and Yoto.
 
He is an entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded a total of 7 companies to date. He is currently co-founder of Blue Beck, a 30-strong (mobile) software development house, Chair of Advantage Creative as well as a co-founder of non-profit Tech North Advocates.
 
Previously, Volker was the Chief Strategy Officer at Scoreloop, a mobile social gaming platform, which he helped grow from (almost) inception to 450m users at its peak. The company was acquired by BlackBerry in 2011, where he then served as Global Head of Business Development – Games. He started his career as a corporate lawyer with Luther & Partner in Hamburg. He left private practice to work with one of the world’s first mobile technology incubators in 2000 and, over the next ten years, helped launch some of the earliest services and applications in the mobile space, including a mobile fan club for Britney Spears (2002) and Call of Duty 3 for feature phones (2006).

Talk: AI & The Future of Work - Life in a Hyper-Connected World”

Kabir Khanna is Deputy Director, Elections, and Producer, Election Analytics at CBS News, where he works at the intersection of quantitative social science and data journalism. On election nights, he manages a team at the network's Decision Desk that analyzes live returns, identifies trends, and ultimately, projects race outcomes at the national, state, and district levels.

He also produces data-driven stories and news segments on elections, polling, and politics in general. He often appears on CBS digital platforms and radio programs. After graduating from Stanford University with a neuroscience major, he earned a Ph.D. in political science at Princeton, where he taught quantitative methods, designed statistical software, and published in academic journals. He has lived in London, New York, and Washington, DC, and is currently based in Asbury Park, NJ.

Talk: Election Analytics in Broadcast News

Errol Koolmeister is the award-winning AI and technology expert who has successfully built several large companies’ ability to deliver value with AI. Most recently, he comes from the H&M group, where he, as responsible for AI, has been involved in recruiting over 200 people, integrating AI into the core business, and driving the technical transformation in the company.
 
Before H&M, he worked as an advisor to several start-ups and large companies in Europe & Russia. In addition, he advised on how to best use and scale AI in organizations. Before working as an advisor, Errol worked as a lead data scientist for the Vodafone group. He was part of building up the international AI team, which today consists of over 500 people.

He began his career at Nordea bank, the largest financial institution in the Nordics, where he built several analytical departments.

Talk: AI-driven transformation
In this keynote you will have the opportunity to listen to Errol and how he successfully established and led large AI and analytics department globally at large enterprises such as Vodafone, H&M, Nordea and advised multiple others. With deep technical expertise and modern management practices, Errol's approach is a thrilling blend of innovation and business acumen that has proved to deliver exceptional results to all of his customers.