CDAO Canada schedule

• Examine the maturity of your data analytics capabilities
• Articulate the end goal of a data-driven organization
• How to implement the transformation roadmap with actionable phases
  
  

• Trends and forward-looking projections for machine learning. 
• The cost of machine learning and ways we are maximizing customer value. 
• Methods and tools to democratize AI development. 

• The panel will delve into how effective data management serves as a catalyst for digital transformation, exploring its strategic role in achieving business objectives. 
• The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world case studies will be explored, illustrating how data management has been applied in practice. 
• Discover the enchanting powers of analytics, AI, and machine learning in transforming raw data into gold—insights that drive decisions and innovation. 
• Hear the tales of successful cross-functional collaborations and be inspired by real-world adventures where data management heroes save the day. 

Dean McKeown, Interim Director, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence  

SMITH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY 

Mitu Mann, Chief Data Officer consulting at GAY LEA FOODS 

Rohin Bansal, Director, Data Governance and Enablement 

TELUS 

Amrita Ghanekar, Senior Director of the Digital and Strategy Office 

BNY Mellon

In recent years, Generative AI (GenAI) has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize various industries, from creative arts to data analysis. Research by Accenture has found that 98% of business leaders think that AI foundation models will be essential to their operations over the next three to five years and Goldman Sachs Research estimated that GenAI could add more than $7 Trillion to the global economy. The potential is huge. 

However, the realization of this potential requires more than simply using ChatGPT to answer a few questions. Organizations must think through how they can use GenAI in practice and integrate this with their own systems and data to provide GenAI tools and solutions that are specific to the needs of the organization. Enter Retrieval Augmented Generation, or RAG. RAG is a pattern by which the GenAI LLMs are augmented with data extracted from the organization's internal (and external) systems and databases to provide better, more meaningful, responses. 

This session will examine why RAG is critical to successful GenAI initiatives - whether these are internal tools to augment and enhance decision making or externally facing tools for customers, such as intelligent chatbots - and the different options for implementing RAG. 

Understand the challenges data mature enterprises are facing as they enable self-service reporting Discuss how AI can be used to reduce inevitable analytics risks  Dive into cost optimization opportunities in enterprise reporting.

• • How do organizations align data literacy initiatives with broader business goals for a competitive edge? 
  • Beyond training, how can businesses implement policies that inclusively foster an analytics culture for employees at all levels? 
  • How can businesses gauge the adaptability of their data culture initiatives to emerging trends? 
  • How do organizations promote agile approaches in data literacy to adapt to evolving technologies? 

  Moderator: Alexander Chan, Director of Analytics  

  RBCx 

   

  Qahir Rajwani, Director Data Science and Analytics Solutions  

  HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)  

  Erik Balodis, Director - Analytics and Decision Support  

  BANK OF CANADA

In the dynamic landscape of finance and banking services, where data is the foundation for intelligent decision-making, the need for unwavering trust in data integrity has never been more critical. Financial institutions grapple with massive volumes of complex data, and the accuracy and reliability of this information directly influences strategic initiatives, risk management, and regulatory compliance – especially when digital transformation, mergers, and acquisitions are the norm. The consequences of inaccurate or inconsistent data can cause downstream issues through an organization, eroding stakeholder confidence, exposing vulnerabilities, and jeopardizing the very foundation on which financial institutions operate.  

• The importance of data integrity in finance and overview how to unlock the full potential of your AI/ML initiatives to fortify the trust in your organization's data foundation. 
• Introduce the complex process of building a resilient and trustworthy data ecosystem. 
• Preview a few real-world challenges and use cases from large banks and financial institutions. 
• What leading financial institutions globally can start down the path to have confidence in their data driven endeavours?

To quickly respond to changing market conditions, CIBC Capital Markets needed a scalable,
flexible data analytics solution — something that could go beyond traditional BI while
incorporating complex machine learning models. The CIBC Capital Markets XVA Trading team
chose to integrate Plotly Dash Enterprise with Azure and Databricks, delivering an end-to-end,
production-grade interactive analytics pipeline.
Join Jeff Butler, Executive Director at CIBC, to hear how their XVA Trading team:
● Implemented a secure, production-grade data application architecture
● Realized independence to rapidly develop data applications through to production
● Empowered business-focused technical users to express creativity by building innovative
and professional data apps with ease

• Discover the strategies that industry leaders use to tame the complexities of data management, ensuring accuracy, security, and compliance. Dive into the world of data governance frameworks, metadata management, and data lineage, and emerge as a true data maestro. By the end of this journey, you'll be armed with the knowledge to confidently steer your organisation towards data-driven domination. Unleash the Data Kraken and chart your course towards epic decision-making prowess! 
• How can the concept of data governance frameworks help orchestrate efficient and effective data management? 
• How does metadata management play a pivotal role in enhancing data accuracy and facilitating seamless data handling? 
• Learn how governance acts as the guiding star in the data universe, steering you through the cosmos of analytics toward the brightest decision galaxies, all while ensuring ethical alignment and compliance. 

Moderator: Dean McKeown, Interim Director, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence  

SMITH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY 

Pubudu Premawardena, Vice President, Enterprise Risk Management  

EQUITABLE BANK 

Sahar Nezami, Senior Director, Analytics & Insights  

 BANK OF CANADA 

Refine your data accessibility to be inclusive, allowing individuals with diverse 

skill sets and from any location to effortlessly construct integrations. The realm of integration has 

undergone a paradigm shift due to the influence of artificial intelligence. As substantial language 

models progress, it prompts the inquiry: which players are leading the way in this evolutionary 

competition, and what key elements underlie their triumphs? 

• • What metrics are most effective in measuring the success of Data & Analytics Transformation? 
  • How do you assess the tangible benefits derived from the implementation of data and analytics initiatives? 
  • In what ways can key performance indicators (KPIs) be tailored to reflect the impact of transformation on business outcomes? 
  • Are there specific benchmarks or standards for evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of data and analytics transformations? 

   

  Saeid Abolfazli, Global Head of Data Science  

  RAKUTEN KOBO

   

  Farid Sheikhi, Manager of Business Intelligence  

  KFC  

   

  Kevin Fleet, Technical Sales Strategy & Operations - 

  INFORMATICA 

• Join us for an exhilarating session that delves into the forefront of the AI revolution and its impact on the role of Chief Data Officers. As organisations navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI, CDOs are at the helm of this transformative journey. This session will provide unique insights into how CDOs are innovating, governing, and leveraging AI to shape the future of data-driven decision-making. 
• Are CDOs truly the captains of AI innovation or just passengers on this technological train? 
• How does the evolving role of CDOs in embracing AI technologies impact their collaboration with other C-suite executives and departments within organisations? 
• What emerging trends and best practices for AI adoption should CDOs consider as they continue to shape the future of data strategy and governance within their organisations? 

Explore the potential of Generative AI in enterprises while addressing key concerns such as data privacy, prompt injections, hallucinations, and regulatory compliance. Learn how to overcome these hurdles to enable the safe, secure, and compliant adoption of Generative AI, paving the way for accelerated innovation for your business. 

• • What methods prove effective in equipping talent with cutting-edge skills and knowledge? 
  • How do companies create an environment that keeps data professionals engaged and committed for the long term? 
  • What common challenges in talent management transcend sectors, and how can we collectively overcome them? 

  Rahat Yasir, Head of Data Quality and Analytics  

  INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) 

   

  Qahir Rajwani, Director Data Science and Analytics Solutions  

  HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)  

   

  Matthew Mendonca, Manager of Data, Analytics & RPA (CoE)  

   HYDRO ONE 

• In this business transformation talk, we will explore the exciting journey of the Medtronic Global Operations & Supply Chain Analytics & Insights organization. We will discuss the pivotal shift towards integrating analytical resources, the development of a globally minded team using Power BI for comprehensive business analytics system, and how this resulted in a growth from 15,000 to a remarkable 450,000 views. We'll shed light on our unique approach combining centralized uniformity with dedicated squads for agility. We'll delve into how we transformed these insights into actionable steps, using Power BI and Winshuttle, linked with Power Automate, resulting in 240,000 hours of automated work. This isn't just a talk about reorganization or tech revamp, it's a deep dive into a transformational approach to analytics, automation, and operations.

The presentation delves into the thrilling world of AI, spotlighting the pivotal role of data architecture. It's about constructing the core foundations of smart systems and unravelling how effectively structured data is key to powering innovative AI products. A journey through the backbone of artificial intelligence, it promises to transform how we view and build intelligent technology!

Embark on an exploration of the evolving landscape of Generative AI as we delve into challenges and opportunities in the upcoming year. Guided by the wisdom that "history doesn't repeat itself, but it often rhymes," our discussion will unveil insights from past technological advancements. We'll scrutinise the landscape, addressing critical risks such as biased content and security concerns while championing ethical AI practices. Delve into the pivotal question: Will Generative AI revolutionize the business world in the next 12 months, or are we on the brink of potential disappointments in 2025? Gain strategic insights on steering through the challenges of Generative AI and preparing for its transformative impact. 

• Uncover insights and risks, drawing from lessons of past technological advancements 
• Address critical issues like biased content and security concerns while championing ethical AI practices 

Moderator: Paul Beaton, Senior Analytics Manager 

ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS 

Denish Bhavsar, Director Global Data Governance  

MCCAIN FOODS  

Eugene Wen, Vice President & Global Chief Data Scientist  

MANULIFE 

Alina Rivilis, Director Data Science  

 HOME TRUST COMPANY

• This presentation covers developing a data and analytics (D&A) framework from scratch, assessing current data maturity, and identifying gaps. It discusses creating a comprehensive D&A management framework, strategy, and policy. The talk then delves into the components of data transformation, including a detailed survey of the existing data landscape and the construction of a D&A strategy. It concludes by outlining a Data & Analytics Transformation Program Framework (DTPF), focusing on people, organization, and data management processes to drive a business towards being data driven. 

• • How can organizations ensure that every team member becomes an integral part of cultivating a data-driven culture? 
  • In the journey towards making every team member a data-driven dynamo, what common challenges and resistance points should organizations anticipate and address? 
  • Are there specific training and development programs that have proven effective in transforming diverse teams into data-literate contributors? 
  • What key performance indicators (KPIs) or success metrics can organizations use to quantifiably measure the positive outcomes of turning every team member into a data-driven dynamo? 

   

  Moderator: Arundati Dandapani, RegTech CIO, Professor and Founder 

   GENERATION1.CA 

   

  Siuwin Wang, Director Business Analytics and Health Information Management  

  ORILLIA SOLDIERS' MEMORIAL HOSPITAL  

  Denish Bhavsar, Director Global Data Governance  

  MCCAIN FOODS  

Learn the nuances of creating a high-performing group of data professionals who can turn your organization's data challenges into opportunities. From identifying talent to promoting collaboration, discover the key steps to constructing a data team that thrives in today's data-driven landscape. Additionally, Alex Tait will provide insights on obtaining business support for your data governance program, showcasing governance as a value-add activity, and establishing a robust Data Practice function within your team. 

Unlock the potential of Generative AI with trusted data. Discover key strategies and techniques for building agile and innovative data practices that deliver tangible business impact today and are ready for the next disruption. 

GenAI is revolutionizing data programs, necessitating a shift in the character and focus of Data Governance. Responsible AI adoption, particularly in the context of GenAI, emphasizes the critical integration of data ethics into literacy and stewardship practices. TELUS employs "Red-teaming" to simulate real-world attacks, a key measure outlined in Canada's Voluntary Code of Conduct on Responsible GenAI Development, of which TELUS is a pioneer signatory. 

TELUS has introduced a Purple Team, an innovative collaborative approach, to identify and address weaknesses in GenAI through adversarial testing. This initiative enhances risk understanding, improves mitigation strategies, and supports the validity and robustness of GenAI. TELUS's experience highlights the need to comprehensively rethink data programs for effective AI governance. 

Join Mo Bayan from Sun Life as he unveils the transformative story of their analytics team. This presentation chronicles the team's efforts in modernizing Sunlife's platform, transitioning away from legacy tools to embrace a state-of-the-art cloud-based infrastructure. Mo Bayan will delve into the challenges faced by their dedicated team and provide a comprehensive review of the innovative solutions that propelled them towards a more agile and advanced analytics environment. Gain valuable insights into the collective achievements and problem-solving prowess of Sunlife's analytics team in this compelling narrative of transformation and progress. 

• • Attendees are guided through the critical considerations businesses must address to assess their readiness for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. This topic will explore the critical areas of evaluating one's readiness for AI adoption and aligning it to business strategies and objectives. Attendees will leave with a deeper introspection into their own data and AI strategies and if they are ready to enter the next age of technological advancements. 

Panel Discussion: Getting Personal with Data: Analytics' Secret Sauce for Tailored Customer Experiences 

Strap on your metaphorical mining helmets and get ready to strike data gold! Join us on a journey that turns ordinary information into strategic treasures, leaving traditional approaches in the dust. Dive into the avant-garde world of predictive modeling, neural networks, and segmentation strategies – it's like a tech-savvy treasure hunt. Once we're through, you'll wield data-driven personalisation like a pro! 

• Can predictive modeling really make your data reveal the future better than a fortune teller? 
• Ready to ride the tech wave and surf the sea of neural networks to find those data treasures? 
• Can segmentation strategies turn you into the data-driven trailblaser leaving competitors in the dust? 

Moderator: Chantal Berthiaume, Director, OSS business systems & performance - INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) 

Yogananda Seetharama, Director of Data Science  

 WALMART GLOBAL TECH 

Paul Beaton, Senior Analytics Manager  

ROGERS COMMUNICATIONS 

Joel (Zhouliang) Li, Director, Data Science and Business Intelligence  

ALLSTATE  

The presentation delves into the thrilling world of AI, spotlighting the pivotal role of data architecture. It's about constructing the core foundations of smart systems and unravelling how effectively structured data is key to powering innovative AI products. A journey through the backbone of artificial intelligence, it promises to transform how we view and build intelligent technology! 

This talk focuses on Large Language Models (LLMs) and the reasons behind the need for responsible development and deployment of LLMs. We'll explore their impressive capabilities in understanding and generating human-like text, and how this versatility makes them valuable across various sectors. However, this power comes with significant risks, including ethical dilemmas, privacy concerns, and potential biases. 

With increased complexity and advanced in capabilities we must put in place the right guardrails to regulate this technology.  The session will offer insights into building responsible AI, emphasizing the development of LLMs that are ethical, transparent, and respectful of user privacy. Attendees will learn practical strategies to implement these principles in their AI projects, ensuring their work not only pushes the boundaries of innovation but also upholds the highest standards of responsibility.  This talk aims to empower data professionals to be at the forefront of shaping the future of responsible and ethical AI. 

-      Understanding the power and potential pitfalls of Large Language Models. 

-      Best practices for ethical, responsible, transparent, and privacy-conscious AI. 

-      The need for guardrails and regulations of AI and an overview of best practices 

-      Empowering data professionals to lead ethical AI innovation and our role as data officers when it comes to standing up responsible AI applications. 

• Explore the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence in Human Resources, unraveling how it's reshaping traditional practices from hiring to employee management. 
• Dive into the critical realm of fairness in AI, dissecting the potential biases that may lurk within algorithms and discovering strategies to ensure that AI-driven HR remains an unbiased force. 
• Delve into the intricacies of accountability in the age of AI, discussing the pivotal question of responsibility when decisions are made by algorithms. Uncover the challenges, legal nuances, and consequences associated with the AI-powered HR landscape
  
  

• How do organizations navigate ethical complexities in advanced analytics and machine learning? 
• What proactive strategies can businesses use to address emerging privacy risks in the evolving landscape of big data and AI? 
• Beyond compliance, how can organizations innovate to integrate ethical principles into their core data strategies? 
• In the age of encryption and decentralization, how do businesses balance data privacy with the need for accessibility 
• What tools and approaches enable organizations to transparently communicate and address ethical considerations in complex data models within the era of explainable AI? 

Moderator: Clement Brunet, Vice President Client Data and Analytics  

 I-A FINANCIAL GROUP 

Rahat Yasir, Head of Data Quality and Analytics  

 INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION (IATA) 

Issa Guindo, Chief Data & Analytics Officer  PWC CANADA 

In the fast-paced realm of finance, where shifts in trends are constant and data points are as tricky to pin down as a lost key, embracing the big data phenomenon has become as crucial as having Wi-Fi in a coffee shop. During the session, we'll delve into real-world case studies that illuminate successful transformations of big data projects. We'll showcase how leading financial institutions have effectively leveraged advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to elevate decision-making processes, enhance customer experiences, optimize risk management, and improve operational efficiency 

• Techniques to assess the effectiveness of existing big data projects and identify areas for improvement. 
• Best practices for navigating regulatory and security considerations while optimising big data initiatives. 
• Realising the potential of big data to reshape business models and drive new revenue streams in the financial industry

• Embark on a success journey with Luis Angel Villegas-Armenta, Chief Data Engineering Analyst at the National Bank of Canada. Discover how the cloud empowers advanced analytics infrastructure and hear Luis share insights on overcoming challenges during the on-premises to cloud transition. Join us to be inspired by the current achievements and future possibilities of a cloud-powered analytical domain data store at the Bank of Canada's call center. 

This session will focus on demystifying AI in healthcare, discuss challenges and bring focus on the importance of data quality

• Generative AI is revolutionizing the field of data and analytics by enabling unprecedented levels of data interpretation and generation. This cutting-edge technology is fostering a new era of collaborative problem-solving, where AI-generated insights are integral to strategic decision-making processes. Far from merely enhancing traditional analytics methods, Generative AI is carving out new pathways for innovative, data-driven approaches. Our discussion will culminate in exploring the avant-garde impact of Generative AI, delving into its role as a catalyst for pioneering developments and groundbreaking methodologies in the ever-evolving landscape of data analytics. 

Let's dive into an exciting journey with David Legendre from CAE! David will walk us through CAE's amazing AI transformation story. We'll uncover how CAE made the most of generative AI, all while keeping their investments in check. David will showcase how this AI innovation supercharged their bidding and proposal processes, making winning bids a breeze. And guess what? They seamlessly integrated this AI magic into everyday tools like MS Teams and MS Word. 

But it's not just about technology; we'll also chat about vital topics like security, ethics, and risk, all while drawing inspiration from CAE's journey. 

Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional Business Intelligence – we're breaking those chains and embarking on a new adventure. This captivating session is designed to be more than just a presentation—it's an immersive experience that invites you to join us as we navigate the uncharted waters of modern data democratisation. Our aim is not merely to introduce a novel concept, but to empower you with actionable insights and strategies that will serve as a compass on this exhilarating voyage. 

• Are you prepared to ditch the old-school Business Intelligence, embrace the glories of data democratisation, and navigate the rocky waters of limitations and advantages? 
• Ready to dive into a treasure trove of practical strategies for unleashing data democratisation? We're talking about spilling the beans on the tech, culture, and organisational secrets to cook up that delicious data-driven culture everyone's craving. 
• Get set to conquer data dragons like security and governance, all while riding the exhilarating loops of collaborative and innovative opportunities that today's data democratisation serves up. 

Moderator: Dean McKeown, Interim Director, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence  

SMITH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY 

Sahar Nezami, Senior Director, Analytics & Insights  

BANK OF CANADA 

Temi Odesanya, Director - AI Governance Automation  

THOMSON REUTERS  

Sidita Zhabjaku, Associate Vice President, RESL & COO Data & Analytics  

TD